Gleneagles Hotel is set to play host to the 40th Ryder Cup when the competition returns to the home of golf, Scotland, for only the second time later this year.

Europe will look to defend the trophy they won so spectacularly in 2012 as the competition arrives from September 23rd-28th. Gleneagles Hotel - recognised as Scotland’s Leading Resort by the prestigious World Travel Awards - will play host to 24 of the greatest players on the planet led by captains Paul McGinley and Tom Watson.

The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles Hotel has been redesigned for the event and has been under maintenance since October 2011 to allow for extensive course modifications, devised in consultation with course designer Jack Nicklaus. 

Over 50,000 tonnes of earth were moved at the course to prepare, with 30,000 square metres of turf laid, and 1,000 tonnes of new sand used in bunkers. The improvements include the installation of a SubAir system - an aeration and moisture removal system - on all 18 greens in addition to the putting green. Substantial changes have been made to the layout of several holes – with the most dramatic alterations apparent on the 9th and 18th. Drainage in all bunkers has been improved using the “Better Billy Bunker Method” developed at Augusta National Golf Club.

Stuart McEwen, Gleneagles’ director of golf, said: “It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding period for all involved in the redesign of the PGA Centenary Course. We are thrilled with how the golf course is shaping up and the recent changes made will certainly make a big difference, particularly the 18th. By successfully completing the redesign changes now, thousands of golfers will be able to enjoy playing the golf course prior to the 2014 Ryder Cup.”

With the USA seeking to reclaim the trophy after the drama of Medinah and Europe keen to notch their third victory in a row, you could be there to witness another seismic moment in the history of golf.

Scott Fenwick, Golf Courses & Estate Manager, Gleneagles said: “We’re delighted with the PGA Centenary Course after extensive alterations, and are confident that players and spectators alike will respond well to these changes. The work on the 18th should make for a much more dramatic and challenging hole for players, creating a real risk/reward for those who decide to go for the hole in two. For tournament golf, the new amphitheatre at the 18th will improve spectator views and create a bit more of a buzz around the finishing hole.

He added: “Some of the technology we’re using really is at the cutting edge. We’re the first club in the UK to have a fully installed SubAir system on all 19 greens – which should help the greens withstand some of the vagaries of Scotland’s climate. We look forward to seeing plenty of players out on the course this coming summer – it’s a great opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course for themselves ahead of the tournament.”

Etihad Airways
Among those competing for Europe will be Martin Kaymer, who holed the winning putt for the European Ryder Cup Team in 2012, and recently signed up as a Guest Ambassador for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.

Having won the US PGA Championship in 2010 and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship for a record three times in 2008, 2010 and 2011, he is considered one of the golfing world’s brightest stars.

As the latest Etihad Guest Ambassador, he will work on a series of initiatives to raise Etihad Airways’ brand awareness in Germany and other key markets around the world. This includes a promotional video being filmed in Abu Dhabi to showcase Etihad Airways’ award-winning service and also position the UAE capital as a leading golf and travel destination.

World Golf Awards
Also this year World Golf Awards will host its inaugural ceremony, taking place at the beautiful Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago, Portugal.

From November 13th-16th the resort will host representatives from the leading gold destinations from around the world as they battle it out for the prestigious prizes on offer.

World Golf Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism through our annual awards programme. The event is part of the World Travel Awards, known globally as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’.

Head over to www.worldgolfawards.com for more on the event.

More Information
The Gleneagles Hotel was built in 1924 and is situated in 850 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside, just one hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The hotel is a haven of luxury British heritage that offers a five star hotel experience. With 232 elegant rooms, including 26 suites, the hotel provides some of the finest accommodation in Scotland.

Not only home to three of the finest championship golf courses in Europe and an award-winning ESPA spa, the hotel also hosts an array of activities from Falconry to off-road Land Rover safaris.