The Ryder Cup is the pinnacle of golf viewing

For me there is nothing quite like the Ryder cup. I do love the magic of Augusta national, and trying to figure out who will slip on the green jacket in the butler cabin or a windy British open, where many of the worlds pros struggle against the elements and look almost human in their abilities. Then there is the Ryder cup.

The Ryder Cup Format

So most readers probably understand the format, but for those that don't here is a quick education. The Ryder Cup is a golf tournament played every two years between Europe and the USA. each team is made up of twelve players, nine of which are decided by form alone, and the remaining three wildcard picks are made by the captain of each team.

There are 28 points up for grabs in total, so to win outright the target is 14.5 points. A draw is possible, however, should that happen the team who previously won retains the trophy and title. So, after triumphing in some style in Hazeltine in 2016, the USA are reigning champions, and so 14 points will do it for them.

The Ryder Cup is played over 3 days, with all games being matchplay, which makes for great excitement for spectators, as things can change quickly, and 3,4 and 5 shot deficits have been turned around over the years.

The first day has 8 points up for grabs. They play 4 foursomes matches and then four fourball matches or vice versa. The foursome in particular makes for great viewing, as the pros play every second shot, meaning you really need good chemistry and trust in your playing partner. The fourball format involves each player playing their own ball only, and the best score to count on each hole for each team.

Day two follows a similar format, with 4 fourballs and 4 foursomes, so by the end of day 2, 16 points have been shared out.

Then, we are left with the exciting finale, when all 12 players from each team take to the course and do battle for the remaining points. It is always good from a neutral point of view when it is pretty close going into day 3, but as a proud European and Irishman, 16-0 after day 2 would do just fine :o)

Miracle at Medinah

Sometimes the golfing gods serve up great drama, and this happened in Medinah, Illinois in 2012. The USA were on home soil and romped to a 10-6 lead after day 2 and it looked all but over. In fact the European boys found themselves 10-4 down after 14 matches and I'm sure many viewers switched over thinking it was curtains for the Europeans, after all the USA only needed 4 points from the next 12 on offer. This my friends is why we all love sport. The upset. The unthinkable.

Under the masterful guidance of Spain's José María Olazábal, the Europeans dragged themselves back into it. The catalyst was Ryder Cup maestro Ian Poulter, who managed to birdie the last 5 holes and snatch victory from Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson along with team mate Rory McIlroy.

Europe went on to win 14.5 to USA's 13.5 in an unprecedented turnaround. They won 8.5 of the 12 matches on day 3 to win in historic fashion.

Ian Poulter was surely the best player of 2012's Ryder Cup, with an amazing 4-0 tally. Who will shine this year? Tiger the comeback king or will Rory rediscover his form of yesteryear?

The 39th Ryder Cup truly sensational, and will be hard to top in terms of pure excitement. So, what will 2018 serve up? Let's hope it's another classic.

Ryder Cup 2018

That brings us nicely along to this year's Ryder cup in Le Golf National Paris, France at the end of September.