Catalonia, the only option (so far) to host the 2031 Ryder Cup

Twenty -five years after celebrating for the first time the Ryder Cup outside the British Isles, specifically in Cadiz’s countryside Valderrama thanks to the efforts of the club’s president, Bolivian millionaire Jaime Ortiz Patiño, and of course Severiano Ballesteros -both fought the unspeakable and were finally able to break the resistance of the British-, another camp of the Spaniards, the exact Catalan camp, the Caldes de Malavella PGA (Girona)is the first option considered, now, solely and exclusively, by the Ryder Committee to be granted in the coming weeks, the celebration of the biennial match between Europe and the USA in 2031.

Undoubtedly, this is a proposal with a history and strong background, but that was stuck and deleted a few days ago thanks to the efforts of employers. Foment del Treball and its president Josep Sánchez Llibre, who, being notified of the country’s interest in the candidacy (we repeat, now alone) by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and Catalan Golf Federation (FCGolf), went down to work, took corresponding steps and gained the political support of major Spanish and Catalan institutions. As who says succeeded in agreeing with the public and private sectors. Sánchez Llibre pushes the issue as far as he can, focusing on it. The stakes are high for this country’s economy after years of turmoil.

The next 15 days will be key, firstly because a meeting is scheduled for next May 27 at the Barcelona City Council to confirm Ciudad Condal’s support for the candidacy (it will be called Barcelona-Costa Brava) and secondly because in two weeks it will have a meeting that will take place (this is the key to closing the operation) on Generalitat, with President Pere Aragonès and the CEO and Ryder Cup Director Guy Kinningsas great ‘factotums’ of important agreement.

Catalonia, as confirmed by the MD, has until the end of June, nothing more, to tie all the loose ends and confirm the organization what for the political, business, sports and social sectors will be the largest sporting events to celebrate in Catalonia after Barcelona Olympics 1992. Beyond the sailing America’s Cup. If finally there is no agreement, a process will open up Spain of candidacies to host it and Madrid will enter the scene for sure.

We’re talking about a budget of 189 million euros (this is the ‘paste’ that Ryder Cup Limited is asking to be headquartered in Europe), an amount that will soon be met so that, finally, after two failed attempt and not because the PGA Catalunya of the powerful businessman was not left behind in the attempt (the 1997 and 2022 editions) Irish Denis O’Brien (a true Costa Brava lover)host one of the three most important sporting events in the world.

O’Brien has already committed to building a third 18-hole course at the PGA Catalunya, specifically hosting Ryder, and to more than 40,000 daily spectators (if not more) in the three days of competition (fourballs. , foursomes and individuals). O’Brien will put in 25 million euros. It has already bought land next to the complex’s current two routes -Stadium and Tour courses- located 10 minutes by car from Girona, five from the Costa Brava airport, and one hour from Barcelona.

The Spanish Government has already guaranteed guarantees worth 96 million euros (as well as tax exemptions as an Event of Highest Interest), the Provincial Council of Girona will place 4 million and the Generalitat, City Council and Provincial Council of Barcelona, ​​40. These. people today still need to confirm everything and who are the trusted sources of the project consulted by this newspaper ensures that in both buildings of Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona they are fully aware of what the Ryder Cup is and it represents , its impact on the media around the world, its coverage in the American tourist market and its apparent return to direct and indirect economic revenues (some figures speak of 1,300 million euros). They know that so far there is no event that has a greater impact on the economy, sustainability and has a focus on a new aspect of tourism quality.

Both Aragonès and Jaume Collboni, ‘recruited’ by Sánchez Llibre, seem to be in favor of the new sporting proposal for the territory after winning the sailing America’s Cup, the start (beginning) of the Vuelta Ciclista a España from Barcelona in 2023 (more in After 60 years), and the extension of the agreement with Liberty Media to continue hosting the Spanish F-1 GP at the Circuit de Catalunya. The budget also includes 33.5 million euros for opening and closing ceremonies, marketing, infrastructure and transport, and environmental commitment. Obviously the private sector (big sponsor) will have particular weight in this great golfing event.

The next four editions of the Ryder Cup have already been awarded: 2023 at Marco Simone Country Club, in Rome (Italy), 2025 at Bethpage Black, at Farmingdale (New York), 2027 at Adare Manor, in County Limerick (Ireland), 2029 at Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska (Minnesota).