From its inauguration, the U.S. Ryder Cup team proved to be vastly superior (certainly in terms of results) to the team fielded by Great Britain (or Great Britain and Ireland). However, with the inclusion of stronger European players and the appointment of inspirational captains, the "balance of power" has swung back in Europe's favour.

HISTORY
The "Ryder" in Ryder Cup stems from the instigator of the competition, Samuel Ryder, a British golf devotee of the early twentieth century. Ryder proposed a United States v. Great Britain team event, open to professionals, to be played on a biennial basis. The first Ryder Cup was played by teams of eight players, in the U.S., in 1927. From its inception up to 1971, the teams consisted of players from the U.S. and Great Britain, i.e. England, Scotland and Wales. Irish players were included from 1973, but did little to alter the United States' long-standing dominance of the Ryder Cup. After a great deal of discussion between golf's governing bodies, European players were included in the British team from 1979. The new European team promptly lost the next two Ryder Cups, giving the U.S. a record of 21 wins to 3, with one tie in 1969.

THE RYDER CUP TODAY
However, the period from 1977 had seen the introduction to the European side of younger, better players, including the likes of Severiano Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Nick Faldo, who were to win an aggregate of 71.5 Ryder Cup points. The European team, captained by successful players such as Tony Jacklin (1983-1989), Bernard Gallacher (1991-1995), Ballesteros (1997), Mark James (1999), Sam Torrance (2002), Bernhard Langer (2004) and Ian Woosnam (2006) were soon to redress the competitive balance of the Ryder Cup. From 1985 to date, the European team has won seven Ryder Cups to the U.S.A.'s three, with Europe retaining the Cup with a tie in 1989.

BETTING ON THE 2008 RYDER CUP
The Ryder Cup event for 2008 will take place in Kentucky, from September 19th to 21st.
Despite the European team having been the dominant force (winning five out of the last six), the U.S.A. is likely to field a stronger side this time around, and have "home" advantage.

Types of Bet Available

Outright Betting
The U.S.A seems certain to start favourites to regain the Ryder Cup. Online bookmakers already have prices available, in the region of 4/5 U.S.A, 11/10 Europe, 12/1 tie.

Correct Score Betting
Prices will be available on the final score in the Ryder Cup, e.g. 16-12 U.S.A, 15-13 Europe, 14-14 Tie, etc.

Individual Match Bets
Online betting will be available for all the foursomes, fourballs and singles matches (28 in all). The Ryder Cup is on live television, so fluctuating, "in-running" prices will be offered throughout the course of each match. Three prices will be offered for each match, as in this type of golf, a match may finish in a tie.

Hole-in-One during the Ryder Cup?
Some online bookmakers may offer prices on any player achieving a hole-in-one during the Ryder Cup.
Prices are likely to be in the region of: 6/4 Yes, 4/7 No.

Highest Points Scorers
Online prices will be available for the player to win the greatest number of points. These will include:
1. Highest Overall Points Scorer.
2. Highest U.S.A. Points Scorer.
3. Highest Overall Points Scorer, i.e. on both sides.

Conclusion
In recent years, the resurgence of a competitive European Ryder Cup team has generated renewed interest from golf fans, both throughout Europe and in the United States, where the event had become a foregone conclusion. Hard-fought, emotional matches are now the order of the day, making the Ryder Cup a viable betting prospect once again.