Top 10 All-Time Ryder Cup Courses That Made History
The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s most exciting events. It is a competition between Europe and the United States, held every two years. What makes it even more special is where it takes place. The course plays a big role in how the matches turn out.
Some courses helped create unforgettable moments. Others pushed players to their limits. The best Ryder Cup courses have strong layouts, great crowd energy, and a long history of big matches. This guide highlights the top venues that made an impact and continue to stand out today.
What Makes a Great Ryder Cup Course
A great Ryder Cup course is not just hard. It must be fair and exciting. It should challenge players but also entertain fans. Each shot should matter. Players need to think carefully, especially on holes with water, wind, or tough greens.
The layout should include holes where players can take risks or play it safe. That kind of choice makes the match more interesting. A course should also have space for fans to follow the action and cheer. Crowd energy changes the mood and puts pressure on the teams.
Weather, design, and history all add something. A famous course makes every shot feel more important. The best venues combine all these parts into one great experience.
Top 10 Ryder Cup Courses of All Time
| Course | Location | Years Hosted | Style | Historic Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Belfry | England | 1985, 1989, 1993, 2002 | Parkland | McGinley made the winning putt in 2002 |
| Muirfield | Scotland | 1973 | Links | Fair test with a respected history |
| Kiawah Island | USA | 1991 | Coastal | Langer missed, U.S. won in a close match |
| Royal Birkdale | England | 1965, 1969 | Links | Nicklaus gave Jacklin a short putt to tie |
| Oakland Hills | USA | 2004 | Parkland | Europe earned biggest road win at the time |
| Le Golf National | France | 2018 | Stadium style | Europe controlled the match from start to finish |
| Whistling Straits | USA | 2021 | Lakeside links | U.S. won by record margin |
| Celtic Manor | Wales | 2010 | Match-play layout | McDowell sealed win in Monday finish |
| Pinehurst No. 2 | USA | 1951 | Sandbelt style | Classic layout with tough greens |
| Medinah | USA | 2012 | Parkland | Europe came back from 10–6 to win |
1. The Belfry – Brabazon Course (England)
The Belfry is one of the most famous Ryder Cup venues. It hosted in 1985, 1989, 1993, and 2002. The short par 4 tenth hole became famous when Seve Ballesteros drove the green.
Paul McGinley made the winning putt for Europe in 2002. The layout suits match play, with holes that reward smart, aggressive golf.
2. Muirfield (Scotland)
Muirfield hosted the Ryder Cup in 1973. It is a links course with firm fairways and deep bunkers. The design challenges every part of a player’s game.
Its history in major golf events adds to its importance. Many call it one of the fairest courses in the world.
3. Kiawah Island – Ocean Course (USA)
In 1991, this course gave us the “War on the Shore.” Strong winds and tough conditions made every hole feel like a battle. The final point came down to one putt.
Bernhard Langer missed, and the U.S. team won. The course still stands out for its beauty and difficulty.
4. Royal Birkdale (England)
Royal Birkdale hosted in 1965 and 1969. It is known for fast greens and a true links layout. The 1969 match ended in a tie after Jack Nicklaus gave Tony Jacklin a short putt on the final hole.
That moment became a symbol of sportsmanship. The course itself remains one of the best in England.
5. Oakland Hills – South Course (USA)
Europe won here in 2004 with a score of 18.5 to 9.5. The course is long, with narrow fairways and fast greens. It is called “The Monster” because of how tough it plays.
That year, the U.S. team struggled, and Europe took full control. The venue added a big chapter to Ryder Cup history.
6. Le Golf National – Albatros Course (France)
This modern course near Paris hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. It was built with fans in mind. Large stands surround the final holes.
The layout includes many water hazards and tight landing areas. Europe played solid golf from start to finish and won with teamwork and control.
7. Whistling Straits (USA)
Whistling Straits hosted in 2021. It looks like a Scottish course but sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. The views are stunning, and the slopes are steep.
The young U.S. team played with confidence and won by a wide margin. The course fit the moment perfectly.
8. Celtic Manor – Twenty Ten Course (Wales)
Celtic Manor was built for the Ryder Cup. It hosted in 2010. Rain delayed the final day, and the match ended on Monday.
Graeme McDowell won the last match and gave Europe the win. The course had a mix of water, hills, and pressure. It delivered the drama the Ryder Cup is known for.
9. Pinehurst No. 2 (USA)
Pinehurst hosted the Ryder Cup in 1951. Donald Ross designed the course to test every skill. It has crowned greens and sandy areas instead of rough.
Players must place their shots carefully. The course still hosts major events today and is known for its classic style.
10. Medinah Country Club – Course 3 (USA)
Medinah hosted in 2012. Europe made a big comeback after being behind 10 to 6 on the final day. They won 14.5 to 13.5.
That comeback is now called the “Miracle at Medinah.” The course’s fast greens and water hazards added to the pressure and made the result more special.
Honorable Mentions
Royal Lytham & St Annes (England)
Hosted in 1961 and 1977. Known for its deep bunkers and firm fairways, it remains a favorite among traditional golf fans.
Ganton Golf Club (England)
Hosted in 1949. A well-designed course that mixes links and parkland features. Its challenge still earns respect today.
Laurel Valley Golf Club (USA)
Hosted in 1975. Arnold Palmer helped design the course and also led the U.S. team. The layout is quiet and clean, built for focus and precision.
Walton Heath Golf Club (England)
Hosted in 1981. This heathland course brought dry, firm conditions. It helped the U.S. team use long iron shots to great effect.
Upcoming Iconic Venue: Bethpage Black (USA, 2025)
Bethpage Black in New York will host the 2025 Ryder Cup. It is known as one of the hardest public golf courses in the world. A sign at the first tee warns that only skilled golfers should play. The course has deep bunkers, narrow fairways, and long holes.
Bethpage hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009 and the PGA Championship in 2019. Crowds in New York are loud and passionate. That energy will raise the pressure. With its layout and location, Bethpage Black is set to become a classic Ryder Cup venue.
Future Ryder Cup Venues (2027 to 2037)
The Ryder Cup will visit some of the most iconic golf courses in the world. These locations are set and ready to host golf’s biggest team event over the next decade.
| Year | Venue | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Adare Manor | Limerick, Ireland | Confirmed |
| 2029 | Hazeltine National Golf Club | Minnesota, USA | Confirmed |
| 2031 | Camiral Golf & Wellness (TBC) | Girona, Spain | Pending |
| 2033 | Olympic Club (Lake Course) | San Francisco, USA | Confirmed |
| 2035 | Not yet decided | Europe | Pending |
| 2037 | Congressional Country Club (Blue) | Maryland, USA | Confirmed |
In 2027, Adare Manor becomes the third course in Ireland to host this event. Hazeltine will return in 2029 after hosting in 2016.
Spain is in talks to host 2031, with Camiral Golf as the front-runner. The Olympic Club in California will take the spotlight in 2033. Congressional, known for major championships, is the pick for 2037.
Two European venues are still open for 2031 and 2035. More updates are expected as final decisions get made.
