No, not that Ryder Cup, but they do share similarities.
Both are team golf tournaments between two rivals.
Lower Waitaki Golf Club and North Otago Golf club will go head-to-head in the annual tournament.
The cup was donated by the Ryder family — hence the name — and has been going for over a quarter of a century.
It alternates between the two clubs as to who hosts it. This year’s edition is being played at Lower Waitaki.
They play three rounds — alternate shot 2v2, four-ball 2v2 and a singles round.
The 12-player teams are selected through a qualification process and are raring to go.
"The boys have had a hit-out on Saturday so we’re ready to go," Lower Waitaki Golf Club team captain Pete Cartwright said.
"We’ve been out here [at Lower Waitaki] for the last couple of Sundays practising. Some of the boys have been out during the week so we’re feeling pretty confident," North Otago Golf Club team vice-captain Nathan Lough said.
"The ultimate goal is to win away from home."
While North Otago hold the cup, Lower Waitaki having home advantage was a big factor, Cartwright said.
"We play here a lot and probably only play at North Otago three or four times a year and they’re probably the same.
"You just know spots to be or not or be or you know the greens a little better."
The tournament is a great way for the two clubs to collaborate.
"It’s certainly brought us two clubs together a bit more," Lough said
"There’s some friendly rivalry there," Cartwright said.
Both players were grateful for the continued support of the Ryder family and encouraged the public to head out to the Lower Waitaki course to support the teams.
The first matches tee off at 9am tomorrow.
