The Ryder Cup has evolved from a one-sided British-American affair into the most prestigious team competition in professional golf. Since continental European players joined the competition in 1979, Europe's finest courses have provided the stages for golf's most dramatic moments. These ten venues represent the pinnacle of Ryder Cup history and European golf architecture.
Lothians, United Kingdom
Muirfield is the course of “The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers” (HCEG), the world’s oldest golf club – according to direct written evidence – formed in 1744.
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is the most northerly of the English championship links courses, situated only 10 miles from Royal Birkdale.
Yorkshire, United Kingdom
This sandy, gently undulating site was once a North Sea inlet. Consequently, Ganton Golf Club has all the characteristics of a links and a heathland course.
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Royal Birkdale Golf Club stands as one of England's finest links courses, where ten Open's have crowned the Champion Golfer of the Year. Located in Southport's towering dunes, this fair yet challenging course rewards precision and strategy. Your golf holiday awaits at this iconic venue with its distinctive Art Deco clubhouse.
Southern Spain, Spain
Most golfers will be familiar with Valderrama from TV coverage. The golf club has hosted a plethora of championships, including the legendary 1997 Ryder Cup. In 2014 the club was granted Royal status.
Surrey, United Kingdom
Walton Heath Golf Club is where links golf meets inland golf. There is no salty whiff of sea air, but the course plays and feels like a seaside links.
Surrey, United Kingdom
The West course at the Wentworth Club is Surrey's most famous golf course. It closed for its latest makeover in 2017 and reopened prior to the 2018 BMW PGA Championship.
Limerick, Ireland
Following J. P. McManus’s acquisition of Adare Manor in 2015, the old RTJ-designed parkland course has gone, replaced by a new Tom Fazio layout which opened in May 2018.
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Southport & Ainsdale hosted the Ryder Cup in 1933 and 1937, with James Braid's 1924 redesign creating an outstanding links amongst towering dunes and heather. This championship venue on England's Golf Coast combines a rich tournament heritage with year-round accessibility, making it an essential destination for golf holidays along the Lancashire coast.
Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Moortown Golf Club is classic moorland golf course with lovely peaty turf that provides the bouncy cushion-effect when walking, a course that is gentle on the feet.
