The 34th Ryder Cup Matches, which were postponed out of necessity following
the enormity of the tragedy in the United States on Tuesday, September 11, have
been rescheduled for The De Vere Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England, from September
27-29, 2002.
The European Ryder Cup Board announce that the inevitable consequence of the
decision to postpone the Matches in 2001 and reschedule in 2002 is for the immediate
Matches to be played in the even numbered years.
Consequently The Ryder Cup Matches will be played at Oakland Hills C.C., Bloomfield
Hills, Michigan, USA, in September 2004; at The K Club, Straffan, Ireland, in
September 2006; and at Valhalla G.C., Louisville, Kentucky, USA, in September
2008.
The European Ryder Cup Board will make a further announcement within the next
36 hours to confirm arrangements with regard to individual purchasers of tickets.
The European Ryder Cup Board would especially like to put on record their appreciation
to the De Vere Group Plc for their superb support in The De Vere Belfry remaining
the host venue following the decision that the Matches be postponed.
Furthermore The European Ryder Cup Board wishes to acknowledge the superb and
immediate response of the Irish Government and The K Club in agreeing to stage
the Matches in 2006. Ireland Inc. represents a partnership between the Irish Tourist
Board (Bord Fáilte) and three private sector companies - AIB Bank, Aer
Lingus and Waterford Crystal.
Clearly the rescheduling of the Matches has resulted in a variety of logistical
challenges. The European Ryder Cup Board are especially grateful to the Birmingham
and West Midlands Hotel Community, The National Exhibition Centre and the Ground
Transportation Providers in recognising these challenges and standing alongside
us in seeking to achieve all that is possible to ensure that The 34th Ryder Cup
Matches move ahead at The De Vere Belfry.
The Ryder Cup Junior Match will also now take place in 2002 with The European
Team seeking to retain the trophy against the United States at The K Club, Straffan,
Dublin, from September 24-25.
Sky Sports will be the exclusive live broadcaster in the UK of The 34th Ryder
Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry from September 27-29, 2002.
