Ryder Cup 2014: Scoring Rules, Match Play Format, Prop Bets and Event Schedule
The 2014 Ryder Cup is one of the most unique events in golf. Instead of being an individual sport, the match play tournament pits Team USA against Team Europe in a team setting with international supremacy on the line.
This is the 40th edition of the event, and both teams have come to Perthshire, Scotland, to claim the victory. With the top stars in the world including Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and more competing, this is must-watch television for any golf fan.
Here is all the vital information needed to enjoy this weekend's 2014 Ryder Cup.
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Where: Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland
When: Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28
Watch: NBC and Golf Channel
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
| Friday | 2:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Golf Channel | 4 Foursome Matches and 4 Fourball Matches |
| Saturday | 3 a.m. - 1 p.m. | NBC | 4 Foursome Matches and 4 Fourball Matches |
| Sunday | 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. | NBC | 12 Singles Matches |
Breaking Down the 2014 Ryder Cup
Golf is known traditionally as an individual sport, but during the Ryder Cup every two years, the team element is added. With the top players in the world teaming up to challenge each other, the resulting match play event is a fan favorite.
Over the course of the three-day tournament, 28 matches will take place, with each winner earning a point for their respective team. As the defending champions, Team Europe can retain the trophy with an outright win or a tie (14 points).
The event starts Friday with four fourball matches in the morning and four foursome matches in the afternoon. Team captains Tom Watson and Paul McGinley will choose the participants in the matches as the event progresses.
Day 2 is more of the same. Just as Friday featured four fourball matches in the morning and four foursome matches in the afternoon, Saturday will be the last chance for many players to make their mark in more of a team setting.
On Sunday, the players are involved in 12 individual matchups.
With several tournaments leading into the Ryder Cup, Watson told Bob Harig of ESPN.com about his concerns regarding the fatigue for his team:
"I am concerned about how much these players are playing before they reach the Ryder Cup. Two years ago I made my point to [PGA of America president] Ted Bishop and to Tim Finchem about a week off between the end of the FedEx Cup...as I said these players are playing seven out of eight tournaments or eight out of nine tournaments in a row.
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The hope from golf fans is that the first two days of the event keeps the score close. If both teams have a legitimate shot at winning entering Day 3, the 12 individual matches will take on even more importance. Sunday will show which players thrive under pressure and which fold like a cheap chair.
As for those gamblers looking to make a wager, here are the latest prop bets, via OddsChecker.com:
| Bubba Watson Hole in One | 100-1 |
| Patrick Reed to Secure the Winning Point or Half Point for the United States | 28-1 |
| Victor Dubuisson to Secure the Winning Point or Half Point for Europe | 20-1 |
| Zach Johnson to Win 4 or More Points | 10-1 |
| Martin Kaymer to Win 4 or More Points | 10-1 |
| Hunter Mahan to Take 0 Points | 7-2 |
| Lee Westwood to Play in All 5 Matches | 7-2 |
| Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell Both Lose their Singles Matches | 10-3 |
| Keegan Bradley to Win his Single Match but United States to Lose | 9-4 |
| Ian Poulter to Win his Singles Match and Europe Retain the Ryder Cup | 7-4 |
Prop bets never cease to amaze or entertain, and the Ryder Cup wagers are no different. If you are dead set on placing a wager on these odds, there are two props worth an investment.
Bettors should place a small wager on Bubba Watson hitting a hole in one due to the potential payoff a 100-1 bet could yield. Add in Watson's driving ability, and this is a high-risk, high-reward wager that could pay off huge.
If you want a safer bet, look to Martin Kaymer winning four matches at 10-1 odds. It is hard for any player to win four matches, but Kaymer is one of the best players in the sport, winning the 2014 U.S. Open. While he struggled at the British Open and the PGA Championship, the 10-1 odds make this a wager worth making.
Regardless of whether you place a wager on the event or are just enjoying the Ryder Cup due to the unique scoring rules and match play format, the 2014 event from Scotland should make for an exciting golf experience.
*Stats via PGATour.com.
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