Regular week-to-week competitions are fine, and the four major tournaments are always exciting. But if you really want to get a non-fan interested in professional golf—or watch a die-hard fan absolutely lose it—nothing can really compare to the Ryder Cup, which every two years pits teams of pros from the United States and Europe against each other in a battle for pride, glory, and continental superiority (in other words, no money).

This year’s 39th annual incarnation begins this week with the event’s first-ever visit to Illinois at the storied Medinah Country Club (6N001 Medinah Rd.), just outside of Chicago. The event is sold out, so check with your concierge or a third-party resale site such as StubHub or Craigslist for tickets.   

The Ryder Cup runs Sep. 25–30, with practice rounds Tue.–Wed., opening ceremony on Thu., and competitive rounds Fri.–Sun. Very limited tickets are available for practice rounds by calling 630.925.7287 or 800.742.4653.