Ryder Cup format: What is the difference between foursomes and fourballs and when will they be played at the event?

THE RYDER CUP is dominated by two distinct formats on the opening two days.

Both sides engage in foursomes and fourballs before they play in 12 single matches on Sunday.

But what are the differences between them?

And when will they be played at Le Golf National?

Read on below to find out all the details.

What is the difference between foursomes and fourballs at the Ryder Cup?

Foursomes

Each player in each pair hits alternate shots.

So if Player A hits the drive from the first hole, Player B hits the second shot, Player A the third shot and so on.

One player will hit all the tee shots on even numbered holes, for example, the second, fourth, 16th and 18th.

The other will play first on all the odd holes.

If the par-5s fall on the even holes, it would make sense for the longest hitter in the pair to take those tee shots.

Likewise, if one player is particularly strong with their irons then they should try to prioritise the par-3s.

The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

Fourballs

In fourballs, both players in each group hit every shot until one of them has finished the hole.

Player A and Player B use their own balls on each hole.

It is only the lowest score in each pair that counts.

If the low scores are tied, the hole is halved.

This is a more forgiving format and viewers can expect to see a lot of birdies.

When will they play foursomes and fourballs at the Ryder Cup?

The home captain decides which order they will play in.

In 2008, US captain Paul Azinger switched the playing format for the opening session from fourballs to foursomes.

He did so because he thought the Americans were better in the alternate shot format.

It worked well, with the US side beating America 16.5-11.5