Ryder Cup Venues: Every Past Venue & Playable Courses

The Ryder Cup has been one of the most anticipated golf tournaments in history since 1927. The tournament takes place biennially between teams composed of the most skilled players from Europe and the United States. It’s renowned for its intense matchplay and the honor of being held on some of the world’s top courses. 

These venues, like PGA National Golf Club and the Belfry, are not only sites of thrilling golf but also carry significant historical weight in the sport. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or simply curious about these iconic locations, exploring these courses provides insight into the Ryder Cup’s rich history and excitement.

Here we’ll cover all of the Ryder Cup venues and their accessibility to the public.

Playable Courses:

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy

• Year: 2023
• Accessibility: Private

The golf course at Marco Simone was originally designed by Jim Fazio and opened in 1989. It underwent a significant redesign by architect Tom Fazio in preparation for hosting the Ryder Cup in 2023.

Marco Simone Golf Club gained international recognition by being selected as the host venue for the 2023 Ryder Cup, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in Italy.

Whistling Straits, Kohler, WI, USA

• Year: 2021
• Accessibility: Public

This is the more famous of the two courses at Whistling Straits, known for its rugged, windswept terrain that resembles a links-style course found in Ireland or Scotland. 

It has hosted multiple major championships, including the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, as well as the Ryder Cup in 2021. The Straits Course features dramatic elevation changes, bunkers, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Le Golf National, Gyancourt, France

• Year: 2018
• Accessibility: Public

The Albatros course is the most famous course at Le Golf National and is known for its challenging design. It’s a par 71 course that stretches over 7,300 yards and features a mix of strategic bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens.

The Albatros Course has gained international acclaim for its role as the host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, where Europe defeated the United States.

Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

• Year: 2014
• Accessibility: Resort (Public access for guests)

The hotel boasts three championship courses: The King’s Course, The Queen’s Course, and The PGA Centenary Course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1993, The PGA Centenary Course is the host venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup. 

This modern championship course was designed with tournament play in mind, featuring large undulating greens, deep bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes. It offers a more contemporary golfing experience compared to the historic charm of The King’s and Queen’s Courses.

Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales

• Year: 2010
• Accessibility: Resort (Public access for guests)

Designed by Ross McMurray and opened in 2007, The Twenty Ten Course gained fame as the host venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup. It was specifically designed with the Ryder Cup in mind, featuring challenging holes and strategic bunkering. 

The course offers stunning views of the Usk Valley and is known for its memorable finishing holes, the par-5 18th.

The K Club, County Kildare, Ireland

• Year: 2006
• Accessibility: Public

Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. It features strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and lush fairways, making it a favorite among serious golfers.

The Palmer Course has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the 2006 Ryder Cup.

The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England

• Years: 1985, 1989, 1993, 2002
• Accessibility: Private

No other golf club has hosted as many Ryder Cups as The Belfry’s Brabazon, making the course synonymous with this prestigious tournament. Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, the course opened in 1997 and quickly gained recognition. 

One of the most famous holes on the Brabazon Course is the 10th hole, a par 4 known as “The Belfry’s Signature Hole.” It features a narrow fairway with water hazards and requires precision off the tee.

Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande, Spain

• Year: 1997
• Accessibility: Private

Valderrama Golf Club, located in Sotogrande, Spain, is renowned as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it opened in 1974 and has since gained a stellar reputation among golfers worldwide.

The course’s iconic holes, such as the Par 5 17th, contribute to its allure and reputation as a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience. Valderrama’s immaculate conditioning and breathtaking scenic surroundings further enhance its appeal to golfers seeking a memorable and demanding round of golf.

The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, SC, USA

• Year: 1991
• Accessibility: Resort (Public access for guests)

The Ocean Course was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1991. It is renowned for its challenging and picturesque layout. The course features dramatic ocean views from nearly every hole, with several holes running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

The Ocean Course is characterized by its windswept dunes, deep bunkers, and undulating fairways and greens. The layout requires strategic thinking and shot-making due to the ever-present coastal winds that significantly affect play.

PGA National Golf Club, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

• Year: 1983
• Accessibility: Resort (Public access for guests)

Designed by Tom Fazio with input from Jack Nicklaus, The Champion Course is the flagship layout at PGA National. It is famous for hosting The Honda Classic, a PGA Tour event. The course is known for its challenging “Bear Trap,” a stretch of holes 15-17 known for its water hazards and demanding play.

Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey, England

• Year: 1981
• Accessibility: Public

Inspired by the links courses of Scotland, the course demands a diverse range of shots that are well-suited to those accustomed to links-style play for optimal scoring. The New Course, which traverses similar heathland terrain, measures slightly shorter at 7,199 yards from the back tees and has been around since its 18-hole design was completed in 1913.

One of the most famous figures associated with the heathland is Winston Churchill, who was a regular visitor to the club from 1910 until his death in 1965, often accompanied by various political colleagues and rivals.

Royal Lytham & St Annes, St. Annes, England

• Years: 1961, 1977
• Accessibility: Private

Royal Lytham is esteemed as one of England’s premier links courses, and indeed, among the world’s best. Despite the traditional image of a links course by the sea, this course is situated over a mile inland amidst red brick housing. 

The Royal Lytham and St Annes contains 174 strategically placed bunkers, adding to the infamous difficulty of this course.

Muirfield, Edinburgh, Scotland

• Year: 1973
• Accessibility: Private

Muirfield was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and has undergone several redesigns over the years, most notably by Harry Colt. The current layout features a traditional links course design with two loops of nine holes that play in opposite directions, providing a unique challenge to golfers.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England

• Years: 1965, 1969
• Accessibility: Private

Established in 1889, Royal Birkdale Golf Club is celebrated for its rich championship legacy, demanding layout, and reputation for challenging even the finest golfers globally. It continues to captivate players and spectators alike, cherished for its legendary history and scenic links on the Lancashire coastline.

Wentworth Golf Club, Surrey, England

• Year: 1953
• Accessibility: Private

The Wentworth Golf Club was founded in 1922 and has a rich history associated with golfing traditions in England. It has evolved into one of the most exclusive and celebrated golf clubs in the United Kingdom.

Pinehurst Country Club, Pinehurst, NC, USA

• Year: 1951
• Accessibility: Resort (Public access for guests)

Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross and opened in 1907, Pinehurst No. 2 is the most famous course at Pinehurst Resort. It has a classic design featuring natural sandy areas, wiregrass, and strategic bunkering. 

The course has hosted multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open in 1999, 2005, and 2014, as well as the U.S. Women’s Open in 2014.

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, Southport, England

• Years: 1933, 1937
• Accessibility: Private

The S&A is situated on the Sefton Coast, offering stunning views of sand dunes and the Irish Sea. Its natural setting provides a challenging, yet picturesque environment for golfers of every skill level.

The 16th, nicknamed “Gumbleys” for its sleeper-faced bunker, stretches 506 yards and faces directly into the prevailing wind. When the wind is strong, golfers must execute three well-placed shots to reach the green.

Where is the Ryder Cup in 2025?

The Ryder Cup 2025 is at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, NY. Bethpage Black is notorious for its difficulty, earning a reputation as one of the toughest courses in the country. It’s a par-71 course that measures over 7,400 yards from the championship tees. 

The course was designed by renowned golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. It’s known for its challenging layout with narrow fairways, thick rough, and large bunkers. The greens are undulating and often fast, adding to the difficulty.

To inquire about Ryder Cup packages with Premier Golf, click the link below.

FAQs