The Ryder Cup Could Return to The Belfry

The Ryder Cup could return to England for the first time in 24 years with The Belfry under consideration to host the biennial contest again.

The Warwickshire course, which has already held the competition a record four times, is a possible venue for 2026. The competition was last held there in 2002 when Paul McGinley holed the winning putt for Sam Torrance’s Europe before throwing himself into the lake beside the 18th green.

Since then, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and France have staged the transcendent event, but golf fans throughout England will welcome the opportunity to see the Ryder Cup back on their soil, particularly at a venue that is synonymous with its history.

Planning and discussions with several countries and governments remain in the early stages following the success of last year’s Ryder Cup in Paris at Le Golf National, where Europe beat the USA 17.5 to 10.5.

All viable nations and venues are being considered, with The Belfry one of those on the long list and there are plans by Ryder Cup Europe to visit the course. The resort has undergone a £30m refurbishment in recent years and the Brabazon Course has improved and matured hugely since 2002.

The Belfry has hosted the Ryder Cup in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002, Europe winning two, losing one and famously drawing in 1989.

Many of these moments are indelible, not least the exploits of Seve Ballesteros on the iconic 10th hole, which Golfshake Ambassadors had the chance to experience last year.

The competition is to be held at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin next year with the Marco Simone Golf Club near Rome the venue in 2022. New York's Bethpage Black is the venue in 2024.

Adare Manor in Limerick has already bid to host the 2026 Ryder Cup after being reopened last year following significant investment from owner JP McManus.

Ireland last hosted the event in 2006 at the K Club when Europe, captained by Ian Woosnam and inspired by an emotional Darren Clarke after the loss of his wife, beat the US by a record-equalling nine points.

Should The Belfry etch a fifth chapter in its Ryder Cup story, it’s a prospect that the Golfshake Community would clearly relish, as the resort is the most reviewed venue on the website, receiving Highly Recommended status from everyday golfers. We have many features and articles on the Brabazon and the wide facilities, which you can see below.

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