• Exclusive: Ryder Cup rookie Rafa Cabrera Bello relishing taking on Americans in their own backyard
The 41st Ryder Cup takes place at Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota, this week, with the three-day competition running from September 30 to October 2.
Recent history
Europe have dominated the biennial battle of late, winning the past three to take their record to eight victories from the last 10 events. The most recent triumph arrived at Gleneagles in Scotland two years ago, when Europe’s 16.5-11.5 win was so conclusive it prompted the US to set up a Ryder Cup Task Force to turn around their form. The last time the teams met in America, Europe came back from four points down on Sunday to retain the trophy. It became known as the ‘Miracle at Medinah’.
The Captains
• US: Davis Love III – Participated in six Ryder Cups as a player, then was assistant captain to Corey Pavin in 2010 before captaining the US at Medinah two years later, which the hosts lost by one point. A distinguished playing career was highlighted by 21 PGA Tour victories, including the 1997 PGA Championship.
Assistant captains: Jim Furyk, Tom Lehman, Steve Stricker, Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson
• EUROPE: Darren Clarke – Participated in five Ryder Cups as a player, then served as vice-captain to Colin Montgomerie in 2010 and to Jose Maria Olazabal two years later. Captained the successful European side at this year’s EurAsia Cup. As a player, won 14 times on European Tour, including the 2011 Open Championship.
Assistant captains: Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Ian Poulter, Sam Torrance, Paul Lawrie.
The teams
‘C’ denotes captain’s pick
• US: Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker, Zach Johnson, Rickie Fowler (C), JB Holmes (C), Matt Kuchar (C), Ryan Moore (C).
• More: Meet the US Ryder Cup team
• EUROPE: Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Henrik Stenson, Chris Wood, Sergio Garcia, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Justin Rose, Andy Sullivan, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Martin Kaymer (C), Thomas Pieters (C), Lee Westwood (C).
• More: Meet the Europe Ryder Cup team
The format
Five match-play sessions taking place across three days. Friday and Saturday each consist of one four-match session of four-balls and one four-match session of foursomes. Sunday features 12 singles matches. Each match is worth one point, with matches ending in a draw worth 0.5 point to each side. The first team to reach 14.5 points wins. If the contest ends 14-14, the team currently holding the Ryder Cup retains it.
How to watch in the UAE
Tournament coverage begins on Friday at 4:30pm on OSN Sports 1HD. The opening ceremony, which includes the much-anticipated captains’ speeches, begins at 1am on Friday.
See also
• Hole-by-hole guide: Hazeltine National Golf Club
• 'Miracle of Medinah' and more: Five facts about the Ryder Cup
• Best team ever?: Davis Love III criticised for show of confidence
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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