Golf-Winning is all that counts at Ryder Cup, until it isn't

Golf - The 2023 Ryder Cup - Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy - September 28, 2023 General view of the Ryder Cup trophy held by Team USA captain Zach Johnson during their team photo REUTERS/Phil Noble

ROME (Reuters) - Last week’s dramatic Solheim Cup finale brought the concept of “retaining the trophy” into sharp focus at the Ryder Cup and produced mixed feelings among the players wrestling with how a draw can effectively be a win and a loss.

The 14-14 scoreline in Spain, the first draw in 18 editions of the women’s event, meant that, as holders, Europe retained the trophy. Since the Ryder Cup began in 1927 there have been only two tied matches.