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Spain is expected to win the 2031 Ryder Cup, meaning England’s wait to host the biennial showdown will stretch into a third decade.
With just a few details to iron out, Camiral Golf & Wellness, formerly PGA Catalunya, won the bidding race to host the match between Europe and Team USA.
Telegraph Sport reported early last year that the Girona venue was the hot favourite, but obstacles emerged which suddenly put new developments at Bolton and Luton, as well as the London Club in Kent, in contention.
Firstly, the Catalan authorities refused planning permission for the construction of a third layout specifically for the Ryder Cup, then doubts arose over the promised £100 million of government support, both nationally and regional.
However, with funding finally being assured, a compromise was found regarding the course, which will be a composite of the two 18 holes already present at Camiral.
The Stadium Course was originally built for the 1997 Ryder Cup, but delays saw the first match on continental soil played at Valderrama in the south of the country.
However, after coming even closer at last year’s meeting in Rome, the journey will finally be over and although there will be disappointment in England – who last hosted golf’s biggest event at the Belfry in 2002 – the appeal of the resort just an hour north of Barcelona, with its plethora of high-end accommodation, its 10-minute transfer from Girona airport and its position in a catchment area too vast.
It is owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien, who has spent huge sums on renovation and upgrades since purchasing it in 2007. There is no doubt that the DP World Tour is wooed by a wealthy benefactor – see Sir Michael Smurfit at K Club in 2006, Sir Terry Matthews at Celtic Manor in 2010 and JP McManus at Adare Manor where the 2027 fight will take place – because their involvement almost constitutes a guarantee on economic commitments.
“From its inception, our Stadium Course has been designed and built to host the world’s greatest events – and hosting the Ryder Cup would be the realization of that vision,” O’Brien said during the latest bidding process.
The fight will now begin for 2035 and, although England is in charge, this will require government support and, along with other countries, Germany could throw in its hat. There is hope in English golf circles that the 2030 Solheim Cup – the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup – can be achieved. Remarkably, Solheim has not yet taken place in England.
