GOLF
Ryder Cup 2018: The format explained
If you are not sure about the format of the 2018 Ryder Cup, Omnisport has you covered with an explanation of how the points will be won.
The Ryder Cup begins at Le Golf National on Friday, with the United States seeking to retain the trophy with a first win on European soil since 1993.
Ahead of the first day's action, Omnisport explains the format of the contest:
HOW THE POINTS ARE SCORED
A total of 28 matchplay contests will be played across three days, with each contest worth one point.
If a match is level after 18 holes, Europe and the United States simply take half a point each.
As holders, the USA need only 14 points to retain the trophy, while Europe must reach 14.5 to regain the Ryder Cup.
FOURBALLS AND FOURSOMES
The first two days are all about teamwork.
On Friday and Saturday, the morning sessions will involve fourball matches, each team fielding eight players in four pairings.
The fourball format is often known as better-ball as each duo takes their best individual score on each hole. So, for example, if Rory McIlroy makes a three and Jon Rahm a four, it is McIlroy's score that counts.
After the morning fourball sessions, things get interesting in the afternoons as eight more players from each side combine for foursomes action.
In this format, the two men on each team share one ball and take alternate shots, which can lead to some apologetic words between colleagues if a poor shot is played.
SUNDAY SINGLES
A whopping 12 points are up for grabs on the final day of the competition as all 24 competitors go head-to-head in singles matches.
While the captain determines who features on Friday and Saturday, with some players heavily involved and others lightly used or even left out altogether, every single team member is involved on Sunday.