Ryder Cup Diary

The Ryder Cup European Development Trust is working with national PGAs and governing bodies to encourage people to play and enjoy golf.

The Trust was set up when the PGAs of Europe became partners in Ryder Cup Europe as a way to channel part of the profits from Ryder Cup Europe into European golf development.

The Trust is funding golf development activities at European Tour events this season to give spectators a taste of the game using inflatable golf nets, as well as providing free ten minute lessons from local PGA professionals. The aim is to help existing golfers enjoy their game more and to entice others to ‘give golf a go’ in a fun, unintimidating environment.

The activities also give the national PGAs and governing bodies an opportunity to showcase themselves in their own country and demonstrate to the public the importance of high level coaching to the development and enjoyment of their golf. More than 500 free golf lessons are given at each participating event.

Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the PGAs of Europe, said:

“The knowledge of the PGA professionals is a vital ingredient in all golf development programmes across the world. We are delighted to partner with national governing bodies and The European Tour for this development project.”

Sandy Lyle says he feels let down by the European Tour after missing out on the captaincy for the next Ryder Cup.
Fellow Scot Colin Montgomerie has been selected to lead Europe at Celtic Manor in 2010, but Lyle does not understand why he has been overlooked. In one of the strongest interviews that he’s given to the BBC he was quoted as saying:

“I was let down by the European Tour” “It’s frustrating”
“I’m still mystified why they haven’t pin-pointed any sort of qualities I’m lacking. I’d like to know.”

International scrum to host 2018 Ryder Cup
Six nations are set to compete to host the Ryder cup in 2018
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are to bid to stage to the 2018 Ryder Cup, the European Tour confirmed.
The deadline for confirmation of the bids is April 20, 2010 and the winning bid will be announced in 2011.

Woosenam publicly rules out any role in Ryder Cup 2010
Iam Woosenam, who led the Ryder Cup team to victory in 2006 has ruled out playing a role in the forthcoming Ryder Cup. Celtic Manor is on his doorstep in Wales but he has not been asked to play any part thus far by Colm Montgomerie and now says that he will decline if asked.

Moët & Chandon, have agreed a renewal of their agreement to be Preferred Supplier of Champagne to The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

The new arrangement with Ryder Cup Europe brings Moët & Chandon’s association with The Ryder Cup to 17 years, following their initial introduction to the biennial event between Europe and the United States at The Belfry in 1993.

The downpour of rain at Celtic Manor causing the Wales Open to close for business for nearly six-and-a-half hours leads to concerns for the Ryder Cup in 2010. The huge puddles and washed out bunkers don’t bode well and Jim McKenzie, the Celtic Manor’s director of golf said that improvements to the drainage would continue up to the event.

In defence of the course it was freakish weather, however some commentators are harping back to Nick Faldo’s infamous “bring your waterproofs” comment at last year’s closing ceremony and saying frogman suits might be more appropriate!