A Bid for the Ryder Cup in 2035
Members of the common council in an English city have recently expressed their support for a bid to host the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament in the borough. Now, one of the European stars from the most recent biennial event, Tommy Fleetwood, has also announced his support for the bid. The proposal is for the tournament to take place at the major Hulton Park development in 2035, while the current tournament is underway in Rome. Despite the controversial nature of the plan, the authority believes that hosting such a high-profile competition could bring significant benefits.
The Benefits of Hosting the Ryder Cup
Deputy leader Akhtar Zaman has stated that the council is fully behind the bid. He recognizes the concerns of local residents but believes that now is the time to support the proposal. One of the key benefits is the economic impact of the tournament itself, with an expected 75,000 visitors per day and the boost this will provide to the hospitality industry. Additionally, Tommy Fleetwood has shared his support for the proposal, highlighting the potential of a purpose-built stadium course at Hulton and the positive impact it could have on the golfing community in England. Fleetwood, who performed well in the 2023 Ryder Cup, has a personal connection to the area, having grown up just 30 miles away from the site.
Inspiring the North West and Creating Jobs
Fleetwood also emphasizes the broader benefits of the proposal for the North West region. According to him, it would inspire more people in the area to take up golf and create jobs, investment, and tourism. The Hulton site is located close to the birthplace of Samuel Ryder, after whom the Ryder Cup is named. Zaman agrees that hosting the tournament could boost the borough’s global prestige and create long-term economic benefits. He points to the success of other events, such as Ironman and the Food and Drink Festival, in bringing recognition to Bolton. He believes that the Ryder Cup will put Bolton on the world stage, generating over 1,000 jobs and addressing the housing shortage with the construction of 1,000 homes.
The Controversial Planning Process
The plan to build the Hulton Park development, capable of hosting the Ryder Cup, has faced significant challenges. Peel L&P, the developers, encountered resistance from the Bolton Council planning committee, leading to a rejection of the bid. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact and increased traffic. However, the developers appealed against this decision, and a government planning inspector strongly criticized the council for their refusal. The appeal resulted in the council being ordered to pay nearly $500,000 in costs to cover the appeal expenses. Despite the controversy, the plan has received approval and has been given the green light.
The Target Year of 2035
Originally, Peel L&P had hoped 2031 or 2035 would be feasible for the bid. However, due to delays and the need for sufficient time to complete the project, they are now targeting 2035. Planning director Richard Knight stated that rushing the project would not be ideal and that more time is required to build a new venue for the tournament. The plan includes the construction of an 18-hole championship golf course along with other facilities and the development of over 1,000 new houses in the Over Hulton area.
Despite initial opposition, the bid to host the Ryder Cup in the borough has gained support from both local authorities and influential figures in the golfing community. With the economic benefits and potential for growth in the region, the development of the Hulton Park site could be a game-changer for the area and for the game of golf in England as a whole.
By: Joe Harrigan
Title: Tommy Fleetwood Supports Controversial Ryder Cup Golf Course Plan
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/10/03/tommy-fleetwood-ryder-cup-golf-course-plan-hulton-park/
Published Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:30:17 +0000
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