England is on the verge of ending a more than three-decade wait to host the Ryder Cup, and the driving force behind this resurgence is a bold, ambitious bid from Bolton. The Greater Manchester region, led by Mayor Andy Burnham, has set its sights on the 2035 Ryder Cup, aiming to stage the event at a brand-new, purpose-built golf course at Hulton Park. If successful, this would mark the first time since 2002 that the Ryder Cup graces English soil, and the first time ever in the north-west of the country. The bid is not just a hopeful gesture; it’s a meticulously planned campaign underscored by significant infrastructure investments and high-profile endorsements.
The Ryder Cup, held every two years, is one of the most prestigious events in global sport. It pits the best golfers from Europe against their American rivals in a fiercely contested match play format, drawing massive television audiences and delivering substantial economic benefits to its host region. England’s absence from the host rotation for over thirty years has been keenly felt, especially given the country’s deep golfing heritage. The last English venue to host the tournament was The Belfry in Warwickshire back in 2002, when Team Europe secured a memorable victory. Since then, the event has traveled across the UK and Europe, but never returned to England’s fairways.
Bolton’s bid stands out not only for its ambition but also for its strategic vision. At the heart of the proposal is the creation of a world-class golf course at Hulton Park, a historic estate that has been owned by the Hulton family for over 700 years before being acquired by Peel Retail & Leisure in 2010. The course will be purpose-built to meet the unique demands of the Ryder Cup, offering a bespoke venue rather than repurposing an existing one. This approach signals a commitment to excellence and a desire to create a lasting legacy for the region.
Mayor Andy Burnham has been unequivocal in his support, framing the bid as a transformative opportunity for Greater Manchester. “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,” Burnham declared. He dismissed any notion that the bid was a pipe dream, emphasizing the “promising conversations” with tournament organizers and the region’s readiness to deliver. Burnham also highlighted the broader economic and social benefits, stating, “The lasting boost for our local economy will be huge and, of course, we’ve also had the announcement of £70m to help deliver Park Avenue, the new phase of the M61-M6 link road which will be absolutely crucial for that part of Bolton.”
The infrastructure upgrades are a cornerstone of the bid. A £70 million investment in a new M61-M6 link road is designed to ease transportation to Hulton Park, ensuring the venue is accessible for the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend. Burnham is also advocating for accelerated rail improvements, better stations, and expanded Metrolink connections, all of which would leave a lasting legacy for Bolton and the wider Greater Manchester area. These enhancements are not just about the Ryder Cup—they represent a strategic push to position the region as a premier destination for major international events.
Support for the bid extends well beyond political circles. Professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, currently ranked world number three and a three-time Ryder Cup winner, has emerged as a passionate advocate. Hailing from Southport, just 40 miles from Hulton Park, Fleetwood’s endorsement carries significant weight. “As a golfer, a Ryder Cup being in England, first and foremost, would be something special,” Fleetwood said in a press release. “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. I’m totally in favour of it and would be happy to support as much as I can! Whenever it’s on the Ryder Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and bringing that to the North West of England would be something very special that we’d remember forever.”
The journey to this point has not been without its challenges. The initial proposal for the Hulton Park course faced resistance from Bolton Council, which cited environmental concerns and the inclusion of a housing development within the plan. However, following an appeal by developers Peel L&P, a government inspector approved the golf course in 2022. Mayor Burnham has since clarified that any housing development would be subject to a separate planning process, and the current focus is solely on the golf course and the Ryder Cup bid. “Obviously, there’s the concern about green space, but a golf course does preserve a lot of green space and provides routes for people through it,” Burnham explained to the BBC.
While Bolton’s bid is generating significant excitement, it is not without competition. Two other English venues, The London Club in Sevenoaks and Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, are also vying for the 2035 Ryder Cup. Luton Hoo is undergoing a major redevelopment, aiming to transform itself into “the Augusta of Europe,” and will close for more than two years to facilitate the overhaul. However, Bolton’s combination of political backing, infrastructure investment, and a new, purpose-built course gives it a compelling case to bring the Ryder Cup back to England—and specifically to the north-west for the first time.
The Ryder Cup alternates between American and European venues every two years, with upcoming European hosts including Adare Manor in Ireland (2027) and Camiral in Spain (2031). The decision on the 2035 host is expected soon after Bolton’s formal bid submission, which is scheduled for April 2026. If successful, the event would not only end England’s long wait to host the Ryder Cup but also cement Greater Manchester’s status as a hub for world-class sporting events.
Beyond the immediate spectacle of the Ryder Cup, the legacy for Bolton and the wider region could be transformative. The new course at Hulton Park would attract future tournaments, boost tourism, and provide new recreational opportunities for the community. The infrastructure improvements tied to the bid would benefit residents long after the final putt drops. As Burnham and his team prepare to submit their formal bid, the anticipation is palpable. The eyes of the golfing world—and indeed, much of England—are now fixed on Bolton, waiting to see if this ambitious vision will become a reality.
With a formal bid just weeks away and a decision on the horizon, Greater Manchester stands ready to welcome the world. Whether Bolton ultimately secures the Ryder Cup or not, the region’s bold approach has already set a new standard for what’s possible in English sport. The next chapter in Ryder Cup history could very well be written at Hulton Park, ushering in a new era for golf in England’s north-west.