Sweden withdraw from race to host The 2018 Ryder Cup
The Swedish Golf Federation and Scandinavian Golf Event Management (SGEM), the company behind the country’s bid to host The Ryder Cup, have decided to withdraw their candidature for the 2018 contest and switch their focus to the 2022 event.
The organisers cited a weakened economy and insurmountable challenges in terms of sourcing the necessary finances – including lack of Government funding - as the reasons for their decision to pull out of the race.
France, Germany, Holland, Portugal and the city of Madrid are the other parties involved in the bid to stage the biennial match in 2018.
Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman of SGEM, said: “The Ryder Cup is a fantastic event and it is regrettable that it was not possible to resolve the funding for 2018. However, Sweden needs major events and one of these may be The Ryder Cup. We will work to ensure we can make a new application for 2022.”
Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said: “We fully respect Sweden’s decision to withdraw from the bidding process for The 2018 Ryder Cup. These are challenging times and we appreciate the complexities of preparing a submission which meets all the necessary criteria.
“Swedish golfers have played a leading role in Europe’s recent Ryder Cup successes and we hope that Sweden will be in a position to make a vigorous bid to stage the event when it returns to Europe in 2022.
“Meanwhile we look forward to receiving the official bid documents from the five parties still involved in the 2018 process, namely France, Germany, Holland, Portugal and Madrid.”
So, with Portugal still in the hunt (and would be very popular with the British and Irish vote), which of the courses would be considered. Well from a course quality point of view and logistics, its difficult to see any of the Lisbon courses to be considered. Despite the quality of Troia and Oitavos Dunes, I think they are both far too short and certainly do not have the logistical or financially structures. So that leaves us the Algarve courses.
Of these, I would suggest there are 5 main contenders:
Quinta Do Lago - with 3 courses on site its a golfing hotbed and lots of quality. It has decent infrastructure and is pretty close to the airport, so its a contender.
Oceanico Victoria - Probably the favourite. Hosts the Portugal Masters and Oceanico is the largest Golf Business on the Iberian Peninsula. Add to this their partnership with Troon Golf, it's easy to see the event taking place there.
San Lorenzo - Probably too short to host the event, but we can dream!
Vale Do Lobo - Similar to Quinta Do Lago, with two very good courses and decent infrastructure and extremely popular with British and Irish golfers alike.
Monte Rei - The Nicklaus course is modern and well respected, but probably too far off the "beaten track" to compete.
Its difficult to predict who is the favourite for the event. Spain has Madrid, and is a very strong contender, but has had the event before - which may count against them.
Germany probably fancy their chances. The Langer effect should not be underestimated, a Ryder Cup hero (as captain and player). But golf is not growing as quickly as the Germans would like and with only one real chance of a player (Martin Kaymer) it may go against them.
France and Holland bring up the rear. The French have plenty of decent courses to boast and have enjoyed a growing reputation in their playing base, whilst the Dutch seem to be making up the numbers in the bid.
For me, Portugal would be a great venue both for the courses and the weather. But my money would be on France being awarded the Competition. One thing is for sure, whoever is hosting, they will need to welcome British and Irish fans with open arms.
