Idiot's Guide to how the matches work

Foursomes
Foursomes is the term given to a golf match where two golfers compete against two other golfers but each side only plays one ball where they alternate shots. For example, player A will hit the tee shot, then player B will hit the second shot etc. until they complete the hole.

The only other stipulation is that both team members must alternate the tee shots. Scoring is the same as in any matchplay game, the team with the best score wins the hole or if the same score is made the hole is halved The match is decided when one player/pair is up by more holes than there are left to play.

Fourball
In a fourball match two golfers will compete against two other golfers, but different to foursomes, each player will play their own ball. With four balls in play, the person who records the best score of the quartet wins the hole for their team.

Again, if a player from either team has the same best score the hole is halved. The match is decided when one player/pair is up by more holes than there are left to play.

Singles
In a singles match one player simply plays against another player. He who has the best score at any given hole wins. The match is decided when one player is up by more holes than there are left to play.

In the event of any player being unable to tee off in the final day singles at the Ryder Cup, he is awarded a half-point against a player of the opposing captain's choice.

Since 1991 this has become known as the 'envelope system' after Steve Pate was unable to play following a car crash, and was given a half with David Gilford.

- Paul Gallagher