What is the Ryder Cup? Things to know about battle between U.S. and Europe

Here are some other essentials facts all golfers should know about the Ryder Cup.

The Ryder Cup will be staged for the 44th time this week at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.

The U.S. won the last outing, two years ago at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The Americans won 19-9, one of the bigger routs in the history of the series.

The U.S. squad has 12 members, as does the European contingent. Zach Johnson, who played in five Ryder Cups, is a first-time captain this year. Luke Donald is heading up the European squad. He assumed the role after the original captain, Henrik Stenson, joined the LIV Golf League forcing him to relinquish his Ryder Cup duties.

Here are some other essentials facts all golfers should know about the Ryder Cup.