#211 How The Ryder Cup Became A $500 Million Event
Sep 28, 2023
auto_awesome
Explore the history and development of The Ryder Cup, the financial aspects and benefits of the tournament, the magnificence and challenges of the golf course, the economic impact on Rome, and the strategic player substitution rule
The Ryder Cup has evolved from a UK-US competition to include all of Europe, enhancing competitiveness over time.
Despite its lucrative nature, players in The Ryder Cup do not receive monetary compensation but are provided with perks and charitable donations by the PGA of America.
Deep dives
History and Origins of the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup originated from an informal match in 1921 between Great Britain and the United States, eventually formalized by English businessman Samuel Ryder in 1927. Initially a UK-US contest, it expanded to include all of continental Europe after consistent US victories. With the US leading historically, Europe has won seven of the last ten tournaments, increasing competitiveness.
Business Aspects and Revenue of the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is a lucrative sporting event drawing significant viewership and attendance, with a 15-year $440 million TV deal and ticket prices ranging from $53 to $1,500. Despite generating substantial revenue, the players do not receive monetary compensation. Instead, Team USA members are provided $200,000 by the PGA of America, distributed for charitable donations and various perks such as travel reimbursements and complimentary tickets.
Host Venue and Unique Features of the Ryder Cup
The 2023 Ryder Cup is hosted at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, chosen over other European clubs due to significant renovations and financial commitments. The course, with its breathtaking views of Rome and a thousand-year-old castle behind the fifth hole, poses challenges with tight fairways and deep roughs. The club's superintendent, Laura Aris, leads a diverse staff and introduced the intriguing 'envelope rule' in the tournament.
Team USA and Team Europe will battle it out at the 44th edition of The Ryder Cup this weekend at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy. This podcast will break down the business and economics of the storied event, one that pits the best golfers from the United States and Europe against each other. Enjoy!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode