Why the Ryder and Solheim Cups work
Sunday saw a thrilling conclusion to the Solheim Cup, and this week Europe’s men will look to make it a double by winning back the Ryder Cup from the US.
Both events work so well because they nail the fundamental components of a successful sporting product:
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Quality is assured through rankings-based selections. All of the men’s top 12 in the world rankings will play this week, and 5 of the top 10 women featured in Spain.
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Jeopardy is enhanced by the match-play format, which keeps matches close, and the relative unfamiliarity of playing in pairs. The underdogs at both events were and are both rated a healthy 45% to win.
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Connection is delivered through tapping into an authentic European-US rivalry that extends beyond golf and even sport.
This framework provides the conditions for great sport to thrive, and with it the opportunity to captivate fans old and new.
By Omar Chaudhuri
Chief Intelligence Officer