The Ryder Cup is the most perfect of golf vacations for combining the hobbies of golf and travel. The Ryder Cup is a popular golf contest that happens every second year between teams from the United States and Europe. Named after the man who donated the trophy, Samuel Ryder, the Ryder Cup is held through joint efforts by the Professional Golf Associations of America and the European Tour. The Ryder Cup's location switches between golf resorts in Europe and the United States each time it is held. Because of the luxury golf resorts chosen to host the Ryder Cup, attending this competition is far from average golf vacations; in the past, the Ryder Cup has been held at golf courses in European travel destinations such as Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, as well as California and New York. For this reason, the Ryder Cup is one of the greatest of all golf vacations for the entire family.

The Ryder Cup is different from other types of golf vacations and competitions because the players participate in the tournament not to win a monetary prize, but instead to gain fame and national pride. Before WWII, The Ryder Cup was originally a tournament held solely between the United States and the United Kingdom. Early competitions were close matches between these teams, but due to United States dominance in Ryder Cup victories around the Second World War, the United Kingdom team was expanded to allow players from all European countries. After this change, competition has been much more evenly matched and this been successful in increasing excitement for spectators. Europe won the last Ryder Cup, which was hosted in 2010 in Newport, Wales. The Europeans had a score of 14.5, just barely beating the United States score of 13.5 points. However, two years before in 2008, the United States won the Ryder Cup with a score of 16.5 to Europe's 11.5. Additionally, the Ryder Cup is exciting for spectators because of high competition that has resulted in occasional controversy between the players. Feuds, accusations of cheating, and questionable sportsmanship have all been a part of the Ryder Cup's history due to high competition between the teams and players. However, this has only led to increased excitement for the game and a spike in its popularity as a golf vacation.

Golf fans across the world are eagerly anticipating the next Ryder Cup, which will be held in 2012 outside of Chicago at the Medinah Country Club. The Medinah Country Club has 54 holes and was established in 1925. It is very popular as a destination for golf vacations due to the fact that it has hosted other famous tournaments such as the PGA Championship and the US Open.