Full Breakdown
Bolton's Ambitious Bid to Host the 2035 Ryder Cup
3/19/2026, 3:30:24 PM
Overview of the Bid
Bolton, Greater Manchester, is making a concerted effort to host the 2035 Ryder Cup, marking the first time in over 30 years that England would welcome this prestigious golf tournament. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced a substantial funding package aimed at enhancing local infrastructure, including a £70 million link road between the M61 and M6 motorways, to support the bid. Burnham emphasized the seriousness of the initiative, stating, "We believe we can land [the Ryder Cup] and now it's a case of putting in a firm bid next month and hopefully a decision soon."
Key Components of the Proposal
The centerpiece of Bolton's bid is a new, purpose-built golf course at Hulton Park, which has a historical significance tied to the Hulton family, known for their connection to the inspiration behind "Downton Abbey." The proposed development, estimated at £240 million, aims to create a world-class venue capable of accommodating up to 65,000 spectators during the tournament. Burnham has described the potential event as "the biggest ever Ryder Cup," projecting an attendance of approximately 350,000 fans.
Support from the Golf Community
Professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, a Ryder Cup winner, has publicly endorsed the bid, stating that hosting the event in his home region would be "incredible." He highlighted the area's potential, saying, "We have so much to offer, the people have a lot to offer, the infrastructure has a lot to offer." Fleetwood characterized the Ryder Cup as "the biggest sporting event in the world," underscoring the significance of bringing it to the north-west of England.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The funding package not only focuses on the golf course but also includes broader economic development initiatives. The £70 million investment in transport infrastructure is designed to benefit the local community long after the tournament concludes. Burnham noted that improvements would include enhanced rail services and better connectivity to the Metrolink network, which would facilitate access to the Ryder Cup site.
Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the bid, there has been opposition to the development of the Hulton Park golf course. Critics, including actress Maxine Peake, have expressed concerns about the environmental impact and the potential loss of green space. Initially, Bolton Council rejected the proposal on environmental grounds, but it was later approved by a government inspector in 2022 after an appeal by developers Peel L&P.
Competing Bids
Bolton's bid faces competition from other English venues, including the London Golf Club in Kent and Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, both of which are also vying for the 2035 hosting rights. The last Ryder Cup held in England took place at The Belfry in Warwickshire in 2002, making this bid particularly significant for the region.
What's Next
A formal bid is expected to be submitted next month, with a decision from Ryder Cup organizers anticipated soon thereafter. The outcome will determine whether Bolton can secure the rights to host this iconic event, which would not only elevate the region's profile in the sporting world but also potentially generate significant economic benefits.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're deadly serious about it. We believe we can land [the Ryder Cup] and now it's a case of putting in a firm bid next month and hopefully a decision soon.” — Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
- “As a golfer, a Ryder Cup being in England, first and foremost, would be something special.” — Tommy Fleetwood, Professional Golfer
This ambitious bid reflects Greater Manchester's commitment to leveraging major sporting events for economic growth and community development, while also navigating the complexities of local opposition and environmental considerations.
