In broad strokes, both sides use the same selection method: Most of the team qualifies automatically via points lists, and a few remaining spots are filled at the discretion of the respective team captains. In the case of points lists, players accumulate points over period specified by the PGA or Euro Tour. Each team has 12 players.
For Team Europe, two points lists are maintained: the World Points List (based on world ranking points earned) and the European Tour Points List (based on money earned on the European Tour). Team Europe is filled out thusly:
- Top 4 players from World Points list
- Five highest-ranking players on European Tour list not already qualified via the World Points
- Three captain's selections
For Team USA, one points list is maintained (the criteria is a bit more complex than Team Europe's simple formulas; see explanation from PGA of America). Team USA is filled out thusly:
- Top 8 players from the American points list
- Four captain's selections
