How to Calculate Solheim Cup Points

By Brian Hill

The Solheim Cup a women's team match play competition that began in 1990 and is the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup. LPGA professionals from the United States play against their counterparts from Europe. The tournament's location alternates between United States and Europe. Matches are held every two years and are played over a three-day period. In match play format, the lowest score posted on each hole wins the hole.

The winner of the match is the player, or team, that wins the most holes.

A point can be won in each of 28 Solheim Cup matches played. The team with the most points wins.

Step 1

Award one point to the team that wins each foursome alternate-shot match. In a foursome match, two U.S. players compete against two European players. Each member of the two-woman team alternates shots, playing one ball until it's holed out.

For any matches that are tied after 18 holes -- both players or teams winning the same number of holes -- award 1/2 point to each team. Four of these foursome matches take place on both the first and second days of the tournament for a total of eight matches, so eight points are up for grabs.

Step 2

Assign the winners of four-ball team matches one point for every match won. In the four-ball format, the two members of each team play their own ball until it's holed out rather than alternating shots. The lowest of the two scores for each team is counted.

The team that wins the most holes wins the match and the point for the match.

Again, teams split the point if a match is tied. Four four-ball matches are also played on the first and second day of the tournament for a total of eight points.

Step 3

Step 4

Add up all the points for each team over all the matches. The team that has the most points wins the Solheim Cup. If there is a tie, with both teams accumulating 14 points, the defending champion retains the cup.

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