Match Format
Match Play
All games are played under Match Play rules, where the result of each game is determined by the number of holes won. The order of play for the first two days is Foursomes in the morning and Fourball in the afternoon. The final day's play will be in Singles format.
Fourball (four groups of two two-man teams)
"Fourball" play is a match in which each member of the two-man teams plays their own ball. Four balls are in play per hole with each of the four players competing. The team whose player has the lowest score on that hole wins the hole. Should players from each team tie for the best score, the hole is halved.
Foursomes (four groups of two two-man teams)
"Foursomes" play is a match where two golfers play together against two other golfers and each team plays one ball. The golfers play alternate shots (player A hits tee shot, player B hits second shot, etc) until the hole is played out. Team members alternate playing the tee shots, with one golfer hitting the tee shot on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting the tee shot on the even-numbered holes. The team with the better score wins the hole. Should the two teams tie for best score, the hole is halved.
Singles (12 groups of two one-man teams)
"Singles" is a match in which one player competes against another player. A player wins the match when he is up by more holes than there are holes remaining to play.
Ryder Cup Terminology
Match Play
A game played by holes, and not by cumulative score.
How is a hole won? A hole is won by the team with the lowest score on that particular hole. For example, if Team A makes a 3 on Hole 1 and Team B makes a 5 on Hole 1, Team A wins the hole and would be 1-up for the match.
How is score kept for match play?
Score is kept by the number of holes “up” (won) and the number of holes to play. For example, if Team A wins the first hole, they would be 1-up with 17 holes to play.
All Square
If a match is tied or level while in competition, then it is considered “all square.” For example, if both teams make a 3 on Hole 1, then the match would be “all square” with 17 holes to play.
Dormie
A side is considered “dormie” when it is as many holes up as there are holes remaining to be played. For example, if Team A were 2-up with two holes to play, Team A would be “dormie.”
How many points can you win during each match?
Only one point is awarded for each match won. |
