Reflecting on the past, Nacho Garrido — a member of the victorious European team at the 1997 Ryder Cup held at Valderrama — recalled the lasting legacy of that unforgettable event: “The impact of Severiano Ballesteros is still very much alive. He was someone who created a buzz wherever he went, someone who left an indelible mark, especially on the golf course.”
Turning to the present, with the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York just around the corner, Garrido commented:
“Europe is bringing a solid team that knows what it takes to win. These are players who know how to respond under pressure. Of course, the home advantage is significant — not only having the crowd on your side but also being able to set up the course to your liking.”
And looking ahead to the future, with 2031 already on the horizon, Juan Guerrero-Burgos, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG), stated: “Camiral is a well-deserved selection after two previous bids. Golf development in Catalonia and Spain is set to grow immensely, because the legacy of the Ryder — both before and after — will be tremendously important.”
“All Behind the Ryder Cup!” This is now the official slogan that expresses the united support of Spanish golf for hosting the Ryder Cup in 2031 — a commitment proudly declared during the official presentation at Camiral Golf, inspired by the success of Valderrama 1997, as we approach the 2025 edition in New York.
The selection of the renowned Girona-based golf resort reaffirms Spain’s international reputation for hosting top-tier sporting events. Having hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years, Camiral will follow in the footsteps of Bethpage Black in New York (2025), Adare Manor in Ireland (2027), and Hazeltine National in Minnesota (2029), before the Ryder Cup makes its grand return to Spain in 2031.
This will mark the second time Spain hosts the Ryder Cup, exactly 34 years after the legendary Seve Ballesteros captained Europe to victory at Valderrama in 1997 — a moment that cemented Spain’s pivotal role in Ryder Cup history. In fact, eleven Spanish players have represented Team Europe, the second-highest number from any country, trailing only England.
That illustrious list includes: Severiano Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Sergio García, José María Cañizares, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Jon Rahm, Manuel Piñero, José Rivero, Antonio Garrido, Nacho Garrido, and Miguel Ángel Martín (who was injured just before the 1997 edition).
As RFEG President Juan Guerrero-Burgos put it: “Spain is the first continental country to host the Ryder Cup twice — a success made possible thanks to the support of institutions, players, and above all, Seve.”
1997: The Ryder Cup of Seve. Simply mentioning the genius of Seve Ballesteros brought the spotlight back to Nacho Garrido, the special guest of the day, who reflected on his role in the legendary 1997 Ryder Cup: “That Ryder was Seve’s Ryder. That’s why I believe the 2031 edition will be Spain’s first Ryder Cup in every sense.”
“We wouldn’t have won in 1997 without Seve, and I certainly wouldn’t have performed like I did without him,” Garrido added. “In those tight matches that went to the 18th or got suspended due to rain, Seve had a huge presence. He gave you confidence. He’d look you in the eye and say, ‘Of course you can beat Phil Mickelson,’ and you believed him.”
Much of the relaxed conversation with media and fellow athletes at the Copa Comunicación event — attended by sports figures like Jordi Villacampa, Bernd Schuster, and Miguel Ángel Ferrer ‘Mista’ — focused on that magical 1997 Ryder Cup. And no one had more to share than Nacho Garrido, who gave insights from inside the ropes.
“What struck me most that week was how, in such an individualistic sport — where we’re all basically rivals day to day — there was such a sense of camaraderie,” Garrido explained. “By the second day, Darren Clarke felt like a brother. I saw Jesper Parnevik, the cold Swede, years later, and he greeted me like family. It’s an experience that stays with you for life.”
As one of only eleven Spaniards to play in a Ryder Cup, Garrido has lived through unique moments — like that unforgettable match alongside José María Olazábal: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Like coming back from 3–0 down in a Champions League final. We were playing against Mickelson and Tom Lehman, and thanks to the crowd, who lifted us up, we realized we could win. In those moments, the crowd becomes your 13th player.”
Looking to 2031: “It Will Be the Greatest Ryder Cup Ever”. One key takeaway from the day was that the 1997 Ryder Cup played a pivotal role in popularizing golf across Spain. “I remember a few months later, I was on a flight, and people recognized me and started applauding. That had never happened to me before,” said Garrido, who boasts victories on both the European Tour and the Challenge Tour.
The final message came from Juan Guerrero-Burgos, echoed by everyone in attendance:
“The 2031 Ryder Cup will be the best in history. And not just because of the institutions’ efforts, but because I truly believe every Spanish golf member will become an ambassador for our Ryder Cup.”
Source: Real Federación Española de Golf