THE Ryder Cup could head to Bolton after the town has decided to bid for the 2035 hosting rights.
Golf’s biggest tournament has not been held in England since 2002 – when it headed to The Belfry.
But Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed that a funding package is being put together to support the bid.
The cash will be put towards infrastructure around a new golf course, including a new £70million M61-M6 link road.
Burnham, 56, reckons welcoming an estimated 350,000 fans to Bolton for the Ryder Cup would leave a lasting legacy for the region.
He said: “The success of the Brit Awards in Manchester shows that we can attract and deliver international events to a brilliant standard.
“We’ve had promising conversations with organisers about bringing the tournament to a bespoke, world-class course at Hulton Park.
“But it will only be possible with the right infrastructure. We’re doing our bit to make it happen.
“We’re committing up to £70m to deliver a transport package to not only help spectators get to the site but deliver major benefits for the people living in the surrounding areas.
“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.”
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The Greater Manchester Combined Authority added the region is already preparing to host “the biggest ever Ryder Cup”.
Bolton Council previously rejected the proposal for the Hulton Park golf course for environmental reasons.
But an appeal by developers Peel L&P resulted in the plans being approved by the government inspector in 2022.
Tommy Fleetwood, who was part of the Europe team that lifted the Ryder Cup last year, is desperate for the iconic tournament to return to English shores for the first time in more than 30 years.
He said: “As a golfer, a Ryder Cup being in England, first and foremost, would be something special.
“On top of that, to do it in the north-west of England, where I’m from, would be amazing.
“We have so much to offer, the people have a lot to offer, the infrastructure has a lot to offer, and I think it would be something that would be incredible.”
The London Golf Club in Sevenoaks, Kent, and Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire are also competing for the 2035 hosting rights.
Europe retained the Ryder Cup last September, having also beaten Team USA in Rome back in 2023.
