What the data shows
Is Bolton ready to host the Ryder Cup at Hulton Park Golf Course in 2035? The answer is yes, as the town is actively pursuing this prestigious golf event, which would mark England’s first hosting since 2002. This ambitious bid is supported by significant investments and community backing.
Bolton’s bid includes a £70 million investment in a new M61-M6 link road, aimed at improving infrastructure and accessibility for the event. This investment is not only crucial for the Ryder Cup but is also expected to provide a lasting boost to the local economy. According to Nick Peel, a representative from Peel Retail & Leisure, “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 Ryder Cup, a biennial golf competition featuring 24 players from Europe and the United States, has not been hosted in England for over 30 years. The last English venue to host the event was The Belfry in Warwickshire in 2002. Bolton’s bid is competing against other notable locations, including The London Club in Sevenoaks and Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire.
Tommy Fleetwood, a prominent golfer, has expressed his support for Bolton’s bid, stating, “As a golfer, a Ryder Cup being in England, first and foremost, would be something special.” His endorsement highlights the significance of this event for the golfing community in England.
Hulton Park itself has a rich history, having been owned by the Hulton family for over 700 years before being acquired by Peel Retail & Leisure in 2010. The golf course at Hulton Park will be purpose-built for the Ryder Cup, ensuring that it meets the high standards required for such a prestigious event.
Bolton’s formal bid submission is expected in April 2026, with a decision on the 2035 host anticipated shortly thereafter. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized the seriousness of the bid, stating, “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.”
While the excitement builds around the potential of hosting the Ryder Cup, there are concerns regarding the impact on green spaces. Burnham addressed these concerns, noting, “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.” This perspective aims to balance the development with environmental considerations.
As the bid progresses, the community and stakeholders await further developments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final decision timeline and the specific plans for Hulton Park Golf Course. However, the commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and the support from notable figures like Fleetwood indicate a strong push towards making this dream a reality for Bolton and the wider golfing community.