On September 26-28, golf and sports enthusiasts are in for a rare treat, one that comes only once every two years. The Ryder Cup is back.
The Ryder Cup is a biennial match between two 12-men teams, representing the United States and Europe. Originating in 1927, the matches are played every two years, alternating between a course in the United States and a course in Europe.
At Shula’s Golf Club in Miami Lakes, the Ryder Cup format is recreated in the form of the Senator’s Cup. All year long, members attempt to qualify for this prestigious event played in January.
Of all the events enjoyed by Shula’s Golf Club members, the Senator’s Cup is by far the most coveted. The weekend is identical to the Ryder Cup, right down to special uniforms, point system, honor and sometimes crazed enthusiasm.
Everything about the Ryder Cup is practically made for TV viewers. First, the format: Over 3 days, the two teams will play various forms of Match Play. This means each hole will be won, halved or lost until one team has “closed out” the other. Second, the first two days have 2-man teams pitted against each other. Better ball (known as a Four-Ball) and alternate shots (known as Foursomes).
The final day are singles matches where all 12 individual matches are played head to head, trying to gain a point or even a half point in a match that has tied.
With 28 matches or points up for grabs, the team that gets to 14 or more wins. In the event of a tie (14 to 14), the Cup is retained by the team who held it going into the matches; in this case, Europe won 14 to 13 in 2012 at Medinah Country Club in Illinois.
What’s the biggest difference between Ryder Cup golf and typical Sunday afternoon golf? Team spirit. These top players in the world are playing for the Cup only; there is no money to be won. They are playing for their nation, for honor, and bragging rights to hold the Cup for the following 2 years.
This year’s Ryder Cup matches will take place at The Gleneagle Hotel in Scotland, and in 2016, will be played in the United States at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.
Tune into the Ryder Cup on TV or watch the Senator’s Cup at Shula’s in January.