Facts and Figures Ahead of The 42nd Ryder Cup

US team players observe the US national anthem during the opening ceremony of the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. The 42nd Ryder Cup will be held in France from Sept. 28-30, 2018 at Le Golf National.

(Photo: AP)

Tiger Woods is on the course at the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2012.

Coming off his first victory in more than five years in the Tour Championship, Woods received a warm round of applause from the pro-European crowd when introduced at the first tee with teammate Patrick Reed. They are facing Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood in the anchor match of Friday morning fourballs.

Here’s a look at the facts and figures for the 42nd Ryder Cup, which starts Friday at Le Golf National.

Format

Four matches of fourballs (better ball) and foursomes (alternate shot) on Friday and Saturday, 12 singles matches on Sunday.

Points

The United States needs 14 points to retain the cup. Europe needs 14½ points to win the cup.

Series

United States leads 26-13-2.

Last Edition

In the first Ryder Cup since U.S. players had a stronger voice in the structure of its team, the American won 17-11 at Hazeltine for their biggest Ryder Cup rout since 1981. For the first time since 1975, every American player contributed a point. Patrick Reed led the Americans with a 3-1-1 record, including a leadoff singles victory over Rory McIlroy.

Captains

Jim Furyk (United States), Thomas Bjorn (Europe).

European Roster

Paul Casey, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Alex Noren, Thorbjorn Olesen, Ian Poulter, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson.

U.S. Roster

Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Tiger Woods.

Key Statistic

The Americans have not won the Ryder Cup away from home since 1993.

Noteworthy

Phil Mickelson sets a Ryder Cup record by competing for the 12th time. He has had 55 teammates and 15 partners in his Ryder Cup career.

Quoteworthy

"Allez le bleu!" — European captain Thomas Bjorn to end the opening ceremony. It translates to "Go Blue!"

Friday Pairings (Fourballs)

2:20 a.m., Brooks Koepka-Tony Finau (US) vs. Justin Rose-Jon Rahm (Europe); 2:25 a.m., Dustin Johnson-Rickie Fowler (US) vs. Rory McIlroy-Thorbjorn Olesen (Europe); 2:40 a.m., Jordan Spieth-Justin Thomas (US) vs. Paul Casey-Tyrrell Hatton (Europe); 2:55 a.m. — Patrick Reed-Tiger Woods (US) vs. Franceso Molinari-Tommy Fleetwood (Europe).