The Competitive Balance of the Ryder Cup: The Key Factor for the Success of the Modern Era of this Competition

Abstract

The objective of this article, using the example of recent editions of the Ryder Cup, is to discuss the importance of the concept of competitive balance as a factor explaining the interest shown by spectators and TV viewers in sports competitions. To this end, after having constructed indicators to calculate the ex-ante competitive balance of the last 20 editions of this competition, a comparison is made with the results (gaps) observed on the course. The conclusion, which may be of interest to sports economists, future organisers and technicians (captains), is that "the competitive balance does not explain everything". Other concepts need to be developed. Keywords: Ryder Cup, competitive balance, annual performance indicator