One of the most awaited golf events is just around the corner—the Presidents Cup 2024. The Royal Montreal Golf Club is proud to host this year’s competition, being this the second time since 2007. The tournament will feature thrilling match-play action across four days between the top golfers from the United States and the best worldwide, excluding Europe. Jim Furyk and Mike Weir will be the captains of the US and International teams, respectively.

The President’s Cup is known widely for its unique format, where pride is the main incentive rather than any prize money. The funds generated from the game are donated to charities chosen by the captain and the players, reinforcing the philanthropic mission of the tournament. Fans look forward eagerly to this year’s roster as well as the festive atmosphere that is brewing in Monteral’s downtown. However, fans new to the tournament can be left feeling clueless, as the President’s Cup does have its own set of play quirks and rules. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered.

A guide to the Presidents Cup’s format

The Presidents Cup is a four-day, match-play format consisting of 30 total matches between two 12-person teams: the U.S. Team and the International Team. The competition stands apart because of its unique scheduling. It begins on a Thursday, unlike the Ryder Cup, which starts on a Friday. Teams compete with each other across these four days in a variety of formats, all striving to achieve the coveted Presidents Cup.

Each day brings its share of challenges and dynamics. Thursday kicks off with five matches played in either four-ball (best ball) or foursomes (alternate shot). The format switches on Friday to the opposite of Thursday’s choice, keeping the competition fresh. Saturday intensifies with eight matches—four-ball and foursomes split between the morning and afternoon sessions. The grand finale happens on Sunday, where 12 singles matches decide the fate of the tournament.

How does the game format work?

When it comes to the intricacies of the gameplay, the tournament, as mentioned before, plays out in a match-play format. In match play, victory is determined hole by hole, with players aiming to complete each one in fewer strokes than their opponents. It is played as a single player against one opponent or against a team consisting of a pair. The team or player that wins the most number of holes is considered the winner.

The game types that are included in the President’s Cup are four-ball or foursomes. In the case of a foursome game, the members of a team play with one ball, alternating with each other in every shot. This makes the game entirely dependent on teamwork, as a player’s stroke is dependent on their team member’s previous stroke. The winner of the game is decided by how many holes each team has won. A hole is won based on which member of a team scored the lowest in a hole.

In fourball, however, players in a team play with their golf ball as opposed to a foursome game. The player with the team that scores the lowest, that team, is deemed the winner. These formats of play create diverse, unpredictable scenarios, making each match a compelling watch.

The President’s Cup 2024 will be held from 24-29 September. The US team has predominantly won it, with a 12-1 difference. Will this year mark a renaissance for the international team? Let us know which team you are rooting for in the comments below.