Ryder Cup in England moves a step closer

Plans to stage the Ryder Cup in England in either 2031 or 2035 have moved a step closer.

The government has decided not to ‘call in’ Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa’s proposal to build a course capable of hosting the biennial clash, meaning that planning permission for the development – granted in June last year – can now proceed to the next stage.

The Bedfordshire resort, owned by the Arora Group, has made no secret of its desire to host the Ryder Cup.

England hasn’t staged the match since 2002 when The Belfry hosted for the fourth time. Since then, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy have all taken turns, with Ireland set to do so again in 2027 when the clash takes place at Adare Manor.

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Aurora Group chairman Surinder Arora previously told Luton Today: “Hosting the Ryder Cup, potentially in either 2031 or 2035 would raise the profile of the area to a global audience.

“The opportunity to bid to host a Ryder Cup at Luton Hoo is a very real and realistic ambition.”

The development plans include the creation of a new championship course to replace the current 18-hole layout, as well as the construction of a new clubhouse.

It could, however, face competition from other English golf properties.

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Tommy Fleetwood is amongst those supporting plans to build a new “Ryder Cup ready” resort at Hulton Park in Bolton, whilst the London Club – situated around 20 miles southeast of the capital – is also reportedly interested in exploring a Ryder Cup bid.

The most recent edition of the match was staged at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, with Luke Donald’s European team regaining the trophy courtesy of a 16.5-11.5 win over Zach Johnson’s US side.

Donald will lead Europe into next year’s match at Bethpage in New York, with the American captain yet to be appointed.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor