The 2014 Ryder Cup will be held at the historic course in Gleneagles, Scotland from September 26-28. The prestigious golfing tournament between Europe and the United States is held every two years and was won by Europe in dramatic fashion in 2012. The competition lasts for three days, and each team comprises 12 players, consisting of 9 or 10 players that have qualififed based on tournament results and several “wild card” selections chosen by each team’s non-playing captain.
In 2014, Paul McGinley will captain Europe, while the Americans will be led by Tom Watson, one of the most decorated and successful players in the history of the sport. The competition is fiercely competitive, and attracts large and often partisan crowds who cheer on their heroes. Many of the world’s top players are keen participants.
The format is varied, with the first two days featuring “fourball” and “foursome” matches, in which four pairs of players from each team compete, followed by the final day in which all 12 players from each team compete head-to-head in singles games. Each match scores 1 point to the winning side (or half a point each in the event of a tie). There are 28 points in total available over the three days of competition. The side which reaches 14 1/2 or more points is deemed victorious and holds the Ryder Cup. Should the match end with both sides tied on 14 points, the European team currently holding the cup will retain it.
The Ryder Cup was first held in 1927 and was regularly won by the American side. In more recent times, however, Europe has dominated the competition, with several historic and thrilling victories since 1985.
