Ryder Cup FAQs

The Ryder Cup is one of the most eagerly anticipated biennial events in world sport, bringing together the very best golfers from Europe and the United States for a contest like no other. Below, we’ve answered the most popular questions fans ask about the Ryder Cup . From when and where it takes place, to how the teams are formed and where you can follow the latest standings.

One of golf's few biennial team competitions, The Ryder Cup played between Europe and the United States, first played in 1927, is contested in a match-play format that emphasises strategy, partnerships, and national pride.

What makes the Ryder Cup unique is its atmosphere. There are thousands of passionate fans, players competing not for prize money but for team glory, and moments of drama that live long in golfing history. From Seve Ballesteros’ flair to the “Miracle at Medinah”, the Ryder Cup has delivered some of the most unforgettable sporting stories of all time.

The Ryder Cup is staged every two years, alternating between venues in the USA and Europe. Originally held annually, it shifted to a biennial schedule after World War II. This two-year cycle helps build anticipation, ensuring every Ryder Cup feels like a once-in-a-lifetime sporting occasion.

The next Ryder Cup will be played in 2027, when Team Europe and Team USA meet again for one of golf’s biggest battles.

• Dates: September 2027 (Friday 17th, to Sunday 19th).
• Venue: Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland

Golf fans worldwide are already circling their calendars for what promises to be another spectacular contest.

While millions will watch on TV, nothing compares to experiencing a home Ryder Cup in person. The atmosphere, drama and emotion make it a true bucket-list sporting event.

Golfbreaks’ official Ryder Cup 2027 packages offer guaranteed tickets, premium accommodation and seamless travel, giving you the chance to be there when history is made at Adare Manor.

This year the Ryder cup will be at Adare Manor in Ireland. Followed by:

• 2029 – Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota, USA
• 2031 – Camiral A Quinta do Lago Resort, Girona, Spain
• 2033 - The Olympic Club (Lakes course), California, USA

The most recent Ryder Cup was staged at Bethpage Black in New York, where Team Europe claimed a memorable victory, winning 15.5–12.5, despite a dramatic late surge from Team USA on the final day.

Europe entered Sunday with a commanding lead, but a spirited American fightback in the singles matches threatened to turn the contest on its head. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Team USA mounted a near comeback, creating a tense and captivating finale before Europe ultimately held firm to secure the points on hostile territory.

Each Ryder Cup team is made up of 12 players. The selection process differs slightly between Europe and the United States:

• Team Europe: A combination of automatic qualifiers (based on European and World Points lists) plus captain’s picks.
• Team USA: Players qualify through a points system, with the captain also choosing several picks.

Alongside the 12 players, both sides include a captain and several vice-captains, who play a crucial role in pairings, tactics, and motivating their teams.

While the final Team Europe lineup for the Ryder Cup 2027 will only be confirmed closer to the event, the side is expected to feature a blend of established Ryder Cup stars and emerging European talent. Players such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are likely to remain central figures, while a new generation of rising stars will push for selection through strong performances on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

With home support behind them at Adare Manor, Team Europe is expected to field a competitive, balanced squad built for pressure and partnership golf.

Team USA’s Ryder Cup 2027 squad is expected to be slightly more changed, but will still showcase a powerful mix of proven major champions and emerging American stars. Players such as Scottie Scheffler are likely to be central figures, supported by a new wave of talent coming through the PGA Tour.

As always, captain’s picks will play a crucial role, allowing the team to blend experience with form players capable of thriving in a hostile away environment at Adare Manor.

The official competition usually begins on Friday 17th September 2027 and concludes on Sunday 19th September 2027.

The Ryder Cup has been staged at some of the world’s most iconic courses, including:

• Gleneagles (Scotland) - 2014
• Hazeltine National Golf Club (USA) - 2016
• Le Golf National (France) - 2018
• Whistling Straits (USA) - 2021
• Marco Simone (Italy) - 2023
• Bethpage Black (USA) - 2025

The Ryder Cup has produced some incredible contests in recent years, with momentum swinging between Europe and the USA.

• 2025 - Team Europe defeated Team USA 15 to 13 at Bethpage Black in New York.
• 2023 – Team Europe defeated Team USA 16.5 to 11.5 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
• 2021 – The USA claimed a record-breaking win, beating Europe 19 to 9 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
• 2018 – Team Europe bounced back on home soil, winning 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National in France.
• 2016 – The USA regained the trophy with a 17 to 11 victory at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.

These recent results highlight just how competitive and unpredictable the Ryder Cup can be, with both teams enjoying memorable victories over the past decade.

Both Team Europe and Team USA use a blend of points-based qualification systems and captain’s picks:

• Automatic spots go to players who perform consistently in key tournaments.
• Captain’s picks allow flexibility for form players, experienced leaders, or Ryder Cup specialists who thrive under pressure.

This balance ensures the teams combine world-class talent with tactical selections designed to maximise success in match play.

The Ryder Cup is broadcast to millions of golf fans around the world, and coverage varies depending on where you are:

• United States – Live coverage is shown on NBC and the Golf Channel, with additional streaming options available through Peacock.
• United Kingdom & Ireland – Exclusive coverage is provided by Sky Sports Golf, with highlights often shown on Sky Sports Main Event and select free-to-air coverage on the BBC.
• Europe – Many European broadcasters carry Ryder Cup coverage, often via subscription sports networks such as Canal+ (France), Movistar+ (Spain), and DAZN (Germany).
• Rest of the World – Coverage rights differ by region, but broadcasters in Asia, Australia, South Africa, and Latin America typically carry live or delayed broadcasts of the matches.

In addition, the official Ryder Cup website and app provide live scoring, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, making it easy to follow every shot wherever you are.