Sergio Garcia makes Ryder Cup captaincy feelings clear as Spain confirmed as host

Daily Record

a day ago

Europe and USA clash returns to Spain 34 years after the Valderrama classic
Sergio Garcia admitted it would be an honour to be a Ryder Cup captain just 48 hours before the 2031 matches were confirmed for a return to his homeland.
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The clash between Europe and United States in six years time will be staged at Camiral in Costa Brava, near Barcelona.
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Camiral will follow September's clash at Bethpage Black in New York, Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027 and the 2029 staging at Hazeltine in Minnesota.
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It will be the second time Spain has hosted the Ryder Cup 34 years after the legendary Seve Ballesteros captained Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997. Spain will become the first country in continental Europe to host more than one Ryder Cup with a rich history including 11 Spaniards playing, as well as Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal being winning captains.
Garcia is also the all-time record points scorer from either side with 28-and-a-half points from his 10 appearances.
After his final round at The Open on Sunday, Garcia was asked a variety of questions about his chances of making this year's team for Bethpage.
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Ironically, within that particular interview, Garcia was also asked if, regardless of what happens in September, captaincy was back on the table for him in the future. He responded: 'I don't want to think about it yet, but it's something that obviously would be a nice thing, a nice honour to have. I really don't want to think about that right now. I've got my mind on other things.'
Garcia is, of course, desperate to make skipper Luke Donald 's side for September's New York showdown and said: "It would mean the world to me to be there. Obviously if I can help the team, that's my main goal, I've always said it. I think that I can bring things to the team that any team that would probably need. Obviously at the end of the day, he's going to make whatever he thinks is the best decision for him and his team, at the end of the day. So we'll see."
Meanwhile, Euro chief Guy Kinnings says Spain is fully deserving of a Ryder Cup return. The chief executive of the European Tour Group, said: 'Today's announcement not only recognises Camiral as one of Europe's leading venues, but also the considerable contribution Spanish golf has made to the proud history of the Ryder Cup.
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'The Ryder Cup has grown significantly since Spain last hosted it in 1997. It is one of the world's leading sporting events, which brings significant economic benefits and global exposure to a host region and country, so we could not be happier to be taking it to Costa Brava and Barcelona for the first time, and to Spain for the second time.
'This agreement has taken many months of collaborative discussions, so we are grateful not only to Denis O'Brien and his team at Camiral, but also to the Government of Catalonia, the Spanish Government, the Province of Girona and Barcelona Tourism for their vision and commitment to hosting this major global event.
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'We have also secured significant support from the private sector in Costa Brava and Barcelona, including Estrella Damm's long-term commitment, which will play a big role in the road to Ryder Cup 2031 as we showcase the region to our global audience.'
Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, president of the Consejo Superior de Deportes, said: 'The Government of Spain welcomes the selection of Camiral as the host venue for the 2031 Ryder Cup, a global sporting event that will showcase our country to millions of viewers around the world.
'The Ryder Cup is not only one of the most prestigious competitions on the international sporting calendar, but also an exceptional platform to demonstrate Spain's ability to successfully host major 21st-century events, combining world-class infrastructure, unparalleled natural environment and a globally renowned tourism, cultural and culinary offering.
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'Furthermore, hosting the Ryder Cup for the second time, 34 years after the historic edition at Valderrama, will firmly establish Spain as an international benchmark in the organisation of major sporting events.
'Without a doubt, this designation is also a tribute to the legacy of Spanish golf and to our country's unwavering commitment to sport. A sector that is also an industry generating employment and economic growth as well as to sustainable tourism and organisational excellence.'
Juan Guerrero-Burgos, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, said: 'It is an honour for Spain to host the Ryder Cup for the second time in history. The previous experience at Valderrama in 1997 was extraordinary. The economic impact, media coverage and more importantly, the legacy to our sport, tourism and awareness of golf in our country were unbelievable.
'Spanish golf has grown significantly in the last 25 years due to the incredible influence of that Ryder Cup in 1997, which helped to make golf accessible to everybody, many public golf courses were built and inspired new generations of players.
'The union of all public institutions and the support of Camiral will make possible another unforgettable Ryder Cup in 2031, where we will also pay tribute to all the Spanish golfers who have contributed so much to its history, with the legacy of Severiano Ballesteros always in mind.'