Ryder Cup Europe can today announce that six nations have formally confirmed their intention to submit a Bid for The 2022 Ryder Cup.

From the list of seven nations who initially expressed an interest in hosting what will be the 44^thstaging of the biennial contest between Europe and the United States, Denmark has advised of its intention not to proceed with a formal Bid leaving Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey still in the running.

Turkey’s formal notification to bid was accepted by Ryder Cup officials and supersedes their earlier decision to withdraw.

Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills, said: “The Ryder Cup bidding process has a number of important milestones and we very much look forward to working with the six bidding nations, their representatives, and their national golf federations, in developing the specifics of their respective 2022 bids.

“The key criteria we have in place ensure we evaluate each bid equally on both its sporting and commercial merits, while allowing us to judge each bid fairly and thoroughly.”

Having already taken delivery of an official information pack, the six bidding nations will prepare to host a series of meetings and inspection visits by Ryder Cup Europe officials between now and Thursday April 30, 2015, which is the date that formal submission of official bids need to be made – a date some ten weeks later than the original one given for submissions of Monday February 16, 2015.

Following the series of inspections, a period of detailed analysis of each bid by a management team working on behalf of Ryder Cup Europe – together with the assistance of an independent panel of experts – will be undertaken, with the announcement of the successful host country and venue for The 2022 Ryder Cup planned for autumn 2015.

KEY BID CRITERIA FOR THE 2022 RYDER CUP

1. Demonstrable Government, Political, Institutional and Golfing Community support

2. Commitment to the development ofa world-class golf facility (new or existing) to host The 2022 Ryder Cup

3. Provision of ancillary facilities, suitable access and infrastructure commensurate with the staging of an international sporting event, including proximity to a major international city

4. Commercial opportunities available to The Ryder Cup

5. Contribution of the Bid Country to the development of golf, for example:

   • • Contribution to the professional game

     • Integration of golf within tourism and business communities

     • Development of levels of golf participation

     • Professional tournament golf at all levels

     • Contribution to The Ryder Cup: eg Player eligibility and participation

The Ryder Cup – Upcoming Venues

2014: The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland

2016: Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota, USA

2018: Le Golf National, Paris, France

2020: Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, USA

2022: TBC

2024: Bethpage Black Course, New York, USA