The Ryder Cup: A Journey Through Iconic Venues

Few events in golf carry the same level of passion, rivalry, and history as the Ryder Cup. Every two years, Europe and the United States battle it out for glory, with each edition being shaped not only by the players but also by the venue. The courses chosen for the Ryder Cup are more than just backdrops—they set the stage, define the strategy, and live forever in golfing folklore. With this year’s competition heading to Bethpage Black, let’s take a look at some of the legendary venues that have hosted the event over the years.

Early Years in the UK

The Ryder Cup began in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts, but many of the early matches alternated between courses in the UK and USA. Venues such as Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club and Moortown Golf Clubplayed key roles in establishing the tradition.

Iconic British Venues

Over the decades, some of the UK’s most prestigious courses have hosted unforgettable matches:

• Royal Lytham & St Annes – Known for its punishing bunkers, it set the tone for many fierce contests.

• Muirfield – One of Scotland’s most revered links, providing a true test of skill.

• The Belfry – Perhaps the Ryder Cup’s most iconic European venue, hosting the event four times. Its Brabazon Course has witnessed countless dramatic moments, including Seve Ballesteros’ famous drive onto the 10th green in 1985.

Memorable U.S. Venues

Across the Atlantic, American courses have delivered their own drama:

• Oak Hill (New York) – A challenging layout that tested both accuracy and nerve.

• Kiawah Island (1991) – Site of the infamous “War on the Shore,” one of the most intense Ryder Cups ever played.

• Hazeltine (2016) – A modern setting that saw the USA reclaim the trophy after years of European dominance.

Recent Classics

• Whistling Straits (2021) – With its dramatic Lake Michigan backdrop, it was the stage for a commanding U.S. victory.

• Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (2023) – Just outside Rome, this modern course delivered a thrilling European triumph and gave Italy its first Ryder Cup.

2025: Bethpage Black

This year, the Ryder Cup arrives at Bethpage Black in New York, one of the toughest and most famous public courses in the United States. Known for its brutally long layout, narrow fairways, and deep bunkering, Bethpage has already made its mark in major championships, having hosted multiple U.S. Opens and set to host a PGA Championship in the future.

Bethpage is unique because it brings the Ryder Cup to a passionate New York crowd, renowned for their energy, intensity, and sometimes ruthless heckling. The atmosphere promises to be electric, and with the course’s difficulty, both teams will need strategy, patience, and grit to come out on top.

Looking Ahead

The Ryder Cup’s identity is inseparable from the venues that host it. From links classics in the UK to modern masterpieces in the USA, each course has added a chapter to the story of one of sport’s greatest rivalries. As the world’s eyes turn to Bethpage Black, we can be certain of one thing—the venue will once again play a starring role in Ryder Cup history.