The excitement is building for every keen golfer and golfing fans as we get ever closer to the Ryder Cup 2018. Held this year at the Albatross Course at Le Golf National, Paris, France between September 28th - 30th. The Ryder Cup is played every other year in even numbered years between 12 member teams from the United States and Europe.

The Ryder Cup was established in 1927 and founded by Samuel Ryder, an avid golfer who convinced top professionals on both sides of the Atlantic to play. He also commissioned the trophy which at 44cms high weighing 4ibs and cost £250 is handed to the winning side.

The Ryder Cup is one of the world's greatest sporting events and brings the best golf players from Europe and the US in a head to head match play competition. It's an event watched by millions around the world that transcends sport that exhibits drama, tension and sportsmanship but it has not always been played this way. Up until 1973 the contest was between Great Britain and the USA then Ireland was added and in 1979 all players from Europe were included in the team and since then it has been Europe verses USA.

The format is five match play sessions over three thrilling packed days. The first two days include one four-match session of four ball and one four-match session of foursomes. The final day is an exhilarating 12 single matches. The scoring for each match is worth one point, a draw is a half point to each side. The first team to reach 14.5 points wins the Ryder Cup. If the matches end in a 14-14 draw, there is no longer a draw the team holding the Ryder Cup retains it.  

The last competition in 2016 the USA won the Ryder Cup beating Europe 17 - 11 at Hazeltine. This ended their unsuccessful run of 8 years as it was their first win since 2008 at Valhalla. Looking over the history, out of the total matches since 1927 the USA holds a 25 - 12 advantage with 2 drawn but since 1979 when players from Europe joined the competition Europe has the edge winning 11 wins out of 19 years and 8 of the last 11. 

I come from a family of talented golfers, father, brother, aunties and uncles who have throughout their amateur golfing careers have become Captain's of various clubs around the UK and are members of the prestigious Hole in One Club, some acquiring two, hole in ones. I have never been blessed with the ability or inclination to play golf, not really a girlie sport. A bit of putting at the seaside crazy golf is my limit but I am an avid spectator and will be glued to the television cheering on Europe. If I did play though I would want one of these fabulous Terrida, Italian designer golf bags with matching holdalls and cabin bag. New to our range, handcrafted in either Italian leather or leather and carbon fibre. 

Stunning, luxury for the next time you tee off and play a round. Look the part on the fairway and the green.