2014 Ryder Cup dates confirmed
The Ryder Cup at The Gleneagles Hotel,
Perthshire, Scotland, will take place from Friday September 26 to
Sunday September 28, 2014.
The date for the 40th staging of the biennial
contest between Europe and the United States was announced at The
Gleneagles Hotel in the presence of Scotland’s First Minister, The
Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills,
Peter Lederer, Chairman of Gleneagles Hotel, and Patrick Elsmie,
Managing Director of The Gleneagles Hotel.
Alex Salmond MSP, said: "As the home of golf,
Scotland is well placed to host the best Ryder Cup in the
competition’s history when it arrives at Gleneagles in 2014.
"The arrangements for this spectacular event are
well underway, and I am delighted to announce today that the 2014
event will be held over the weekend of September 26-28, allowing
the tens of thousands of spectators expected to attend to begin
making their travel plans in earnest.
"I am also delighted to have seen for myself
today the many exciting changes that are being made to improve this
already outstanding golf course. As well as the hi-tech efforts to
reduce water on the greens, the Ryder Cup Teams can expect many of
the changes - proposed by Jack Nicklaus - to provide a sterner test
as they seek glory during the competition.
"During the week of The Ryder Cup itself, the
Scottish economy is expected to benefit by up to £100m, as visitors
flock from across the globe to experience superb golf on one of the
best courses in the world.
"But the benefits of the tournament will long
outlive that special week and be felt for many years to come. As
well as the lasting economic benefit, having the world's premier
golf team event on our doorstep will allow thousands of young
Scottish golfers chance to see the very best the sport has to offer
up close, giving them an experience they will never forget and
inspiring them to achieve great things in the future."
Richard Hills said: "Gleneagles have worked
closely with Jack Nicklaus Golf Design to deliver a great course
and I am certain the Gleneagles team, and Scotland, will deliver an
outstanding Ryder Cup in three years’ time."
Patrick Elsmie said: "We are excited that the
dates have now been confirmed for The Ryder Cup and are looking
forward to the prospect of welcoming the world’s greatest golfers
to Gleneagles in 2014.
"We were delighted to re-open the Dormy Clubhouse
this spring, following a £3 million refurbishment, and to announce
the new appointment of Stuart McEwen, as Director of Golf. This
winter we are continuing work on The PGA Centenary Course in
conjunction with Jack Nicklaus, with the intention of having the
course alterations completed by May 2012."
