The 2023 Ryder Cup – Full Preview | Everything You Need to Know

The 2023 Ryder Cup is now less than 30 days away and here is everything you need to know about the 3-day event.

While there are a number of DP World Tour and PGA TOUR events between now and then, it’s never too early to make sure you understand what rules will control the outcome of the competition at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.

This Tom Fazio design will bend out to over 7,200 and play as a par 72. The course looks to be built as a true “spectators” golf course, with incredible vantage points offering action around every turn. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Ryder Cup pits 12 golfers representing the United States against 12 golfers representing Europe over three days of golf in 28 separate matches.

The goal is to secure the trophy by securing 14 ½ points during the three days of competition. Regardless of the playing format (described below), each match is worth one point, with matches ending in a tie worth ½ point to each side. As mentioned above, the first team to reach 14 ½ points wins the Ryder Cup. But in the event of a 14-14 tie, the team holding the Ryder Cup—Team USA going into this year’s Ryder Cup—retains it.

Each team has a captain—Zach Johnson for Team USA, and Luke Donald for Team Europe—who not only gets to make his 6 Captain’s picks, but will also decide the team pairings and lineup for single’s play.

While it doesn’t get enough attention, the captain’s lineup can have a large influence on whether or not a team will be lifting the cup. Indeed, pairings—especially in foursomes—need to complement each other, and slating your strongest players later in the day may backfire, as it is possible that later matches are not even played if the opposing team reaches 14 ½ points first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The pairings are confirmed the night before the matches are set to begin when the opposing captains meet to decide the pairings for the first session of matches. If the American captain picks his team first, the Europeans counter and pick their team first for the next match.

Each of the first two days includes one four-match session of fourball and one four-match session of foursomes. The final, third day is reserved for 12 singles matches. It is worth noting that because of the Ryder Cup’s competition structure, it is possible that a team member may only play in singles matches.

In four-ball, each member of a two-man team plays his own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole. Each team counts the lowest of its two scores on each hole, and the team whose player has the lowest score wins the hole. If the low scores are tied, the hole is halved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In foursomes, each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until each hole is complete. Players alternate hitting tee shots, with one leading off on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

Singles is the format you’re likely most familiar with (traditional, heads-up match play), each match features one player from each team. The player with the lower score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

How to Watch the Ryder Cup

If you have cable, you’ll be able to watch it but be prepared it could be early for US and Canada residents.  Italy is six hours ahead of New York and 9 ahead of California.   

You can view the entire Ryder Cup on the USA Network, NBC and Peacock. Also, you can see a lot of the action on “Live From the Ryder Cup” which airs on the Golf Channel right after the day concludes. So if you wake up a bit late, you can catch what you need right there.

It’s a three-day event and the TV schedule will be:

• Friday: 1:30AM-Noon (USA Network)
• Saturday: 1:30-3AM (USA Network)
• Saturday: 3AM-Noon (NBC)
• Sunday: 5:30AM-1PM (NBC)

You can stream it on Peacock and be on the lookout for the Ryder Cup app for other videos and highlights.