Format
The Ryder Cup is a match play event, with each match worth one point. The competition format was similar to the formats used from 1963 through 1975, but with fewer singles matches:
- Day 1 — 4 four-ball (better ball) matches in a morning session and 4 foursome (alternate shot) matches in an afternoon session
- Day 2 — 4 foursome matches in a morning session and 4 four-ball matches in an afternoon session
- Day 3 — 12 singles matches, 6 each in morning and afternoon sessions
With a total of 28 points, 14½ points were required to win the Cup. All matches were played to a maximum of 18 holes.
Read more about this topic: 1979 Ryder Cup