In a landmark moment for Spanish and European golf, the Ryder Cup will return to Spain in 2031, with the prestigious biennial event awarded to Camiral Golf and Wellness, formerly PGA Catalunya, now under the ownership of Irish entrepreneur Denis O’Brien.
The announcement marks the second time Spain will host the Ryder Cup, following Valderrama in 1997. But this time, there is a distinctly Irish connection at the heart of one of global sport’s most commercially powerful events.
O’Brien, one of Ireland’s most successful and internationally active businessmen, acquired the Camiral resort in early 2025, adding to a portfolio of high-profile golf and hospitality assets.
His investment has already led to significant upgrades in the venue’s infrastructure, environmental standards, and tournament readiness — all key factors in winning the bid to stage the Ryder Cup.
The news is of particular interest within the Sport for Business community, where the intersection of Irish enterprise and international sport continues to grow in influence.
“This is a world-class venue with world-class ambition,” said one European golf insider. “The investment made under Denis O’Brien’s stewardship made Camiral a very serious contender — and now a confirmed host.”
The 2031 Ryder Cup is expected to provide a significant boost to the region of Girona and the broader Spanish economy, with the event traditionally generating hundreds of millions of euros in tourism, hospitality, and global media exposure.
For Irish business, it represents another example of high-impact sporting involvement abroad, echoing O’Brien’s long-standing association with global events, including the Special Olympics and cricket development in the Caribbean.
Camiral has long been regarded as one of continental Europe’s top golfing destinations, boasting two championship courses and a five-star resort offering.
While Adare Manor in Ireland prepares for its own Ryder Cup debut in 2027, the selection of Camiral ensures that Irish influence will remain at the forefront of the sport’s global showcase in the next decade.
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