For almost a century, the Ryder Cup has captivated the world of golf. Established in 1927 by Samuel Ryder, this contest between the United States and Europe has become one of the most prestigious events in international sport.
Initially dominated by the Americans against the British team, the competition entered a new era in 1979 with the inclusion of players from continental Europe, a transformation inspired by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros. Since then, the Ryder Cup has become synonymous with passion, emotion and unforgettable sporting drama.
In 2018, France made history by hosting the Ryder Cup for the very first time at Le Golf National on the Albatros course. For one week, the venue became the epicentre of the golfing world, welcoming more than 270,000 spectators to witness the finest players on the planet.
The event marked a major milestone for French golf, both through its international visibility and the enthusiasm it generated throughout the country.
Driven by an electric atmosphere and a crowd entirely behind them, Team Europe delivered an outstanding performance against a particularly formidable American side.
The United States team notably featured a resurgent Tiger Woods, fresh from his victory at the Tour Championship only days earlier, alongside nine of its twelve players ranked inside the world's Top 15.
Notably led by Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy and captain Thomas Bjørn, Europe secured a convincing 17.5–10.5 victory.
The grandstands of Le Golf National, animated daily by nearly 55,000 spectators, the chants of supporters and several memorable moments, including the dominance of the iconic "Moliwood" partnership, the performances of Ian Poulter, nicknamed "The Postman" for his ability to deliver under pressure, and Jon Rahm's Sunday singles victory over Tiger Woods, all combined to make this edition one of the most memorable in modern Ryder Cup history.
Since that historic edition, the Ryder Cup has continued to deliver spectacular contests, with European victories in Rome in 2023 and at Bethpage Black in 2025, further reinforcing the prestige and unique intensity of the competition.
In the summer of 2024, Le Golf National hosted the golf competitions of the Paris Olympic Games, bringing together the world's best male and female golfers on one of the sport's most demanding championship courses. For two weeks, the venue pulsed with the spirit of the Games, welcoming thousands of spectators attending one of the world's premier sporting events.
A few days before the competitions began, Le Golf National had already experienced a symbolic moment with the Olympic Torch relay passing through it. Carried by Thomas Levet, Jean Van de Velde and Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, former major champion and one of France’s most distinguished golfers, this stage further enhanced the emotion and historical significance of the event.
From a sporting perspective, the Olympic tournaments delivered world-class competition. In the men’s event, Scottie Scheffler won the gold medal ahead of Tommy Fleetwood and Hideki Matsuyama. In the women’s competition, Lydia Ko claimed gold ahead of Esther Henseleit and Lin Xiyu.
Particular recognition should also be given to the outstanding fourth-place finish of French player Victor Perez, who came within touching distance of the podium and delivered one of the finest performances in recent French golf history.
Already host of the Ryder Cup in 2018, Le Golf National once again confirmed its status as a world-class championship venue for major international competitions, further strengthening the visibility and appeal of golf in France.
Founded in 1906, the Open de France is the oldest national championship in continental Europe and one of the most prestigious events on the European golfing calendar.
For more than a century, it has brought together the world’s leading players and has crowned some of golf’s greatest legends, including Severiano Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Bernhard Langer.
Held at Le Golf National since 1991, the tournament has become a flagship event of the DP World Tour. Renowned for its demanding nature, the Albatros course has played a major role in building the tournament’s international reputation.
The Open de France has also marked the history of French golf through the victories of Jean-François Remésy, the first French winner since Jean Garaïalde, before Thomas Levet added his name to the list of champions.
Following an exceptional staging at Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche for the 2025 edition, the Open de France will return to Le Golf National in 2026, a symbolic year marking the tournament’s 120th anniversary, reconnecting the championship with the iconic course that has been part of its story for more than three decades.
In 2022, Le Golf National hosted the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC), one of the most prestigious international Amateur golf competitions. Organised every two years by the International Golf Federation, the event brings together the best men’s and women’s national teams in the world.
Players competed on the Albatros Course, renowned for its demanding layout and dramatic finishing holes. In the men’s competition, Italy claimed victory in the Eisenhower Trophy, while Sweden won the Espirito Santo Trophy in the women’s event.
Le Golf National had previously hosted the championship in 1994, an edition remembered notably for the presence of a young Tiger Woods, then one of the most promising talents in amateur golf.
By hosting the World Amateur Team Championships, Le Golf National once again confirmed its leading role in the development and promotion of world golf, from the highest levels of Amateur competition to the most prestigious professional championships.
