Scotland's on standby for Welsh Ryder Cup   more

Daily Record, 1 October 2001

First Minister Henry McLeish has ordered officials to prepare contingency plans to stage the Ryder Cup in 2010.

Ryder Cup for sale   more

An unrelenting pursuit of cash has left golf's most prestigious piece of silverware badly tarnished

Alasdair Reed, The Sunday Times, 30 September 2001

The clouds of economic gloom may be gathering over the horizon, but a clear blue sky above Wentworth on Friday afternoon suggested their arrival is hardly imminent. As the sun beat down on the Surrey course, expensive saloons sat smugly on the gravel of the members' car park, half-timbered mansions peeped coyly from behind rhododendron and redwood screens, while the reassuring sound of ice against fine crystal wafted over from the terrace of the bar.

Green Scots lose to colour of money   more

Alan Campbell examines the many problems that led to a failed Scottish Ryder Cup bid, and says we must do better when trying to attract other sporting events in the future

Sunday Herald, 30 September 2001

So, in the end, compromise won. That Wales, with the award of the 2010 Ryder Cup, got the best of the deal and Scotland, with 2014, the worst will always rankle with some, but there are serious lessons to be absorbed if such a debacle is to be avoided again.

The powerbroker who has so riled his home country   more

The executive director of the European Tour has just made one of the most crucial decisions of his 26-year career

Alan Campbell, Sunday Herald, 30 September 2001

TO those who know Ken Schofield well, his insistence that the 2010 Ryder Cup be awarded to Celtic Manor in Wales was entirely in character. Although he played his boyhood golf at Auchterarder, just along the road from Gleneagles, Schofield's loyalties these days are to the organisation he has run for 26 years.

Ryder Cup Bid:   more

Bank of Scotland threaten to walk away as corporate backing for 2014 hangs in the balance

Mark McSherry and Douglas Fraser, Sunday Herald, 30 September 2001

Bank of Scotland is considering withdrawing as the main private sector backer of Scotland's Ryder Cup campaign because of the 'behaviour' of the European Tour and the 13-year wait Gleneagles now faces before it hosts the biggest event in golf.

SNP demand disclosure on failed Ryder Cup bid   more

Alan Campbell, Sunday Herald, 30 September 2001

The Scottish National Party is to press on with a motion demanding disclosure of all the 2010 Ryder Cup bid documents and an analysis of why Scotland had lost the tournament to Celtic Manor in Wales.

To the Manor born, of course   more

John Huggan, Scotland on Sunday, 30 September 2001

Well, don’t say we didn’t warn you. When, in May, this newspaper first revealed to the nation that the 2009 - now 2010 - Ryder Cup wasn’t, after all, going to be bedecked in tartan, other sections of the Scottish media were oh-so quick to pour cold water on the very idea.

A week in the life of a Labour MSP   more

Mungo MacKay, Scotland on Sunday, 30 September 2001

MONDAY, and bad news is about to break. The First Minister has staked all his credibility (admittedly that is not saying too much) on his revolutionary policy of transforming Scotland by securing a golf tournament 10 years down the line.

Ryder Cup decision causes outrage   more

Auslan Cramb, Scotland Correspondent, Daily Telegraph, 29 September 2001

Politicians in Scotland reacted angrily yesterday to the confirmation that the 2010 Ryder Cup tournament had been awarded to an unfinished course in Wales.

We're down but not out - brave face on Ryder Cup flop   more

Daily Record, 29 September 2001

Scotland yesterday lost the fight to stage the 2010 Ryder Cup - but won the consolation of hosting the event in 2014.

Wales wins battle to stage Ryder Cup   more

Andy Farrell, The Independent, 29 September 2001

Celtic Manor was once a nursing home where its current billionaire owner, Sir Terence Matthews, was born 58 years ago. Matthews, the ultimate local boy made good, turned the old house into a hotel in 1982 and a further £120m later has a resort boasting a new five-star, 400-bedroom hotel and three golf courses.

Scotland loses the Ryder Cup to Wales   more

Tom Peterkin, Scottish Political Correspondent, The Telegraph, 28 September 2001

Scotland's hopes of hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup disintegrated last night when it emerged that the match is going to Wales.

Scots victim of a stitch-up   more

Brian Meek, The Herald, 28 September 2001

The long-awaited decision on the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup is likely to be announced today. After days of wrangling, the joint committee of the European Tour and the Professional Golfers' Association will award the match to Celtic Manor in Wales, a course which requires to be radically altered to bring it up to an acceptable standard, with the Scottish entrants Gleneagles, Loch Lomond, Turnberry, and Carnoustie pipped at the post.

Scotland loses out on Ryder Cup   more

Murray Ritchie, The Herald, 28 September 2001

Scotland has failed in its attempt to host the 2010 Ryder Cup but will stage the golfing event four years later, it was being predicted last night.

Rain on the parade   more

Alan Campbell, The Sunday Herald, 23 September 2001

European golf will hold itself up to scrutiny this week if, as has been strongly suggested, the Ryder Cup committee awards the 2009/10 tournament to Celtic Manor. Despite strenuous denials to the contrary, key figures in the sport are now convinced Wales will win the day ahead of Scotland and the outside contenders, England.

Ryder changes are made   more

Brian Meek, The Herald, 20 September 2001

The ever-changing calendar for future Ryder Cups was revised again last night. This year's postponed contest between Europe and the United States will take place at The Belfry on September 27 to 29 next year; the following three matches will go back a year as well, to 2004, 2006, and 2008.

Obsession with golf will sink our children   more

Pat Kane, The Sunday Times, 26 August 2001

The toe-curling embarrassment that is "Team McLeish" is unabated. This week, their greatest triumph of statecraft: an £80m bid for a 2009 golf tournament which would put a "club in the hands of every child in Scotland".

Poisened Chalice   more

Lauren St John, The Sunday Times Magazine, 26 August 2001

On the final day of the Ryder Cup at the Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in September 1999, Sergio Gomez laboured up the hill that led to the 14th green, straining to catch a glimpse of his client and best friend, Jose Maria Olazabal, who was locked in battle with the American player Justin Leonard. Ordinarily, the crowd would have been enthusiastically patriotic but respectful of both players and teams. But that day, it seemed to Gomez there was poison in the air. Suddenly, a blood-curdling chorus went up from the gallery. Gomez admits he felt actual fear. 'As [Jose was] walking up the hill, the spectators were chanting, ' Kill him, kill him, kill him!' I was quite shocked. It was not ' Beat him,' it was not ' Win this match' or ' Come on, keep going,' it was, ' Kill him,' like in the Roman gladiator circus.'

Big guns give Scots campaign ammunition   more

Alan Campbell, The Herald, 26 August 2001

When Scotland's bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup climaxed at Stirling Castle on Thursday night with a three gun salute from Sir Sean Connery, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Jackie Stewart, the man charged with oiling the cannon lifted his head above the parapet. 'I genuinely believe we will win,' said Alastair Dempster, the chairman of sportscotland who was drafted in to head up the Scottish bid in April, giving the campaign much-needed leadership.

St Andrews withdraws as Ryder venue   more

The Courier, 24 February 2001

There was shock news in St Andrews yesterday with the announcement that the golf town has withdrawn its submission to host the 2009 Ryder Cup on the world-famous Old Course.

Ryder Cup bids to be trimmed   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 24 February 2001

Scotland's list of candidates for the 2009 Ryder Cup will be trimmed back again next week after St Andrews confirmed their decision yesterday to withdraw the Old Course as a potential venue.

St Andrews pulls out of Ryder Cup reckoning   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 23 February 2001

St Andrews is to notify the organisers of Scotland’s Ryder Cup bid that it is pulling out of the contest to stage the 2009 match between Europe and the USA.

Gleneagles now top of Ryder list   more

Ian Broadley, The Herald, 21 February 2001

The Scottish Executive will be told that its strategy to secure the 2009 Ryder Cup must be changed to enhance the prospects of the biennial event returning to the home of golf.

Axe hangs over links in Scottish Ryder Cup campaign   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 21 February 2001

The three links courses which are part of Scotland’s Ryder Cup campaign for 2009 face the axe from the bid this spring following a request from the match committee to reduce the number of potential venues.

Ryder Cup feast has too many courses   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 21 February 2001

Scotland has been advised to prune the number of venues hoping to stage the Ryder Cup in 2009. Action is expected to be taken by early April, when the Ryder Cup committee will look for the Scottish bid to be reduced to one or two candidates around the time the Masters unfolds in Augusta.

Individual proposals for Scottish cup bid   more

The Courier, 17 February 2001

The Long-running saga of where the 2009 Ryder Cup will be held took another twist yesterday.

Gleneagles on course for greater things    more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 17 February 2001

Gleneagles’ place at the heart of Scottish golf was enhanced on two fronts yesterday when it was revealed the £500,000 WPGA International Match Play championship will be held in September on the Ladies’ European Tour, a month before the Scottish region of the PGA moves into its new headquarters on the grounds of the Perthshire hotel.

Verdict on 2009 delayed   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 14 February 2001

A decision on which country will host the 2009 Ryder Cup match, and which course, will be disclosed in September - probably in the week of the 34th match between Europe and the US at the Belfry.

A fair way to go   more

Editorial, The Scotsman, 12 February 2001

When the Scottish executive chose to omit Muirfield when backing potential venues for the 2009 Ryder Cup on account of the golf club’s men-only membership policy, that blow on behalf of sexual equality only hit the tip of the iceberg. Sex discrimination remains rife in the game of golf, where women often find themselves treated as second-class citizens, both in the clubhouse and on fairway.

Golf: Ryder in a storm of controversy   more

As the battle to host the 2009 Ryder Cup hots up, Alan Campbell reports on the setback to Scotland's hopes following the confusion over the bidding process

The Sunday Herald, 11 February 2001

Two interested spectators at Hampden last Wednesday night for the CIS Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers were Scotland's First Minister, Henry McLeish, and Sandy Jones, chief executive of the Professional Golfers' Association.

New delay to Ryder Cup bid   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 9 February 2001

The bidding procedure for the 2009 Ryder Cup was in danger of losing credibility yesterday after the goalposts on when a final decision about which country will host the match were moved yet again.

No rush to decide venue   more

The Courier, 9 February 2001

No decision over the 2009 Ryder Cup venue will be made until at least July, chief executive Sandy Jones has announced.

Executive boost for Ryder bid   more

Steve Bargeton, Political Editor, The Courier, 8 February 2001

Scotland's bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup was given a £750,000 boost by the Scottish Executive yesterday.

Scotland's Ryder Cup hopes boosted   more

Andy Farrell, The Independent, 8 February 2001

The Scottish Open, defunct since 1996, will return to the European Tour after receiving backing from the Scottish Executive as part of its bid to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup.

Scotland’s Ryder Cup campaign gets cash boost   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 8 February 2001

As the organisers of Scotland’s Ryder Cup bid yesterday delivered tangible evidence of support by pouring £750,000 into professional tournaments over the next 12 months, it emerged that the home of golf is preparing to deliver a bonanza. Events worth nearly £7million in prizes this year and up to £10million in 2002, when the Open Championship returns to Muirfield, will focus attention on Scottish golf.

Scotland inspired by new battle of Hastings   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 8 February 2001

With compatriots Ken Scotland and Andy Irvine, Gavin Hastings enjoys a deserved reputation as one of the most ebullient full-backs to play international rugby. One responsibility as captain of Scotland and the Lions was to turn defence into attack, a trick he hasn’t forgotten now his job is to mastermind Scotland’s bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup.

Scots keep their fingers crossed   more

Lewine Mair, The Telegraph, 7 February 2001

Colin Montgomerie was on hand at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh yesterday to push for the 2009 Ryder Cup to be played in his homeland. Not for the first time he was asked if, in the event of Scotland being chosen, he expected to be there as player or captain.

Investment adds much weight to the case for Scotland   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 7 February 2001

Like a jockey applying the whip in the home straight, Scotland will hope to gain an advantage over their rivals in the race for the 2009 Ryder Cup with an announcement today about substantial investment in a programme of professional golf events.

Lewis all out to club rivals for six   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 7 February 2001

It's his mellifluous voice which charms you into thinking what a wonderful idea it would be to award the 2009 Ryder Cup to Wales. The only Welshman ever to captain England at cricket , Tony Lewis still talks the good game which made him part of the furniture on Test Match Special.

Foster aims to keep north-east in running   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 6 February 2001

As a long-distance runner, Brendan Foster knew all about loneliness. What the former Gateshead Harrier found more alarming when he hung up his spikes was the sense of isolation which gripped his home in the north-east of England. The region was an international sporting wasteland.

Welsh suspect Ryder Cup bid is stymied   more

Even allowing for the Welsh love of conspiracy theories, the whole process appears to be much less than the simple, straightforward procedure it should be

Peter Corrigan, The Independent, 4 February 2001

This is the weekend when the Welsh thought they would be celebrating a great victory; if not in the Millennium Stadium then in the battle to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup between Europe and America. Instead, they are consumed by the growing suspicion that they have been led on a £1 million walk up the garden path.

Galbraith drives home youthful exercise as part of Ryder Cup bid   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 1 February 2001

A decision on which country will be awarded the right to host the 2009 match between Europe and America is not expected to be reached at this month’s meeting of the Ryder Cup committee. Instead, the successful bid is more likely to be identified in the spring.

Scots one up in Ryder Cup race   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 24 January 2001

Scotland's bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup will be boosted by concerns that the Welsh submission is flawed by a venue which currently fails to meet course requirements for the biennial contest between Europe and the USA.

Terry Matthews shoots up list of richest in Britain   more

Anna Meredith, Western Mail, 22 January 2001

Terry Matthews's fortune enjoyed phenomenal growth last year, making him the 11th richest person in Britain.

Park chiefs back tournament bid   more

Nick Parry, South Wales Evening Post, 11 January 2001

Coastal Park chiefs in Llanelli have given their full support to the Welsh bid to stage golf's Ryder Cup in 2009.

Ryder Cup makes a pitch for ladies   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 10 January 2001

Bringing the Ryder Cup to the home of golf in 2009 will play a significant role in helping to eliminate sexism from the sport, according to Gavin Hastings, who is fronting Scotland’s bid.

Ryder-chasing Wales to 'sweep away sexism'   more

Andy Farrell, The Independent, 10 January 2001

Having secured the FA Cup final for Cardiff's Millennium stadium for the next three years, Wales yesterday stepped up their campaign to stage the Ryder Cup in the Principality for the first time in 2009. First Minister Rhodri Morgan attended a press conference at Rhondda GC which promised to "sweep away sexism and élitism" from Welsh golf.

Scots must dig in to win Ryder Cup   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 21 December 2000

One of the pledges made by Scotland in the submission to win the 2009 Ryder Cup match was a commitment to back a long-term programme of professional events in the build-up to the contest against the Americans.

Plan to make every Scots child a golfer   more

Ambitious project linked to nation’s Ryder Cup bid

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 14 December 2000

A Scottish golf tsar is to be appointed who will be charged with the responsibility of implementing the ambitious plan to introduce every child in the land to the game before the age of nine.

Ryder bid taken to ramparts   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 21 November 2000

Scotland rolled out the red carpet last week for Ryder Cup officials when a was held at Edinburgh Castle.

'Five-Iron' Mike reigns in Spain   more

Extract, Graham Spiers, The Scotsman, 12 November 2000

The story of the week certainly belongs to a man whom I regard as a good friend as well as a most excellent cook - Mike ‘Five-Iron’ Aitken of The Scotsman.

Kingsbarns bids to be 2009 Ryder Cup venue   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 11 November 2000

Kingsbarns, the course located near St Andrews which has won acclaim as the last great Scottish links, made an offer this week to host the 2009 Ryder Cup should Scotland be selected as the venue for the match between Europe and America.

Woods wants a slice of US Tour's TV cake   more

Extract, Ian Broadley, The Herald, 8 November 2000

.....Player-power in Europe will succeed in gaining an independent audit of that Tour's accounts.

Coltart's case for Scotland   more

Ian Broadley, The Herald, 8 November 2000

Coltart is adamant that the 2009 Ryder Cup must return to Scotland because its rightful claims have been ignored for 27 years.

Ryder Cup claim is premature   more

The Courier, 8 November 2000

A report that Gleneagles has been given a nudge and a wink to suggest it will be awarded the 2009 Ryder Cup appears to be a fairway’s width off the mark, as the Perthshire golfing resort does not even yet have a bid on the table to be considered.

Woods backs Scotland bid to host Ryder Cup   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 8 November 2000

Tiger Woods, the world's leading golfer, has given his backing to Scotland's bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2009.

Tiger pitches in   more

Editorial, The Scotsman, 8 November 2000

You can already place a bet on Tiger Woods becoming president of the United States in 2016, a sign of the place he has won himself in his country’s national psyche. His popularity is hardly surprising - Woods, after all, is arguably the greatest exponent of golf we have ever seen and one of the finest sportsman in the world.

Europe’s leading players call for Tour audit   more

Extract, Mark Garrod, The Scotsman, 8 Nov 2000

The European Tour is being petitioned by some of its biggest players - Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood included - to submit its multi-million-pound finances to outside auditors.

Gleneagles Ryder Cup victory dismissed   more

Rumours golf event will be in Scotland 'pure speculation'

thisissouthwales.co.uk, 7 November 2000

Ryder Cup chiefs have denied reports that Scotland's Gleneagles course will host the 2009 tournament.

Gleneagles will be venue for 2009 Ryder Cup   more

Ian Broadley, The Herald, 7 November 2000

Scotland is set to celebrate in the New Year by being awarded the 2009 Ryder Cup with Gleneagles the venue for the biennial contest against the USA.

Coltard adds extra weight to game plan   more

Extract, Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 7 November 2000

.....Talk of the Ryder Cup leads to Scotland’s bid for the match in 2009. As a patriot, Coltart is optimistic the match will return north of the Border for the first time since 1973.

Lewis a driving force for beloved Wales   more

Martin Johnson, The Telegraph, 4 November 2000

IT is quite some time now since we watched Tony Lewis introducing cricket on the BBC with that trademark "lovely day here at Lord's" welcome of his - a comfy armchair delivery which never varied whether England were about to resume on 200 for nought or 35 for eight.

Waiting on Ryder dream   more

Normal Lewis, thisissouthwales.co.uk, 3 November 2000

Terry Matthews and his loyal coherts will have fingers crossed for another three months before the millionaire Gwent entrepreneur knows if his dream of a momentous Welsh sporting first is to come true.

Slaley Hall launches Ryder Cup bid   more

thisissouthwales.co.uk, 1 November 2000

A multi-million pound bid to bring golf's most prestigious competition to the North-East has been launched.

Blair stands ground over Ryder Cup row   more

Bruce McHenry, The Scotsman, 1 November 2000

Tony Blair refused to withdraw from the Ryder Cup fray yesterday after being criticised for supporting England’s bid to host the 2009 event.

Blair caught up in Ryder Cup bid row   more

Steve Bargeton, Political Editor, The Courier, 1 November 2000

Scotlan'd bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup was officially launched yesterday amid a major political row over Tony Blair’s backing for England.

Over-clubbed   more

Martin Clarke, The Scotsman, 31 October 2000

Some of my best friends are golfers, they really are, but there’s something deeply spooky about them. Not content with spending their days whacking a wee white ball around the countryside with big sticks, they want everyone else to do it too.

Vision!   more

R J Ritchie, Letter to Editor, The Scotsman, 31 October 2000

At last! After a hesitant and stumbling beginning, we now have a vision for Scotland commensurate with the hopes and expectations invested in our parliament. The Scottish Executive has announced (your report, 27 October) that every child under nine in our brave, new devolved nation will have the opportunity to play a round of golf!

English bid unveils Blair as premier attraction   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 31 October 2000

The Scots already knew they had a fight on their hands to secure the 2009 Ryder Cup. Just how much of a battle became plain yesterday when the north-east of England officially threw its hat into the ring with a bid backed by Tony Blair, the Prime Minister, and £40 million in funding.

We're teed off, Tony   more

Flak for PM over Ryder Cup backing

The Daily Record, 31 October 2000

Tony Blair sparked outrage last night by backing England's bid to steal the 2009 Ryder Cup from favourites Scotland. The bid is a direct challenge to Scotland's bold pounds 30 million bid to bring the Cup to the home of golf. Politicians last night attacked the PM for throwing his weight behind the efforts to stage the match between Europe and America's top golfers at Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

Golf - North East primes bid   more

John Hopkins, The Times, 31 October 2000

The North East of England formally threw its hat into the ring yesterday to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup at Slaley Hall. Given the high profiles of the bids from Wales and Scotland, England’s bid has been somewhat overshadowed.

Blair backs bid to take Ryder Cup to North-East   more

Andy Farrell, The Independent, 31 October 2000

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, albeit as a humble MP for Sedgefield, has backed Slaley Hall's bid to stage the Ryder Cup. The Northumberland course is at the centre of the English campaign to host the match in 2009, although, with Scotland and Wales also bidding, the head of the Her Majesty's Government should be on to a winner whatever.

North-east bids for Ryder Cup   more

David Davies, The Guardian, 31 October 2000

English golfing organisations are prepared to put up £40m in an attempt to attract the 2009 Ryder Cup to the Slaley Hall course in Northumberland. The bid, announced by the chairman of Sport England Trevor Brooking yesterday, tops by more than £10m that tabled by Scotland last week but may not match the final bid, from Wales, which will be announced this morning.

Golf: Welsh leaders back Ryder cup bid   more

The South Wales Argos, 31 October 2000

Major figures from across the political spectrum were today throwing their weight behind the bid to bring one of the worlds biggest sporting events to Wales.

One Man’s Ambition - People’s Choice   more

The Western Mail , 31 October 2000

Wales submits its bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup today in the confident knowledge no more could have been done to bring golf’s most prestigious team tournament to this country for the first time.

Golf - Scotland and Wales pour fortune into fight for 2009 Ryder Cup   more

John Hopkins, The Times, 30 October 2000

Wherever you go in golf these days it is impossible to avoid tripping over the Ryder Cup. If it is not the event at Brookline last year then it is next year’s at The Belfry. Now attention turns to the 2009 Ryder Cup, with bids to be the host country to be received by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) by midnight tomorrow.

England unveil Ryder Cup bid   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 30 October 2000

North-East England’s bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup will be launched in London today with the support of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, as well as official backing from the English Sports Council.

Scotland holds Ryder aces   more

With superb facilities, Scotland should be favourite to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup

Alasdair Reid, The Sunday Times, 29 October 2000

A high pass over Carnoustie, a quick blast south towards St Andrews, west for lunch at Gleneagles and then a figure-of-eight above Loch Lomond,followed by a trip down the Clyde coast for afternoon tea at Turnberry. From a helicopter 600 feet in the air, the menace of Carnoustie, the aching loveliness of Loch Lomond and the plump fruitfulness of Gleneagles becomes glaringly obvious.

Hastings drives Scots’ bid   more

Martin Hannan, Scotland on Sunday, 29 October 2000

At first sight, Gavin Hastings seems an unlikely revolutionary. A former pupil of George Watson’s College and a Cambridge University blue, Hastings led Scotland and the British Lions to victory on the rugby field.

Wales and Scotland set for Ryder shoot-out   more

A billionaire takes on the home of golf as the bidding to stage one of Europe's premier team events in 2009 gets serious

Derek Lawrenson, Sunday Telegraph, 29 October 2000

On Tuesday four hefty tomes will arrive at the headquarters of the Professional Golfers' Association at The Belfry detailing the bids of the countries hoping to host the 2009 Ryder Cup.

Golf lessons for children aged nine 'a gimmick'   more

Nick Britten, Scotland Political Correspondent, The Telegraph, 27 October 2000

The Scottish Executive faced accusations of "governing by gimmick" yesterday after pledging to teach every child how to play golf by the age of nine.

Young golfers   more

Editorial, The Courier, 27 October 2000

In a concerted bid to strengthen the already immense popularity of golf, the Scottish Executive and Bank of Scotland are putting up £24 million for development of the game and securing the Ryder Cup in 2009. Every child will get the chance to swing a club by their ninth birthday.

Executive tees up youth golf strategy   more

The Courier, 27 October 2000

Every Scottish child is to be introduced to golf by the age of nine, under plans announced yesterday as part of a bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2009.

£30m bid to find future stars   more

Ian Broadley, The Herald, 27 October 2000

A £30m drive was launched yesterday to secure the 2009 Ryder Cup and develop golf in Scotland over the next decade.

Lawrie: Give us the Ryder Cup   more

The Daily Record, 27 October 2000

Former Open champ Paul Lawrie reckons bringing the 2009 Ryder Cup to Scotland would mean more to him than his Carnoustie triumph last year.

Ryder Cup: Scotland adopt a lofty approach   more

Lewine Mair, The Telegraph, 27 October 2000

Scotland's bid to hold the 2009 Ryder Cup yesterday reached fresh heights, with helicopters whisking interested parties around the five Scottish courses which would like to be considered as venues. The courses are Loch Lomond, Turnberry, Carnoustie, St Andrews and Gleneagles.

On the right course   more

Editorial, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

It is always a pleasure to report government in swing with popular opinion. Yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish executive of substantial financial support for Scotland’s Ryder Cup bid will be warmly welcomed by everyone with the nation’s best interests at heart.

Why Scotland is pulling out the stops to cash in on the Ryder Cup jamboree   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

Scotland promised yesterday to spend around £30 million of public and private money in a bid to bring the 2009 Ryder Cup to the home of golf for the first time since the match was held at Muirfield in 1973.

Homecoming for golf that's long overdue   more

Former Ryder Cup player and captain believes that the time is right for the event to return to his native Scotland.

Bernard Gallacher, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

I played in the Ryder Cup when it was last held in Scotland back in 1973, at Muirfleld, and although the event was fairly successful, I don’t have the best of memories of what happened.

Ryder Cup will not be auctioned    more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

Claims that the Ryder Cup was for sale to the highest bidder were dismissed yesterday by a leading golf official who insisted that the main purpose of the bidding process for the 2009 match was to enhance the game.

Money a hot topic right from the beginning    more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

When the inaugural Ryder Cup was staged at Worcester Country Club in Massachussets during the summer of 1927, the event was not so much a moneyspinner as a money-drainer, writes Mike Aitken.

Matthews ready to roar   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 27 October 2000

Beware the Welsh dragon. Perhaps the greatest threat to Scotland’s hopes of holding the match in 2009 lurks in the valleys where Britain’s most secretive billionaire hopes the Ryder Cup will be to the manor born.

Wales pins its latest tourism drive to the Ryder Cup   more

A billionaire's dream could attract golf's transatlantic contest - and big economic benefits

John Cassy, The Guardian, 27 October 2000

A consortium fronted by former England cricketer Tony Lewis and backed by the Welsh Development Agency will submit a bid tomorrow to the Professional Golfers Association, the sport's governing body, to host the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2009. The tournament between Europe and America takes place once every two years.

Scots return to grassroots as Ryder Cup D-day arrives   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 26 October 2000

Scotland's bid to secure the 2009 Ryder Cup, which will be launched today, goes far beyond the criteria set by the organising committee for staging the biennial match between Europe and the USA.

Zeta-Jones v Scots as Golf war heats up   more

The Ryder Cup ... will it be a battle of the cheque books?

Sunday Herald, 22 October 2000

The golf war between Scotland and Wales over the right to host the 2009 Ryder Cup will move into frontline combat this week.

Golf: Much to play for in keeping Ryder Cup bid on course   more

Alan Campbell, Sunday Herald, 22 October 2000

The final shots will be played this week as the preparations for Scotland's bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup are completed. Not without a whiff of controversy, though, as a national newspaper has called for Muirfield to be dropped from the list of nominated courses as it is a men-only club.

Men-only Muirfield dropped from 2009 Ryder bid   more

Donald Walker, The Scotsman, 21 October 2000

Muirfield will no longer be part of Scotland’s bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup, because of fears that the presence of the men-only golf club will have a negative effect on what is otherwise considered to be a very strong representation.

Drop Muirfield for sake of international respect   more

The Scotsman, 20 October 2000

If Scotland is to host the Ryder Cup, it would bring to this country one of the greatest events in international sport, and with it the prestige and honour that will be the envy of the world in 2009.

Scots eye £67m Ryder spin-off   more

Donald Walker, The Scotsman, 20 October 2000

A successful bid to host the Ryder Cup would create a spin-off for the Scottish economy of at least £67 million, it has emerged.

Golf challenge for Scotland   more

Editorial, The Scotsman, 20 October 2000

Only once since the Ryder Cup was first played in 1927 has it been held in Scotland, the very home of the game of golf. That was 27 years ago in 1973 - almost a generation ago. But now we have a very good chance of hosting the next Ryder Cup, provided that Scotland - and especially the Scottish executive - can present a confident, professional and determined case to the Ryder Cup Committee over the next decisive weeks.

Wales pitches in for Ryder Cup   more

Andy Farrell, The Independent, 20 October 2000

Catherine Zeta Jones will do a photocall. The Manic Street Preachers have been on the phone asking how they can help. Support for the Welsh bid to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup has been pouring in from all directions. Brian Huggett, the 1977 captain, and the rugby legends Gareth Edwards, Gareth Davies and Jonathan Davies are among those heavily involved. "I have never known a response like it," said Tony Lewis, the bid chairman. "The Rugby World Cup was great but everyone wants to be involved in this."

Muirfield leaves it late to join race for Ryder Cup   more

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 10 October 2000

Muirfield, the club which hosted the Ryder Cup on the one previous occasion when the match with the Americans was held in Scotland in 1973, has thrown its hat into the ring again to stage the 2009 contest.

Golf complex plan unveiled   more

Rachel Misstear, Carmarthen Journal, thisissouthwales.co.uk, 30 August 2000

A £1m leisure and timeshare holiday complex, which could bring massive spins offs to Carmarthen, is under threat.

Scotland's most exclusive club may have to change course to win the Ryder Cup   more

Paul Forsyth, Scotland on Sunday, 9 July 2000

Somehow it ill behoves the artists who have sculpted from the banks of Loch Lomond a masterpiece of golfing architecture to follow football’s populist bandwagon down the tawdry path to world-wide recognition. Yet, after the shameless politicking prompted by the 2006 World Cup and frenetic debate over whether Scotland should bid for Euro 2008, the country’s most exclusive golf club is holding nothing back in its attempt to host another of sport’s money-spinning festivals.

Golf - No magic this time as the Dragon runs out of puff   more

David Evans, The South Wales Evening Post, 12 June 2000

For around three and a half days, the Dragon had stormed around his patch swatting away the challenges of those from across the Bridge and beyond.

Solheim Cup to be Ryder trial run   more

Lewine Mair, The Telegraph, 20 April 2000

This year's Solheim Cup at Loch Lomond is being seen in some quarters as a trial run for the Ryder Cup. At a press conference at the venue yesterday, Rhona Brankin, Scotland's Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport, explained that the Scottish Executive is endeavouring to put together a bid for the Ryder Cup in 2009.

Ryder Cup: The cash secrets behind Cup race   more

The real reasons why Ireland and Scotland have been denied golf's biggest prize

Derek Lawrenson, The Telegraph, 28 October 1996

It is a question all Ireland and Scotland have been asking for at least a decade - just how do you get to stage a Ryder Cup? Now, for the first time, the full story can be told: why Spain, whose players only started competing in it in 1979, will host next year's event rather than Ireland, who are still waiting for the honour despite sending representives since 1927; why The Belfry, which was built only in 1975, will stage the Ryder Cup for the fourth time in 2001, rather than a course in Scotland, where the event has been held just once since its inception 70 years ago.