Although 2012 is still a distant thought for most, plans have already begun for the 2012 Ryder Cup. The event that is held every even year alternates between Europe and the USA and will be held back in the States at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois. The club, which spans across 640 acres of beautiful land, contains three courses, one of which is 7,508 yards. The Club has seen action on its Course #3 in three U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships and soon in the prestigious Ryder Cup in ‘12. What sets the Ryder Cup apart from all other tournaments is that the top golfers from the U.S. form a team and compete against the top players from Europe. The battle of the countries, so to say, provides a highly competitive matchup is quite entertaining. Being able to watch the nation’s best team up with their competitors for a common goal will be a site to see and very exciting! The event has been played since 1927, however it began as just a head to head competition between the States and Great Britain. It slowly shifted to include Ireland creating more depth and now has broadened to include all of Europe. This has made it more of an even playing field. Since the addition of all the countries in Europe, Europe leads the series 8-7 (tying with the U.S. one year but had retained the cup from the previous win). Europe took home the title three consecutive Cups in 2002, 2004, and 2006 until the U.S. came back to win it in 2008. Newport, Wales will be the host in 2010 before it comes back home in 2012. It will be the event of the year so you won’t want to miss out, as you would have to wait another four years till the event heads back to the U.S.

The Ryder Cup is a premier golf tournament that is held biennially between team representatives from Europe and the U.S. For many years, only Great Britain sent representatives, but since the inclusion of all of Europe, the team has included top players from Spain, Italy, Sweden, Germany, France, and Denmark. The format of the tournament varies from a regular tournament. The Cup is held over a three-day period beginning Friday and ending Sunday with a total of 28 matches. There are eight foresomes matches, which pit two players from each of the two teams against each other taking alternate shots off the team ball. There are also eight fourball matches, which allow each of the two players from each team to play the course individually. Finally, there are 12 singles matches, where one player from each team plays one from the other. The winner of each match scores one point for their respective team and a 1/2 point for a match that is tied after 18 holes. The winning team is the team with the most total points, however the team that holds the Ryder Cup from the previous tournament needs 14 points to become victorious while the opposing team needs 14 ½. Who will become the champions in 2012? It’s too far to tell but an event that is so distinct, so prestigious and so rare can’t be missed. Start planning the trip of a lifetime to Illinois. If you are a fan of golf, the 2012 Ryder Cup is the event for you. Be one of the lucky few that has the opportunity to stand course side and watch the top players from the U.S. fight to proudly represent their country against the top golfers from Europe. Be spirited in your red, white, and blue and come cheer on the nation’s best in 2012!