All About The Ryder Cup: Where Golf Gets Properly Exciting

Ready for some golf that's got a bit more sparkle? The Ryder Cup is coming, and it’s going to turn the refined world of golf into a weekend of bonkers fun. 

Here’s to one of the sport’s most fabulous rivalries; Europe and America in a head-to-head that makes regular tournaments look like a quiet Sunday stroll. We’re talking grown men in tears, crowds going wild and enough drama to fill a year’s worth of soap episodes. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a golf fanatic or someone who’d rather watch paint dry, the Ryder Cup is different. It’s golf, but not as you know it. 

Now you might be wondering what all the fuss is about and how you can get involved. Let us show you. 

What actually is the Ryder Cup? 

Every two years, Europe and American captains pick their teams – each made up of 12 players – to take part in a brilliant three-day contest to see who comes out as top dog. 

Unlike other golf tournaments, players taking part in the Ryder Cup are competing for national pride and glory, and for bragging rights for the next two years. This brings out something special in them as well as making for compelling viewing. 

And for anyone new to golf, the format’s dead simple. It’s 28 matches over the three days, with the cup going to the first team to reach 14.5 points. Europe is the current holder of the Ryder Cup, having won in 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. 

When's the next one? 

Mark your calendars and get ready for three days of golf that’ll have you shouting at the telly like it’s the Love Island final. 

The Ryder Cup for 2026 tees off on Friday, 26th September and finishes on Sunday, 28th September. This year’s event takes place at the rough and ready Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York. 

Why the Ryder Cup gets people going 

It's a team sport in an individual game 

Suddenly these usually solitary golfers are hugging, high-fiving and going crazy when their teammates hole a putt. It’s brilliant to watch. 

The crowd gets involved like no other golf event 

Forget about polite clapping. The crowds at the Ryder Cup are raucous and passionate, which makes for an electric atmosphere. 

Anything can happen 

Favourites may crumble under the pressure while complete unknowns become heroes. What we get as a result is pure theatre. 

Continental bragging rights 

Even though there's no prize money, you can see how much it means to every single player. That emotion is infectious. 

Popular ways to get involved 

Wanting to join all the excitement the Ryder Cup promises to bring? Here are some of the most popular bets going. 

Outright winner 

Back either Europe or America to take the trophy. Simple as that.  

Match handicaps 

Think one team's going to absolutely batter the other? You can back them to win by a specific margin, say, by 3.5 points or more. 

Top points scorer 

Choose from a list of players you think will rack up the most points for their team. Great if you think someone’s going to have a blinder. 

Session winners 

Each day has different session formats. You can bet on who'll win the Friday and Saturday foursome and four-balls or the Sunday singles. 

Hole-in-one specials 

Will anyone make the perfect shot? If you think so – or if you don’t - you can wager on that hunch. 

Team performance markets 

A bet on how many points you think each team will score. Will there be any large session sweeps? There are plenty of ways to get creative with your selections here. 

What makes Ryder Cup betting different 

Home advantage is a thing: the crowd is important in any sport, but when you’re close enough to hear every cheer and groan, it’s no surprise fans can give the home team an extra lift.

Partnerships matter: some players gel brilliantly together in the team formats, while others don't. It’s worth keeping an eye on the captain's pairings. 

Pressure situations reveal character: the Sunday singles matches are where legends are made and dreams are crushed. Some players thrive, others wilt.

A few things worth knowing 

Captains make a difference 

They pick the team, decide the pairings and can set the whole mood of the tournament. A good captain is worth their weight in gold.  

Weather can play a part 

Weather doesn’t pick sides, but it can shake things up. A blustery breeze or sudden shower might just suit one playstyle over another. 

Sunday singles are where it gets tasty 

If it's close going into the final day, those 12 individual matches can be crucial. 

Bringing the joy to your Ryder Cup 

Ready to make your Ryder Cup experience extra fabulous? We've got some ideas. 

Why not have some friends over to watch? You don’t need to be betting to have a good time, you can still be part of the roar. See if you can match the volume of the crowd watching in person. 

As you might with the latest reality TV, follow the Ryder Cup storylines. Every tournament has its heroes, villains and comeback stories. Fully embrace the drama of it all – you'll have to wait another two years for the next instalment! 

Holing out 

With the Ryder Cup, a quiet individual pursuit becomes a lively team contest that gets everyone excited.

Whether you’re backing Europe or America this time round, there are loads of ways for you to get involved here.  

Just remember to keep things fun and, if you’re betting, play within your means. The tournament's brilliant entertainment whether you place a wager or not.

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All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.