The biennial team competition contested between the United States and Europe in men's golf is the Ryder Cup.
The event began in 1927 as a contest between the United States and Great Britain. It is named after English businessman Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy. Matches use match play rather than the stroke-play format common in individual tournaments, with players competing in foursomes, four-ball and singles sessions.
The European team originally represented Great Britain, later Great Britain and Ireland. Continental European players became eligible in 1979, creating the modern Team Europe. The change made the competition more balanced and helped fuel its international popularity.
The Ryder Cup is often confused with the Presidents Cup, which features the United States against an International team excluding Europe. The Solheim Cup is the women's equivalent of the United States–Europe rivalry, while the Walker Cup is a men's amateur contest between the United States and Great Britain and Ireland.