Written by: Darin Green, Senior Director of Rules & Competitions
Every two years, golf’s most spirited competition returns: the Ryder Cup. Born in 1927, the matches began as a contest between professional golfers from the United States and Great Britain. Over time, the competition grew to include all of Europe, creating one of the most electric atmospheres in sports. From its roots at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts to iconic venues like The Belfry and Medinah, the Ryder Cup has delivered countless moments of drama and a few controversies along the way.
This Year’s Format
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be contested at Bethpage Black, the famed New York layout known for its warning sign at the first tee and its reputation as one of the toughest public courses in the country. The format is familiar to fans:
- Friday & Saturday Morning – Foursomes (Alternate Shot): Two-person teams alternate shots with the same ball, one player teeing off on odd holes and the other on even.
- Friday & Saturday Afternoon – Four-Ball: Each player plays their own ball, with the lower score on each hole counting as the team’s score.
- Sunday – Singles Matches: All 12 players from each side face off head-to-head in singles match play.
Each match is worth one point, with 28 total points available. The magic number is 14 ½ points to win the Cup outright; in the event of a tie (14-14), the team currently holding the Cup retains it.
Rules That Shape the Ryder Cup
While every round of golf is governed by the Rules, match play introduces several unique differences that make the Ryder Cup both compelling and unpredictable. Here are a few that matter most:
Concessions
At any time, a player may concede a stroke, a hole, or even an entire match. Once given, a concession is final and cannot be withdrawn. This leads to fascinating strategy—especially in tense moments when a short putt might be conceded to speed play or build goodwill.
Order of Play
In match play, playing out of turn is not the same as in stroke play. If a player goes first when it wasn’t their turn, the opponent may require the stroke to be canceled and replayed in proper order. In four-ball and foursomes, this can be particularly impactful when momentum is at stake.
Loss of Hole Penalties
Loss of hole penalties are rarely seen in the Ryder Cup due to the high level of play and presence of referres; however, in other match play competitions, loss of hole penalties are more common. Unlike stroke play, where many infractions add penalty strokes, certain breaches in match play result in the loss of the hole. This can swing the match instantly, and players must be especially careful with rules such as agreeing to waive a rule they didn’t realize they were breaking or playing from a wrong place.
Advice
Only designated captains and partners may provide advice. A player cannot seek help from another teammate who is in a different match. With crowds, coaches, and teammates all around, this distinction matters—advice must come from the right source, or penalties can follow.
Tied Matches
If a match is tied after 18 holes, it simply ends in a draw, with each side earning half a point. Unlike major championships, there is no sudden-death playoff. That half point can prove critical when the final tally is close.
The Rules Behind the Drama
The Ryder Cup is as much about passion and pressure as it is about golf shots. But beneath the cheers and celebrations, the Rules of Golf quietly guide the competition—shaping strategy, deciding disputes, and ensuring fairness. At Bethpage Black, with its demanding layout and raucous New York galleries, the marriage of match play and the Rules will once again create an unforgettable stage.
Enjoy watching the Ryder Cup and GO USA!!!
