What is the Ryder Cup Junior Match?
It is very similar to The Ryder Cup, in that it is a contest between Europe and the United States, except it is for golfers under 16 and under 18 and takes place over two days rather than three. It gives young golfers a taste of one of the sport’s premier competitions and provides a chance to showcase the fine young talent in Europe and the United States.

When is it?
September 24-25, 2012

Where is it?
Olympia Fields, Illinois, USA

What is the format?
Day one (Sept 24) will be foursomes followed by mixed fourballs. Day two (Sept 25) will be singles matches.

What are the qualification criteria for the European team?
Selections will target two under-16 boys, two under 16 girls, four under-18 girls and four under-18 boys to make the 12-player European team. Players must satisfy their respective age category as of January 1, 2012.

The European Young Masters (EYM), to be played at the Royal Balaton Golf Club Hungary in late July, will feature in selections once again with the girls’ and boys’ champion receiving automatic selection for the under-16 category. The remaining under-16 selections will be made by a committee comprising Captain Stuart Wilson, Assistant Captain Kristin Gunhildrud and representatives from the European Golf Association and The European Tour.

All under-18s will be subject to selection by the committee, who will be present at a number of key events, including the European Boys’ and Girls’ Team Championships.  Player performances in national level championships and standings in national and European Amateur Golf Rankings will also be reviewed.

When will the European team be announced?
At the conclusion of the European Young Masters at Royal Balaton Golf Club, Hungary.

What is the purpose of the Ryder Cup Junior Match?
It celebrates the progress and hard work taking place at the grass roots level of golf, which helps talented young players develop into national team amateurs and some even to The Ryder Cup itself.  In the PGA and PGAs of Europe, golf has a much envied network of expert coaches who, together with golf club volunteers and national governing bodies, help and guide young golfers towards achieving their full potentials.