The Sunday singles at the 2025 Ryder Cup showcased an unmatched comeback for the American side. The home team was falling behind by 7 points after two days of play, but after some tight-knit performances, the team is close to making the event a tie, maybe? If so, this will be the first tie at the Ryder Cup in the 21st century. However, if the match ties, the reigning champion, which is the European side, retains the trophy.

Historical Ryder Cup Ties: When and How They Happened

Earlier, the Ryder Cup witnessed ties twice, first in 1969, where both teams ended with a 16-16 score. It was one of the closest contests to date in Ryder Cup history as 17 of the 32 matches went to the last hole. In fact, the tie came down to Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, who were battling to clinch the title for their team. Nicklaus, on the 18th, made a 3-foot putt and then took the ball from Jacklin to concede the game as a tie. This was the first time a tie was recorded, marking the beginning of the outstanding sportsmanship award for the two golfers, known as the Nicklaus-Jacklin award.

Following the first instance, the second tie was recorded in 1989, with a score of 14-14. On the final day, Europea was falling 2 points behind. However, as a comeback attempt, the final four matches were tied, which helped the team retain the Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup Tiebreaker Rules: What Happens in a Tie?

At the Ryder Cup, tie rules are different from those of any other event. If the tournament after 28 matches comes to a tie, then there will be no extra holes. Instead, the defending champion will retain the cup. Being a biennial team competition, the rules are designed for team continuity over sudden-death individual resolution.

Key Ryder Cup Rules and Format Explained

The Ryder Cup is a two-team competition, namely Team USA and Team Europe. With 12 players per team, each team features in three different match formats. On days 1 & 2, foursomes and fourballs are played. Foursome is played with two players on each side, with each player hitting the ball alternately. The lowest score determines the winner. On the other hand, fourball is played with a similar duo team, but each golfer uses their own ball. Here, the golfer who records the lowest score wins.

After two days of team matches, the final day features 12 singles matches, with the lowest scorer winning. With a total of 28 matches, the team with the highest score wins the tournament. Interestingly, each tie awards half a point, while a win adds 1 point to the scorecard.

With a team format that includes single-match dominance as well as great camaraderie, it is one of the most anticipated events as it tees off once every two years. In fact, with each edition, it alternates between the continents of the USA and Europe.