The golf world is buzzing after two-time major champion Justin Thomas voiced his dream of seeing the Ryder Cup contested at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, even while acknowledging the formidable logistical challenges that make it improbable.
In a recent appearance on The Smylie Show podcast, and first reported in outlets like The Golfing Gazette, Thomas enthusiastically endorsed the idea of bringing golf’s premier team event to the “Home of Golf.”
“St Andrews, I think, is gold,” Thomas said. “I would love — I just don’t see how it’s physically possible, but somehow, someway, for a Ryder Cup at St Andrews. There’s no way that could happen, but could you just imagine how sick that would be, and matches somehow coming down the Road Hole and coming down to 18? It would be epic, just so epic.”
The Old Course at St Andrews is renowned worldwide as one of the oldest and most storied golf courses, regularly hosting The Open Championship. Its layout — with iconic features like the Swilcan Bridge, Hell Bunker, and the famous Road Hole (17th) — lends itself to dramatic finishes.
Thomas painted a vivid picture of Ryder Cup matches reaching their climax on the closing holes, potentially creating unforgettable moments amid massive galleries and the electric team-match energy.
However, Thomas tempered his enthusiasm with realism. St Andrews’ setup poses significant hurdles for a Ryder Cup, which requires extensive infrastructure for thousands of spectators, media, hospitality, and match-play formats over multiple days. The course’s public access, links-style challenges (including unpredictable weather and firm fairways), and space constraints for grandstands, practice areas, and parking have long made it a difficult fit compared to more modern or purpose-built venues.
The Ryder Cup alternates between Europe and the United States. Recent and upcoming hosts include:
- 2027: Adare Manor (Ireland)
- 2029: Hazeltine National (USA)
Future European venues remain unannounced beyond 2027, but traditional rota courses like St Andrews have rarely been discussed seriously for the event due to the practical issues Thomas highlighted. Although, some critics place the blame squarely with the DP World Tour and its pay-for-play model.
Thomas, a veteran of multiple Ryder Cups, including the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black, remains one of Team USA’s most passionate voices. His comments come at a time when fans and players alike often speculate about dream venues that could elevate the competition’s spectacle.
For now, it serves as a reminder of golf’s deep roots — and how even modern superstars dream of competing on the sport’s most legendary stage.
