Next week sees the start of the 2010 Ryder Cup which is taking place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. Always exciting matches, these three days lead to what are often the most tense and highly charged events on the golfing calendar.
The USA will be looking to retain the trophy that they recaptured at the 2008 Ryder Cup that took place at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.
On paper the two teams look quite even. With the USA captain Corey Pavin opting to pick, a somewhat out of form but still the world number 1, Tiger Woods. Whilst the European team is missing out on the talents of players such as Sergio Garcia (out of form but awesome Ryder Cup record), and also Paul Casey, Justin Rose and Soren Hansen, all of whom found that their worldwide schedules damaged Ryder cup point scoring over the qualifying period.
Matchplay:
Matchplay is different to strokeplay as you are playing directly against another player or pair. The team that scores the lowest on each hole wins the hole.
Example:
If you win the 1st you would go 1 up. If you then also won the 2nd you would now be 2 up. If you then lose the 3rd you then go back to 1 up. Drawn holes lead to the score remaining the same.
The match is over in matchplay once one team is too far ahead to be caught, for example 4 up with only 3 holes to play, therefore a win of 4 & 3.
Over the 3 days at the Ryder Cup there will be different forms of matchplay being played. Here are the three forms that will be taking place at Celtic Manor
Foursomes matchplay
1 ball per pair playing alternate shots throughout the round
One player will tee off on the odd holes and the other on the even holes
Hard because: Extreme pressure over every shot. Sometimes can go several holes without a tricky, short putt then suddenly have one to halve a hole or worse stay in the match
Suits: Steady golf. No heroics, keeping it in play is key. Luke Donald is an awesome foursomes partner, steady throughout.
Fourball betterball matchplay
Playing as a pair but both players has their own ball, the lowest score from the pair counts on each hole
Hard because: Ultra attacking where birdies are regular, often not even winning the hole
Look out for: Hot streaks - pairs being 7-10 under for their rounds. Tactical pairings, a birdie man and a steady player is often successful, Furyk & Woods!!
Singles matchplay
One on one matchplay. Lowest score wins the hole
Look out for: Luck of the draw. Often the trailing team will load up their big guns at the top of the draw in a bid to catch up on points early
Tense because: Big shocks and the final matches. 12 points up for grabs to decide the destiny of the Ryder Cup
Hopefully this will clear up any doubts whilst the Ryder Cup matches are taking place. Make sure to tune in and enjoy the golf. The top player from Europe and the USA will certainly put on a great show
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