Established in 1927, the Ryder Cup is the world’s foremost team golf event. Broadcast in roughly 50 markets globally, the biennial, three-day men’s competition pits 12-person teams from Europe and the United States in fourball, foursome and singles matches.
This year’s Ryder Cup will test mettles of the world’s best players at Bethpage Black on Long Island, New York, September 26-28.
For golfers like us, there’s something undeniably special about playing a championship course where legends have battled for national pride. They inspire every golfer who tees up there, delivering drama, beauty, prestige and the chance to walk the same fairways as the game’s greats.
From breathtaking oceanfront layouts to grand European parklands and storied American resort icons, these seven accessible Ryder Cup courses are not to be missed.
Whistling Straits – Kohler, Wisconsin (Public)
Ryder Cup: 2021
Perched along the bluffs of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits is a windswept masterpiece designed by Pete Dye. Its rugged, Irish-inspired links style features nearly 1,000 bunkers, wondrous elevation changes and unrelenting challenge. It’s a bucket-list course for any golfer, especially those who watched Team Europe and Team USA battle it out here in 2021. Open to the public, golf is a major part of the five-star Destination Kohler resort.
Kiawah Island Ocean Course – Kiawah Island, South Carolina (Resort)
Ryder Cup: 1991
Dubbed the “War by the Shore,” the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah’s Ocean Course was one of the most intense ever. Today, the experience remains electric. Hugging the Atlantic Ocean, this Pete Dye masterpiece boasts North America’s most seaside holes. With coastal winds and postcard views, it’s both brutal and beautiful – ideal for players craving challenge and charm in equal measure. Guests of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort can secure coveted tee times.
PGA National Resort – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (Resort)
Ryder Cup: 1983
Home to the famous “Bear Trap,” PGA National’s Champion Course hosted the 1983 Ryder Cup where Team USA narrowly edged out Europe. Today, golfers still test themselves against water-lined holes and tournament pedigree. Recently renovated, the course remains a flagship of Florida resort golf, and resort guests enjoy full access to its fairways, spa and dining options.
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (Resort)
Ryder Cup: 1979
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is more than a luxury resort – it’s a national treasure. The Old White course hosted the 1979 Ryder Cup where the expanded U.S. team welcomed European legends like Seve Ballesteros for the first time. Open to resort guests, it blends Southern charm with championship layout, offering immaculate conditions and a historic backdrop that’s hard to beat.
Pinehurst No. 2 – Pinehurst, North Carolina (Resort)
Ryder Cup: 1951
Designed by Donald Ross and restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Pinehurst No. 2 is a spiritual home of American golf. Site of the 1951 Ryder Cup and multiple U.S. Opens, it’s known for crowned greens, native sandscapes and a layout that reveals its brilliance more with each round. It’s the anchor of Pinehurst Resort, where golf history lives and modern luxury thrives. While you’re there, play The Cradle, the new nine-hole course that’s a brilliant test of golfers’ short-game skills and a joyful experience to boot.
Le Golf National – Paris, France (Public)
Ryder Cup: 2018
The Albatros Course at Le Golf National delivered one of the most dominant European performances in Ryder Cup history. Just outside Paris, it’s a modern, stadium-style layout with risk-reward holes, dramatic water features and pristine conditions. Best of all, it’s a public course, welcoming international visitors year-round. If you’re heading to France, bring your clubs because this layout is a must-play.
Gleneagles – Perthshire, Scotland (Resort)
Ryder Cup: 2014
The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles combines Scottish charm with American-style design, courtesy of Jack Nicklaus. It was here that Europe triumphed in 2014, set against the lush Highlands. The Gleneagles resort is a luxury destination in and of itself, offering three courses, Michelin-star dining and a world-class spa. Play it for the Ryder Cup history; stay for the Scottish hospitality.
Hassle-Free Travel with Magellan Jets
It’s time to follow in Ryder Cup footsteps. Whether planning a golf group getaway, couples’ trip, or solo pilgrimage, Magellan Jets will make your journey as exceptional as the destination. Our Private Aviation Advisors specialize in crafting seamless golf itineraries, complete with tailored flight options and flexible scheduling.
Choose from On-Demand Charter for single trips or Jet Cards for frequent flyers looking to hit all seven courses in style.
