2012 Ryder Cup scoring and format: What to know this weekend at Medinah

The 2012 Ryder Cup is set to get underway on Friday morning at the venerable Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill.

The layout for Ryder Cup play is totally different than a normal tournament of course, with the United States and European teams squaring off in a three-day battle.

On the first and second days, the two sides will start with four foursome matches in an alternate shot format. Once the afternoon rolls around, four fourball match-ups take place with the better ball being played.

On the third day, the drama builds and then slowly unfolds with 12 individual matches to settle the tourney once and for all.

Overall, there are 28 points up for grabs throughout the three days, with 14.5 needed to win. If each team ends with 14 points, the defending champion retains the glory.

The Europeans are the defending champs, having won in 2010 14.5-13.5.