So here it is, after three long years in waiting, the much anticipated 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup is finally upon us, let the countdown and excitement begin.
So what is the Ryder Cup?
Well, it’s a biennial competition between two teams, USA & Europe, played over three days (Friday to Sunday).
The two teams consist of twelve players each and will play fourballs, foursomes and singles to win points, twenty eight in total with the team with the most points winning.
The target is always fourteen and a half points to prevent the opposing team from winning but if it’s a tie then the defending team will retain the Ryder Cup Trophy.
The Ryder Cup was created by Samuel Ryder in 1927. This week's event will be the 43rd edition of the contest and is always described as one of the most famous and exciting events on the sporting calendar worldwide.
This year it’s the Americans who will have home advantage and that all important 13th man but it’s the Europeans who are looking to defend the famous trophy when conquering the Americans at Le Golf National in Paris three years ago.
Where will the Ryder Cup be played?
This year it’s the stunning and iconic Whistling Straits Golf Club, Sheboygan, Wisconsin which hosts the 2020 Ryder Cup with the event having to be cancelled last year.
The Pete Dye designed course was opened in 1998 after transforming a disused airfield into one of the most scenic and spectacular golf courses on the planet.
It almost certainly has a British links feel to it with its open, rugged and windswept terrain lay out sculptured along two miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
This week the course will be a par 71, playing 7,390 metres long and for sure it will be a golfing test for all, especially if the wind blows in from Lake Michigan to play it’s part over the weekend.
Whistling Straits is no stranger to big events hosting the USPGA Championship in 2004, 2010 & 2015.
What is the weather forecast for the Ryder Cup?
The weather is forecast to be mostly sunny and warm throughout with temperatures in the mid 20s and breezes expected to peak at no more than 15 mph.
Where can I watch the Ryder Cup?
This event will be screened on Sky Sports Golf with live coverage starting at 1pm GMT on Friday to keep us all entertained from start to finish .
What is tournament format for the Ryder Cup?
Foursomes – This is where the tournament could be decided in my opinion and it’s important that Europe don’t fall too far behind in this format.
Two players from the European team will play against a pair from their USA opponents with team members alternating between shots, with each team using only one ball.
Four matches will be played on Friday morning then another four on the Saturday morning .
Fourballs – This also sees two golfers from each team compete against each other to win points but unlike the Foursomes each player uses his own ball with the lowest score from either team winning the hole.
Again there are four fourballs matches, this time in the afternoons on both Friday and Saturday.
Singles – Sunday's final round sees all 24 players compete in singles matches in 12 head-to-head contests and this format is always an exciting and thrilling finale to decide who comes out victorious to claim the Ryder Cup Trophy.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at the captains, the players and cast an early eye over some of the specials that are available pre-tournament.
