Staged every two years since 1927 the cup is played for by 12 golfers from two teams, USA and Europe over three days of various team and singles match events.
The Ryder Cup's name originated from a golfer and entrepreneur called Samuel Ryder. He acquired the services of British golf star Abe Mitchell as his golf tutor in order to make him a better player and after seeing his tutor beat a group of Americans in a match suggested that a trophy should be presented to encourage the event to be played on a regular basis, and so the Ryder Cup was born.
Up until 1979 it was contested between a team of players from the USA and Great Britain but it was that year that saw the introduction of players from continental Europe which saw a new chapter in the tournament's history.
The competition has seen many changes over the years but the format of four fourballs and four foursome matches on each of the first tow days, followed by twelve singles matches on the final day is how it stands today, with a total of 28 points on offer over the three days for the two sides.
In the cups 36 previous events the USA hold a 24-9 lead with there also being two draws, although in recent years it's been the Europeans who have dominated – winning five of the last six. The most significant trend in that period being that when the tournament is held in their homeland Europe they have only tasted defeat once.
Friday, September 19, 2008
13:05 Foursomes play begins (13:05, 13:20, 13:35, 13:50)
16:00 Fourball play begins (16:00, 16:15, 16:30, 16:45)
Approx. 23:30 Play ends
Saturday, September 20, 2008
13:05 Foursomes play begins (13:05, 13:20, 13:35, 13:50)
16:00 Fourball play begins (16:00, 16:15, 16:30, 16:45)
Approx. 23:30Play ends
Sunday, September 21, 2008
17:03 Singles play begins, last tee time 19:04.
Approx. 22:55 Ryder Cup Play ends
Approx. 23:45 Closing Ceremonies begin
Approx. 00:15 Closing Ceremonies end
All times are BST.