The wait for the Ryder Cup to return to England continues as Catalonia host the game in 2031

Spain is expected to win the Ryder Cup in 2031, meaning England’s bid to host the biennial showdown will take a third decade.

With just a few details left to clarify, Camiral Golf & Wellness, formerly PGA Catalunya, has won the bidding race to host the game between Europe and Team USA.

Telegraph Sport reported early last year that the Girona venue was the overwhelming favorite, but hurdles emerged that suddenly put new developments in Bolton and Luton, as well as the London Club in Kent, in doubt.

First, the Catalan authorities refused planning permission to build a third facility specifically for the Ryder Cup, and then doubts arose about the promised £100 million of government support at national and regional levels.

But with funding finally secured, a compromise was reached on the course, which will consist of the two 18-hole courses already in Camiral.

The stadium pitch was originally built for the 1997 Ryder Cup, but due to delays the first game on continental soil was played in Valderrama in the south of the country.

After coming close again last year when they met in Rome, the journey is finally over and while there will be disappointments in England – where golf’s biggest event last took place at the Belfry in 2002 – there is no doubting the appeal of Located just an hour north of Barcelona, ​​the resort offers plenty of upscale accommodation, a 10-minute transfer to Girona Airport and a location in such a large catchment area.

It is owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien, who has spent huge sums on a refit and modernization since buying it in 2007. There is no doubt that the DP World Tour is fond of a wealthy patron – 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 clash will take place in 2027 – because their commitment represents a virtual guarantee for the economic commitments.

“From the beginning, our stadium course was designed and built to host the world’s largest events – and hosting the Ryder Cup would be the realization of that vision,” O’Brien said during the final bid process.

The battle for 2035 will now begin, and although England is in the lead, it will require government support and Germany, along with other nations, could throw 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 not yet taken place in England.