what format is the ryder cup

The Ryder Cup is a biennial mens golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. The competition is contested every two years with the venue alternating between courses in the United States and Europe. The format of the Ryder Cup is head-to-head match play, unlike the usual stroke play format seen on the PGA and DP World Tours. The competition involves various match play competitions between players selected from two teams of twelve. There are a total of five sessions over the three days of play- a set of foursomes and fourball sessions on each of the first two days and a Sunday singles session to conclude. The home team (Europe) decides the order each of those two days. In foursomes, each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until each hole is complete. Players alternate hitting tee shots, with one leading off on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved. In four-ball, each player plays their own ball, so four balls are in play on each hole. The team whose player has the lowest score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved. In singles, each match features one player from each team. The player with the lower score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved. A win in each match is worth 1 point. A tie is worth a half-point (no extra holes). To win the Ryder Cup outright, a team must collect 14 ½ of the 28 points available. In the case of a 14-14 tie, the winning team from the previous Ryder Cup retains the trophy.