The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the whole sporting calendar, bringing in around 250,000 people into their venues, and it may be heading to Greater Manchester in 2035…
In a bid supported by Bolton Council, plans are to build a multimillion-pound golf course on the site of Hulton Park.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham spoke about how, “The success of the BRIT Awards in Manchester shows that we can attract and deliver international events to a brilliant standard.”
“Culture and sport will be major drivers of our good growth, and that’s why we’re bidding to host the biggest ever Ryder Cup in Bolton in 2035.”
He also wanted to work with the government to increase public transport in the surrounding area.
“What we would then do, should we be successful, is work with the government to turn the rail line, through Atherton, Hag Fold, Daisy Hill, into a tram/train service,”
The bid has also got endorsement from world famous golfer Tommy Fleetwood, who was born in Southport, located in the North West.
Bolton Council originally dismissed the idea of hosting a Ryder Cup because of environmental issues and the impact on the surrounding areas however, after an appeal by developers Peel L&P, a government inspector approved the idea in 2022.
In an exclusive interview, Matt Baker, A PGA Professional Golf Coach and the only Certified Malaska Golf Coach in Europe, spoke about the positives that the Ryder Cup could bring to Greater Manchester.
“I think its super exciting (the bid). I think it’s about time it comes (Ryder Cup) to a different venue in the UK.”
“The People themselves (from Manchester), will do a good job in hosting, they’re a friendly bunch.”
Matt also referred to how the Ryder Cup can become important in the growth of the sport in years to come.
“It’s going to help the economy, help people who love the game of golf.”
“Every time Wimbledon happens, tennis lessons increase, so the participation in golf will only increase especially with kids and people who haven’t thought about playing golf before.”
“ I can probably see a massive spike in memberships (if selected), with people participating in the sport which would be a good thing.”
People from the area, have huge doubts over this planned idea, with residents saying on Bolton news,
“There’s no infrastructure for it – you can’t even get to Wigan at the moment.”
A golfer from Westhoughton spoke on Bolton News about how, “I don’t think Westhoughton can cope -“, “maybe in 20 years, but not in 2035.”
A local charity, Heart Hulton, who oppose the Ryder Cup bid have a sign that says, It’s not just golf, It’s 1,000 homes, It’s pollution.”
This further clarifies, that despite the excitement that hosting a Ryder Cup could bring to the local area of Greater Manchester. There may be some challenges along the way, for this to either happen or not.