Ever since golf began, players have had the need to test themselves against others competitively. Usually, this involves individual competition, but there are a number of competitions that involve team play. In most cases, there is no money on the line – just pride and an award cup. As teaching professionals, we feel it is important that you have a grasp on the major cup competitions contested today. While the Ryder Cup is the most famous, there are many others equally important to the participants. In chronological order of origin:

Walker Cup

• First held in 1922
• Biennial match play between the USA and Great Britain & Ireland
• Participants: Male amateurs
• Sponsoring bodies: USGA and R&A

Ryder Cup

• First held in 1927
• Biennial match play between the USA and Britain (1927-1971); USA and Great Britain & Ireland (1973-1977); USA and Europe (1979-present)
• Participants: Male touring professionals
• Sponsoring bodies: PGA of America, PGA of Europe with European Tour

Curtis Cup

• First held in 1932
• Biennial match play between the USA and British Isles
• Participants: Female amateurs
• Sponsoring bodies: USGA and Ladies’ Golf Union

Solheim Cup

• First held in 1990
• Biennial match play between the USA and Europe
• Participants: Female touring professionals
• Sponsoring bodies: LPGA and Ladies’ European Tour

Presidents Cup

• First held in 1994
• Biennial match play between the USA and Internationals (excluding Europe)
• Participants: Male touring professionals
• Sponsoring bodies: PGA Tour

World Golf Teachers Cup

• First held in 1997
• Biennial match/stroke play between member federations of the World Golf Teachers Federation, both individual and team
• Participants: Male and female teaching professionals
• Sponsoring bodies: World Golf Teachers Federation

United States Golf Teachers Cup

• First held in 1997
• Annual stroke play national championship of the United States Golf Teachers Federation
• Participants: Male and female teaching professionals
• Sponsoring body: United States Golf Teachers Federation

Palmer Cup

• First held in 1997
• Annual match play between the USA and Europe
• Participants: Male amateur collegians
• Sponsoring bodies: Golf Coaches Association of American and British Universities Sports Association

Seve Cup

• First held in 2002
• Biennial match play between Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe
• Participants: Male touring professionals
• Sponsoring body: European Tour

UBS Warburg Cup

• First held in 2001
• Annual match play between the USA and Internationals
• Participants: Male touring professionals 40 and over

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