Ryder Cup explainer: TV times, teams, and everything you need to know

Where and when is it on?

This year's tournament takes place at the Macro Simone Golf and Country Club just outside Rome in Italy. The tournament will start on Friday, September 29 and finish on Sunday, October 1.

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports Golf is the place to watch the tournament and all the build up. You can stream the tournament on the SkyGo app.

Friday, September 29

Live coverage of Day 1 Foursomes starts at 6am Live coverage of Day 1 Fourballs starts at 12pm

Saturday, September 30

Live coverage of Day 2 Foursomes starts at 6am Live coverage of Day 2 Fourballs starts at 12pm

Sunday, October 1

Live coverage of Day 3 Singles starts at 9am

What’s the Irish interest?

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are both on the European team.

What are the teams?

Europe

Rory McIlroy (Q)

Jon Rahm (Q)

Viktor Hovland (Q)

Tyrrell Hatton (Q)

Matt Fitzpatrick (Q)

Robert MacIntyre (Q)

Shane Lowry (WC)

Tommy Fleetwood (WC)

Justin Rose (WC)

Sepp Straka (WC)

Nicolai Hojgaard (WC)

Ludvig Aberg (WC)

USA

Scottie Scheffler (Q)

Wyndham Clark (Q)

Brian Harman (Q)

Patrick Cantlay (Q)

Max Homa (Q)

Xander Schauffele (Q)

Justin Thomas (WC)

Brooks Koepka (WC)

Jordan Spieth (WC)

Collin Morikawa (WC)

Sam Burns (WC)

Rickie Fowler (WC)

What are the tee-times?

We’ll bring you tee-times for all the matches on Independent.ie as soon as they’re released.

What’s the format?

There are 28 matches contested over the course of the weekend. Each of the first two days includes one four-match session of fourball and one four-match session of foursomes. The final day is reserved for 12 singles matches.

Each captain decides who will play the eight matches over which the foursomes and fourballs are contested. The order is determined by the hosting team's captain.

On the last day, each member of both teams feature in the 12 singles matches. The order their players go out in is determined by each captain.

Sport News in 90 - Monday September 25

FOURBALL

In fourball, each member of a two-man team plays his own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole. Each team counts the lowest of its two scores on each hole, and the team whose player has the lowest score wins the hole. If the low scores are tied, the hole is halved.

FOURSOMES

In foursomes, each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until each hole is complete. Players alternate hitting tee shots, with one leading off on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

SINGLES

In singles, each match features one player from each team. The player with the lower score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

RYDER CUP SCORING

Each match is worth one point, with matches ending in a tie worth ½ point to each side. The first team to reach 14 ½ points wins the Ryder Cup. If the matches end in a 14-14 tie, the team holding the Ryder Cup retains it.

What can I read on the golf pages at Independent.ie?

The European team was confirmed when captain Luke Donald revealed his wildcard picks in the first week of September. Those picks included Lowry and Brian Keogh has looked at why the Offalyman deserved to be selected below. Brian also argues that Lowry’s form at the Irish Open and McIlroy’s improving fitness should give Donald a boost in the lead-up to the tournament.

What are the odds?

The USA are favourites at 11/10 with Europe 5/4 and the tie, which would see the USA retain the cup, is 12/1.

Ryder Cup: Captain's press conference