An intense wave of emotion, anticipation, readiness, and responsibility for the work that needs to be done from now on were the most palpable sensations during the presentation of the official designation of Camiral as the host of the Ryder Cup 2031, where all the authorities agreed on one goal: to make it the best Ryder Cup in history. Much anticipation. More than 50 accredited media outlets and a hall with over 300 people from all areas of Spanish and Catalan society united under one motto: to make it the best Ryder Cup in history.
The dream began in 2002, the year when Dennis O’Brien, the Irish owner of Camiral, decided to invest in the purchase of what was then and for many years known as the PGA de Catalunya. From day one, with the tireless drive of Ángel Gallardo, the main goal was to host the Ryder Cup. Consider how much time has passed. Pure perseverance. In 2014, Camiral’s bid was made official. It strongly vied to be the host of the Ryder Cup in 2023, but Rome won the bid. It was a disappointment, but by no means a reason to give up. Years later, the DP World Tour itself contacted Camiral. Although Italy won, Spain’s bid was one of the most impressive, and they were asked if they still wanted to host the Ryder Cup. There would no longer be a bid among several candidates, but a direct negotiation between two parties. O’Brien said yes, although the process was not easy. Many parties had to be brought into agreement, especially regarding politics and the various administrations. The announcement took time. But perhaps because of this, the vibe was also special today in Camiral.
The news generated a euphoric atmosphere clearly reflected during the official event held at the complex’s facilities where the spectacular duel between the teams of Europe and the United States will take place, the quintessential confrontation in the world of golf. The main institutions represented at the event were Camiral Golf, the DP World Tour, the Higher Sports Council, the Generalitat, the Girona Provincial Council, and the Barcelona City Council. The presence of Salvador Illa was missed, excused due to a trip he is making to China.
Nothing was mentioned about the project to be carried out on the golf course. As we have already reported in Ten Golf, the idea is to build a new golf course that mixes holes from the Stadium course, which will provide the main contribution, and the Tour course. The project is on the table, and now it’s time to start the works and define all the details. The Ryder Cup is a gigantic event, not only in terms of the golf course but also with everything related to hospitality.
The necessary public-private collaboration as a mandatory working method to achieve success was cited by all the speakers, as well as highlighting the importance of generating a legacy that endures over time. The many benefits it generates in the places where it is held were highlighted by Guy Kinnings, CEO of the European Tour Group.
For his part, Albert Dalmau, Minister of the Presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya, highlighted the long tradition of organising top-level events and the new opportunity to put the name of Catalonia on the world map. In a more sporting context, Juan Guerrero-Burgos, President of the RFEG, praised the implicit recognition given to the contribution of Spanish golf in the history of the Ryder, as well as the generosity of everyone to bring to fruition a story that will be successful, as it contemplates a path to the Ryder, the Ryder itself, and post-Ryder as elements to generate a legacy.
The name of Barcelona as a brand to create a golfing destination but also a cultural, gastronomic, and tourist destination was mentioned by Mateu Hernández, Director General of Tourism of Barcelona, while Denis O’Brien, owner of Camiral, warmly acknowledged the work of all Camiral’s employees in turning a dream into reality.
Finally, Miguel Noguer, President of the Girona Provincial Council, emphasised the benefits generated when there is unity among administrations and a broad outlook, a statement also endorsed by José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, President of the Higher Sports Council, who highlighted that the first fruits of what was sown are being reaped and that the goal is to make golf a popular sport in a sustainable framework and to be recognised as a true industry that creates benefits for society as a whole.
Six years ahead of the celebration of the Ryder Cup 2031, there are many things yet to be finalised about a grand event that will host more than 200,000 spectators, a figure that will once again highlight the organisational capacity of the Catalan and Spanish institutions. Likewise, the composition of the team or the selection of the captain of the European team in the Ryder Cup 2031 is still far off, a decision that in any case will not be made until after the Ryder Cup of 2029.
The economic impact also centred part of the interventions, all framed in tremendously significant magnitudes that highlight the importance of the celebration of the Ryder Cup 2031 in Camiral, a global event that will undoubtedly create an unforgettable legacy that is already beginning to be built. Common goal: to make it the best Ryder Cup in history.
