This comes after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced a range of investments across the city region backed by the national wealth fund.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is now planning to submit a bid alongside developers Peel Land to host the Ryder Cup at Hulton Park, Over Hulton in 2035.

This will also include funding of £69.8M to help build a new link road at Park Avenue, along with improved bus and cycling routes, with special bus services to be laid on during the tournament.

Mr Burnham said: “The success of the BRIT Awards in Manchester shows that we can we attract and deliver international events to a brilliant standard. 

“Culture and sport will be major drivers of our good growth, and that’s why we’re bidding to host the biggest ever Ryder Cup in Bolton in 2035. 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he hopes to make the bid a reality (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve had promising conversations with organisers about bringing the tournament to a bespoke, world-class course at Hulton Park. 

“But it will only be possible with the right infrastructure. 

“We’re doing our bit to make it happen.” 

“We’re committing up to £70 million to deliver a transport package to not only help spectators get to the site but deliver major benefits for the people living in the surrounding areas. 

“As well as the new jobs and tourist spend the Ryder Cup would deliver, there’s also a chance to deliver a lasting legacy. 

“We want to work with Government to align transport investment to the tournament – delivering more frequent and modern trains on the Atherton line, investing in better rail stations and speeding up work to connect the area to the Metrolink network.  

“We’re serious about making sure every part of Greater Manchester benefits from our approach to good growth. 

“By almost doubling our Good Growth Fund, thanks to a landmark partnership with the National Wealth Fund and new investment from Government, we can invest in bringing even more homes, jobs and opportunities to our communities.” 

The Hulton Park scheme was approved by government planning inspectors (Image: Peel Land)

The £500M funding, which will be used for projects across Greater Manchester, came about after the National Wealth Fund decided to back the city region’s Good Growth Fund.

The further £500M takes the total capacity to almost £2 billion, following on from more than £300M worth of transport funding and £175M announced by the government. 

 Bringing the Ryder Cup to Hulton Park in 2035 would mark the first time the famous golf tournament has been hosted in England for more than 30 years.

Around 350,000 fans are expected to attend if the tournament comes to Bolton as hoped.

Bolton Council’s planning committee had originally voted to refuse the plan to build an 18-hole luxury golf course at Hulton Park but were overruled by government inspectors in October 2022.

This kept the condition in place that for the plans to proceed, Bolton will need to be chosen as the host for the Ryder Cup in 2031 or 2035.

Town hall leaders hope that the £69.8M investment in traffic improvements around Park Avenue will help address people’s concerns about congestion in the area.

GMCA has announced £69.8M of funding for the Park Avenue link road project (Image: Peel Land)

The Park Avenue scheme will aim to support delivery of the first phase of a new M61-M6 link road, new cycling and walking routes, and new bus routes to the Ryder Cup site. 

Bolton Council leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “We have listened closely to the concerns of our residents and put forward a serious plan to tackle the persistent traffic problems in Westhoughton.  

“This major investment in the Park Avenue link road will not only ease that congestion but also unlock growth and create jobs at this key strategic location.  

“Greater Manchester’s backing for our Ryder Cup bid at nearby Hulton Park is further evidence of Bolton’s growing reputation as a host of world-class events.   

“Meanwhile, the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation will build on the regeneration success we’ve already achieved in the town centre as we look ahead to the flagship redevelopment of Crompton Place.” 

The Combined Authority say that hosting the Ryder Cup could add more than £1.2billion to the North West’s economy.

They say that restoring the historic parkland at Hulton Park would leave a legacy locally for generations. 

Professional golfer and Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood said: “As a golfer, a Ryder Cup being in England, first and foremost, would be something special.

On top of that, to do it in the North West of England, where I’m from, would be amazing.  

“We have so much to offer, the people have a lot to offer, the infrastructure has a lot to offer, and I think it would be something that would be incredible. 

“I’m totally in favour of it and would be happy to support as much as I can!  

“Whenever it’s on the Ryder Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and bringing that to the North West of England would be something very special that we’d remember forever.”