The Belfry Should Host The Ryder Cup Again in 2035
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Fri 22 Aug 2025
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Nostalgia is a potent emotion, and that was evident ahead of this week's British Masters, when tournament host Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance participated in an exhibition match to relive memories of past Ryder Cups at The Belfry.
Specifically, reflections were focused on the unforgettable scenes of 1985, which have gone down in folklore, when Tony Jacklin's European side ended generations of pain and secured a first victory over the United States since 1957.
The Ryder Cup would return to this venue on the outskirts of Birmingham on three further occasions; in 1989, 1993, and finally in 2002, when Torrance, who holed the decisive, winning putt to conclude that first outing 40 years ago, inspired his team as captain to regain the famous trophy.
It's undeniable that The Belfry was the cradle of the modern Ryder Cup, but decades on from that most recent edition, the biennial showpiece hasn't made its way back to its spiritual home, or indeed even been staged in England.
Matches in Europe have subsequently been hosted at The K Club (Ireland), Celtic Manor (Wales), Gleneagles (Scotland), Le Golf National (France) and Marco Simone (Italy), with upcoming venues Adare Manor (Ireland) in 2027 and Camiral (Spain) in 2031 having already been announced.
That leaves 2035 as the next available date, which would be a perfect opportunity to go back to the future and restore The Belfry to the schedule to rekindle past glories and create new memorable moments.
It would be fitting as the 50th anniversary of that momentous occasion of 1985, when Europe turned the page on the story of the Ryder Cup and began a journey that has transformed this mammoth event into what it has become today.
The iconography of the past is a significant component of the Ryder Cup, especially for European players and fans, with a return to the Brabazon Course being a celebration of that enduring legacy.
But this wouldn't just be about evoking memories. Having been a regular stage for the British Masters in recent years, The Belfry has shown that it remains a relevant test in the modern game; several holes have been tweaked and lengthened, while the hotel and resort itself has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the facilities and experience that it can offer guests.
Its location makes it accessible to large crowds who can be accommodated in the UK's second most populated city, Birmingham, and it would represent a welcome comeback to England, which would (by this time) have waited 33 years since it last greeted the Ryder Cup on its soil.
That is long overdue and it's about time that was put right.
Yes, other places throughout England could easily host the Ryder Cup, and you can make a convincing argument that somewhere new should be the next port of call, but given the historic significance of the date, 50 years since that maiden triumph as the continent of Europe, it seems like an obvious decision that The Belfry should etch another chapter in its relationship with the Ryder Cup.
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About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
The Ryder Cup is unlike any other tournament in golf and the atmosphere is something that every golf fan should experience. The experts at Golfbreaks.com can help with all aspects of your Ryder Cup experience, from accommodation and ticket packages to hospitality and travel and playing some of the fantastic nearby courses.
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