Spain is set to be awarded the 2031 Ryder Cup, meaning that England’s wait to host the biennial showdown will extend into a third decade.
With only a few details to be ironed out, Camiral Golf & Wellness, formerly PGA Catalunya, has won the bidding race to stage the match between Europe and Team USA.
Telegraph Sport reported at the start of last year that the Girona venue was the overwhelming favourite, but hurdles emerged which suddenly put new-build developments in Bolton and Luton into contention, along with the London Club in Kent.
First, the Catalan authorities refused planning permission for the construction of a third layout especially for the Ryder Cup and then doubts arose about the promised £100 million government backing at both national and regional level.
Yet with the finance finally secured, a compromise has been reached concerning the course, which will be a composite of the two 18-holers already 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 again coming close for last year’s encounter in Rome, the journey will finally be completed and although there will be disappointment in England – which last staged the biggest event in golf at the Belfry in 2002 – there can be no doubting the appeal of the resort just an hour north of Barcelona, with its plethora of upmarket accommodations, 10-minute transfer to Girona Airport and position in such a vast catchment area.
It is owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien, who has spent huge sums on an overhaul and upgrades since his 2007 purchase. There can be no doubt that the DP World Tour is enamoured by a rich benefactor – see Sir Michael Smurfit at the K Club in 2006, Sir Terry Matthews at Celtic Manor in 2010 and JP McManus at Adare Manor where the 2027 tussle will take place – as their involvement almost casts a guarantee on the economic pledges.
“From its inception, our Stadium Course was designed and built to host the world’s largest events – and hosting the Ryder Cup would be the realisation of this vision,” O’Brien said during the last bidding process.
The fight will now begin for 2035 and although England is in the driving seat it will entail government backing and, along with other nations, Germany could throw in its hat. There is hope in English golf circles that the 2030 Solheim Cup – the female equivalent of the Ryder Cup – could be secured. Remarkably, the Solheim has yet to take place in England.
