Golf fans have at least three days to circle in their diaries for 2018 following the announcement of the dates of the next Ryder Cup to be held on European soil.
The 42nd renewal of the biennial contest between Europe and USA is being held at Le Golf National in Paris from September 28-30.
The date was revealed during a reception held at the London residence of the French ambassador to the UK, hosted by Her Excellency Sylvie Bermann and attended by, among others, Pascal Grizot, President of the France 2018 Ryder Cup Committee, and European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills.
The 2018 Ryder Cup will be only the second time in the event’s history that it has been staged in Continental Europe, following Valderrama in Spain in 1997.
Mr Grizot said: “Some dates will be forever engraved in our memories when we look back at the history of the Ryder Cup in France. The 28th, 29th, and 30th of September 2018 will be the first of many. The 21st September, 2016 will also play a part. Yesterday, the countdown has been officially launched and the date fixed for all French and passionate golfers alike.
“Since 17th May 2011, when our country was designated host to this most famous match, we have been putting all our energy and passion into three days that will forever change the image of golf in France. Our excitement grows as that date comes ever closer.”
Richard Hills said: “To be able to announce the official dates of the Ryder Cup is always a significant milestone in any country’s Ryder Cup journey. We are already working on making the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National one of the biggest and best that Europe has ever staged, and we are sure France will be exceptional hosts for another compelling edition of this great sporting occasion.”
An announcement on Europe’s captain for 2018 is likely to be made early next year.