Ryder Cup Format
SOTOGRANDE, Spain (AP) -- A look at the method of play in the
Ryder Cup.
-- All matches are match play and not stroke play. A match
ends when a side's lead exceeds the number of holes left to play.
Unlike stroke play, a stroke may be conceded to an opponent. All
matches are 18 holes or less. All matches are worth one point
and in the event of a halved match each side gets one-half point.
-- Alternate-shot: Each two-man team plays only one ball and
the two team members alternate hitting. Players must alternate
driving (one on the odd holes the other on the even holes) no
matter who putted out last on the previous hole.
-- Better-ball: Each member of the two-man team plays his own
ball and the better score of the two is recorded on each hole.
This format encourages players to hit bold, gambling shots when
their partner is in a safe position. Whichever team is farthest
from the hole can decide which team member may hit first.
-- Singles: Head-to-head match play between two players.
-- Team competition: A total of 28 points are at stake over
the three days. The first team to get 14-1/2 points wins the Ryder
Cup. The defending champion (in this case Europe) keeps the Cup
in the event of a 14-14 tie.
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