You need 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup.

Quick Scoop

  • The Ryder Cup has 28 points available in total.
  • To win the Ryder Cup outright, a team must reach at least 14.5 points.
  • If the final score is 14–14, it’s a tie, and the team that already holds the cup retains it.

So in practical terms:

  • Defending team keeps the trophy with 14 points (a 14–14 draw is enough to retain).
  • Challenging team must get to 14.5 or more to take the cup away.

Example: If Europe are defending and the match finishes 14–14, Europe retain the Ryder Cup; the USA would have needed 14.5 to win it back.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.