They’re off and running for Ryder Cup 2018

THE first thing to bear in mind when it comes to debating the potential venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup match is that it will not necessarily be played on the best course in any one of the six countries nominated yesterday to bid for the event in nine years time.

European Ryder Cup director Richard Hills has already mentioned “sporting and commercial criteria” and when push comes to shove, it can be guaranteed that the latter will assume greater importance than the former. If that wasn’t the case, then the 2006 matches would have taken place over a links, most likely Portmarnock, rather than an American-designed parkland lay-out at the K Club in Co Kildare. Much or maybe all will depend on which country comes up with the most money!

The six countries – France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden – have announced their intention to bid for the 2018 Cup. The deadline for the submission of bids is the end of April next year, with the announcement expected in 2011.