How to Bet on the Ryder Cup: Full Guide for UK Bettors

As one of the biggest golf events worldwide, the Ryder Cup assembles some of golf's finest. Unlike events such as the Open Championship, it's a team-based competition, where golfers from Europe team up against those from the USA.

With the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy participating, it's the chance for many UK punters to back some of their favourites. If you're one of those looking to bet on the Ryder Cup, you'll find this guide helpful. See tips to get the best out of your wager. Now, let's dig in.

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LiveScore logoBy LiveScore Desk, Editorial team for sports, betting and casino Last updated: 2 October 2025, 08:19AM

Understanding the Ryder Cup Format 

The first step to understanding the available betting options is to grasp how the Ryder Cup works. Unlike stroke play events, the Ryder Cup is a match-play competition where winning each hole is counted as a point. The team that finishes with more points (wins more holes) wins the match. With stroke play events, the total number of strokes is counted over several rounds of 18 holes. The player or team with the fewest strokes wins the event.

The Ryder Cup typically runs for 3 days, usually from Friday to Sunday, during which a total of 28 matches are played.

Day 1 - Friday

  • Morning: 4 foursomes matches

  • Afternoon: 4 fourball matches

Day 2 - Saturday 

  • Morning: 4 foursomes matches

  • Afternoon: 4 fourball matches

Day 3 - Sunday

  • 12 single matches

The team that reaches 14½ first is declared the winner. If both teams are tied 14-14, the defending champions will retain the cup.


Popular Ryder Cup Betting Markets

With 3 days of action, the top UK bookies for Golf present a range of betting markets for the Ryder Cup. Here are some of the most popular ones that are sure to catch your attention.

  • Outright winner: This is straightforward, as you predict whether Team Europe or Team US will win the contest. The odds are usually available a few weeks before the event.

  • Top points scorer: You'll choose one player from either team that you believe will finish with the highest points across all matches. Another variation is the top team points scorer with separate markets for each team. You can predict which player will score the highest points for Team Europe.

  • Correct score: For this market, you'll predict the exact score of each team after the event. You can have options like 16-12, 15-13, or 14½-13½.

  • Day-by-day betting: Rather than bet on the entire tournament, you may bet on each day's results. For instance, select which team will be ahead after day 1. Another option is betting on the Fourballs or Foursomes winners for Day 2 only. 

  • Individual match betting: This is a matchup between two players. For instance, you could bet on which player between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will finish the event with the highest points. Another option is to bet on the Sunday's singles match winner between Sam Burns and Shane Lowry. 

Aside from the above betting markets, some bookmakers offer a wider range of options. For instance, you could explore prop bets like “Jon Rahm & Tommy Fleetwood Both to Win the 1st Holes of their Singles.” Other options include “USA to Win the first 4 Matches of the Singles" and "Europe to Win each of Day 1 & Day 2.”

If you want to maximise your stake, watch out for bookmakers that offer boosted odds on the Ryder Cup. Some may also provide special promotions to make betting even more engaging.


How to Place a Bet on the Ryder Cup (Step-by-Step)

If this is your first time betting on the Ryder Cup, you're in luck. We've described the step-by-step instructions on how to proceed below.

  • Choose a UK-licensed bookmaker: The first step is to select a bookmaker that offers odds for the Ryder Cup. For your safety, ensure the betting site holds a license with the UKGC.

  • Sign up: To complete the registration process, you will need to provide your email address, phone number, and full name. You may also be asked to submit a copy of your government-issued ID to verify your identity and age.

  • Deposit funds: Fund your account using any available method. You'll usually find the deposit page by clicking the “Deposit” button on the homepage. Remember to have a budget and only deposit what you can afford to lose.

  • Select the Ryder Cup market: The next step is to navigate to the sports section and choose “Golf." Search and select the Ryder Cup market from the list of options. 

  • Place your bet: Check through the available betting markets and select your picks, which will be automatically added to your bet slip. Input the amount you want to wager in your bet slip and place your bet.


Tips and Strategies for Ryder Cup Betting

Although only two teams compete, the Ryder Cup remains exciting since many of your favourite players will participate in the event. However, the excitement of backing Team Europe may make you bet on impulse. Here are tips and strategies that could help you.

  • Research: You cannot do wrong with research and more research. It's preferable to bet with data rather than with emotions. Before backing Team Europe, consider the form of the players and the team dynamics. You should also check their history at the golf course before making your decision. Additionally, pay attention to the captain's picks and factor in home advantage.

  • Betting value: Expert punters are always on the lookout for value odds. Rather than bet on the outright winner, consider prop markets that offer more value. You could wager on match-ups or special bets. The possibility of getting the best out of your stake heavily depends on the value you find in the market.

  • Manage your bankroll: Bankroll management is the most essential betting strategy for both beginner and expert bettors. Avoid betting on the Ryder Cup if you want to wager what you cannot afford to lose. Set up deposit limits and only bet on the markets you fully understand.


Live Betting on the Ryder Cup

It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the outcome of the Ryder Cup, and you may find it challenging to select a pick. That's why waiting until the event starts could be a better option. With live betting, it's easy to track and take advantage of momentum swings from either team. It's also a chance to place more informed bets.

However, you must be on the alert because odds change quickly. Bookmakers are smart, but you must be proactive in identifying values. You may also use streaming and in-game statistics to your advantage.

Examples of live betting markets to explore include next hole winner, to win the current match, and session winner. You may also bet on the closest to the pin on Par 3 and the total number of holes played.


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Responsible Gambling

It's normal to be excited as a beginner punter, but always remember to take betting as a fun activity. Use deposit limits and time-outs on your chosen bookmaker to control how much money or time you spend betting on the Ryder Cup. If you need to take a long break, sign up for the GamStop self-exclusion programme.

Note that you can only gamble in the UK if you're 18 years or above. You'll need to submit your passport or driver's license to verify your age and identity. 

FAQs: How to Bet on the Ryder Cup

Can I bet on the Ryder Cup in the UK?
Yes, betting on the Ryder Cup is legal in the UK. Most top bookmakers offer odds for this event, even several weeks before it begins.
What are the most popular Ryder Cup betting markets?
The most popular betting markets at the Ryder Cup are outright winners, top points scorer, and correct score. You can also bet on a matchup between players or play day-to-day betting.
Is it legal to bet on golf in the UK?
Yes, the UKGC allows betting on golf in the UK.
Do UK bookies offer Ryder Cup specials?
Yes, UK betting sites provide odds on Ryder Cup specials. Examples include “Europe to Win the first 4 Matches of the Singles" and "USA to Win each of Day 1 & Day 2.”
Can I use free bets or promotions?
Yes, some bookmakers, including bet365 and William Hill, allow you to use free bets on the Ryder Cup. However, terms and conditions as well as wagering requirements may apply.