Team golf
How a Ryder Cup style golf trip works
Two teams, three days of matchplay and one trophy. We organise the whole trip around a Ryder Cup style team match, from the team draw to the last putt and the dinner after it.
What is a Ryder Cup style golf trip?
A Ryder Cup style golf trip is a group golf trip where the players split into two teams and compete in matchplay over several rounds, using the same formats as the Ryder Cup: fourballs, foursomes and singles. Every match is worth one point, and the team with the most points at the end of the trip wins the trophy.
The formats
Fourballs, foursomes and singles
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Usually day 1
Fourballs
Two players per side, each playing their own ball. The best score of the pair on each hole counts. It is the friendliest way to start, because a bad hole from one player can be saved by their partner.
Handicap allowance: 90% of each player's course handicap.
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Usually day 2
Foursomes
Two players per side sharing one ball and taking alternate shots. It is the format that tests a partnership, and it produces the best stories of the trip.
Handicap allowance: 50% of the combined course handicaps of the pair.
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The final day
Singles
Every player goes head to head against one player from the other team. All points are on the table, so a team that is behind can still win on the last day.
Handicap allowance: 100% of the difference between the two course handicaps.
Group size
How many matches for your group
Each match is worth one point and a halved match is worth half a point each. The team that reaches more than half of the points wins.
| Players | Teams | Day 1 fourballs | Day 2 foursomes | Day 3 singles | Points to win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 vs 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4½ of 8 |
| 12 | 6 vs 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6½ of 12 |
| 16 | 8 vs 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8½ of 16 |
| 20 | 10 vs 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10½ of 20 |
What we set up
Everything a team match needs
- Team draw with two captains, or balanced teams by handicap
- Team kits in two colours: polos, caps and welcome kits
- Match pairings and handicap strokes calculated for every match
- Live scoring and a running team total in the Golf GameBook app
- The team trophy, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin prizes
- An awards dinner to close the trip
Example
What the scoreboard looks like
Example scoreboard. Teams and results are illustrative.
6½ points to win the trophy
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Day 1: Fourballs
Pairs play their own ball and the best score on each hole counts.
After day 1: Team Navy 2, Team White 1
- Match 1 Team Navy won 2 & 1
- Match 2 Team White won 1 up
- Match 3 Team Navy won 3 & 2
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Day 2: Foursomes
Pairs share one ball and take alternate shots.
After day 2: Team Navy 4½, Team White 1½
- Match 1 Team Navy won 4 & 3
- Match 2 Halved All square
- Match 3 Team Navy won 2 up
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Day 3: Singles
Every player goes head to head. This is where it is won or lost.
After day 3: Team Navy 5½, Team White 6½
- Match 1 Team White won 3 & 1
- Match 2 Team White won 2 up
- Match 3 Team Navy won 1 up
- Match 4 Team White won 4 & 3
- Match 5 Team White won 1 up
- Match 6 Team White won 2 & 1
Team White wins 6½ to 5½. Team Navy led by three points after two days. Team White won five of the six singles and took the trophy on the last green.
Where to play
Best destinations for a Ryder Cup style trip
- Golf trips to Costa del Sol Valderrama hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, and the region has the widest choice of courses for a three round match.
- Golf trips to Madrid Courses close to the city, so the team rivalry can carry on over dinner every night.
- Golf trips to Portugal Lisbon and the Algarve combine championship courses with an easy, relaxed pace off the course.
- Golf trips to Costa Blanca Mild weather almost all year and courses close together, ideal for golf societies.
What is a Ryder Cup style golf trip?
A Ryder Cup style golf trip is a group golf trip where the players split into two teams and compete in matchplay over several rounds, using the same formats as the Ryder Cup: fourballs, foursomes and singles. Every match is worth one point, and the team with the most points at the end of the trip wins the trophy.
How many players do you need for a Ryder Cup style trip?
You need at least 8 players to make two teams of 4, and the format works best with 12 to 20 players. Even numbers make the pairings simpler; with an odd number we adapt the matches so everyone plays.
How are the teams picked?
Teams are usually picked by two captains in a draft before the trip, or balanced by handicap so the match stays close. We help you set it up and present the teams at the start of the trip.
How do handicaps work in a Ryder Cup style matchplay?
Handicaps follow the World Handicap System recommended allowances for matchplay: 90% for fourballs, 50% of the combined handicaps for foursomes and 100% for singles. We calculate the strokes for every match before each round.
How long is a Ryder Cup style golf trip?
Most Ryder Cup style trips are 4 nights with 3 rounds: fourballs on the first day, foursomes on the second and singles on the last. Larger groups or longer trips can add a fourth round.
Is playground affiliated with the Ryder Cup?
No, playground is not affiliated with the Ryder Cup or its organisers. We use the name to describe the team matchplay format that groups ask us for.
Ready to pick your teams?
Tell us your group size and dates, and we'll design the trip and the tournament. Or message us on WhatsApp.
Ryder Cup is a trademark of its respective owners. playground is not affiliated with the Ryder Cup; the name is used only to describe the team matchplay format.