BBC SPORT | GOLF | The battle of a Ryder Cup host

BBC Sport Online takes a look at the selection procedures towards hosting the Ryder Cup.

The battle to be the venue for a Ryder Cup is a convoluted process, but it is a goal that many golf courses and countries strive for with massive vigour.

The PGA European Tour and the British PGA head the European selection committee who ultimately decide where the biennial clash between America and Europe takes place.

European Tour executive director Ken Schofield and British PGA chief executive Sandy Jones are non-voting advisors to that committee.

The initial process involves those countries wanting to be a host submitting a bid.

As the Ryder Cup has developed over the years all European countries are now asked for their interest, with the likes of Sweden, France and Spain keen on participating - Valderrama succeeded for the 1997 event.

Each country select a bid committee who, after working closely with the respective clubs in their region, are then responsible for choosing the club/course they feel most suitable.

European Tour executive director Ken Schofield
Schofield will soon announce the 2009 hosts

In the current bidding for the 2009/2010 event, Scotland have decided to propose four courses, with the Scottish Ryder Cup Bid Committee backing on equal terms Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Turnberry and Loch Lomond.

A venue guideline document is presented to the prospective bidders by the Ryder Cup Committee which helps the interested parties to focus on various elements that will assist their cause.

For example, one of the criteria is that a potential bidder should have, or have plans for, accommodation that can house a minimum of 5,000 rooms.

The bid guidance notes envisage:

An increasing involvement by Government and public agencies in staging Ryder Cup matches.

Commitment to staging the event will be demonstrated by ensuring the necessary transport and other infrastructure and services are in place.

Loch Lomond is hoping to be voted as 2009 host

The staging of the event must also form part of a more comprehensive tourism, sports development and business investment strategy demonstrating public and private sector and community support.

After the bid documents have been handed in, a delegation from the Ryder Cup Committee then visits the grounds and analyses criteria more specific to the course such as:

Car-parking facilities.

Space around the tees, fairways and greens to allow for the estimated 45,000 spectators likely to attend the Ryder Cup each day.

Accommodation facilities

Access for the traffic and being able to park 20,000 cars within 12 miles of the course.

Does the club have proven experience of hosting major golf events.

For each of the bidders, the selection committee then considers the effects on the local community and the facilities of the course itself.

The committee, which comprises three people from the European Tour and three from the PGA, with the PGA holding the casting vote, then vote to determine the winner.


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