The Thrilling Ryder Cup 2023
The Ryder Cup 2023 was packed with excitement and incredible golf as the USA and Europe went head-to-head in a battle for the iconic trophy.
The Possibility of a Draw
Usually, there is a clear winner in the Ryder Cup, but what happens if the match ends in a tie? Let's dive in to find out.
Unusual in Major Golf Tournaments
The Ryder Cup differs from other major golf tournaments like The Open and The Masters. While these tournaments always have a winner, the Ryder Cup has the potential for a draw.
Staying True to Tradition
Throughout its history since 1927, the Ryder Cup has remained firmly rooted in tradition. If, after every match has concluded, the two teams cannot be separated, the competition is declared a draw.
No Prize Money, Just Prestige
Unlike other professional golf events, the Ryder Cup does not offer any prize money. Even though the participating golfers are some of the highest-paid athletes in the world, the focus of the Ryder Cup is not on financial gain.
Instead, the true prize of the Ryder Cup is the coveted trophy and the prestige that comes with being a Ryder Cup winner. Top performers during the tournament may still receive lucrative sponsorship deals as a result.
Rewarding the Golfers
The European and American teams have different ways of rewarding their golfers. The US team players receive $200,000 from the PGA of America, but this money is to be donated to charitable causes.
Half of the amount is given to a charity of the golfer's choice, while the other half goes to a charity selected by the PGA of America. On the other hand, the players on Team Europe receive a special gift from their captain, carrying on the tradition started by Tony Jacklin.
The Points Needed to Win
The Ryder Cup is played across three days with a total of 28 matches, with each match worth a point. If the two teams are tied after 18 holes, each side earns half a point as there are no extra holes in Ryder Cup matches.
To win the tournament, the first team to collect 14 and a half points is declared the champion.
