This weekend, golf’s sedate etiquette will make way for a cavalcade of whoops, hollas and cheers as the best players from the United States and Europe once again battle each other for the coveted Ryder Cup.
Medinah Country Club, a former US Open and PGA Championship venue just over a half-hour drive from Chicago (pictured above by danperry.com), has the honour of hosting the biannual event this time around. It’s just the latest in a string of prestigious, top-class venues in the US to do so. No doubt watching the intense competition unravel on TV will inspire you to head out onto the course yourself. Here are 5 great US Ryder Cup venues you can play.
NB Many US Ryder Cup venues are exclusive country clubs where you need an introduction by a member to gain entry.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort – The Ocean Course
• Location: Kiawah Island near Charleston, South Carolina
• Average green fee: Low season rate from $235 for the Ocean Course and top – peak season – rate $343
• Par: 72
• Distance: 7,356 yards
• Last hosted Ryder Cup: 1991
• Interesting fact: The fourth course to have hosted each of the PGA of America’s major championships
Valhalla Golf Club
• Location: outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky
• Average green fee: $250 (weekend) – must be accompanied by a member
• Par: 72
• Distance: 7,195 yards
• Last hosted Ryder Cup: 2008
• Interesting fact: Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus
The Greenbrier Resort – Greenbrier Course
• Location: White Sulphur Springs, on the border of West Virginia and Virginia
• Average green fee: $135-195
• Par: 72
• Distance: 6,675 yards
• Last hosted Ryder Cup: 1979
• Interesting fact: the only resort course in the world to have hosted The Ryder Cup (1979) and The Solheim Cup (1994)
Champions Golf Club – Cypress Creek Course
• Location: outskirts of Houston, Texas
• Average green fee: $85-110 (reciprocal guest policy)
• Par: 71
• Distance: 7,301 yards
• Last hosted Ryder Cup: 1967
• Interesting fact: The course is lined with well over 70,000 trees
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