Ryder Cup trophy to visit Harris

Ryder Cup trophy to visit Harris 5/9/14

Travelling by helicopter, the world-famous trophy will arrive at the Isle of Harris Golf Club in Scarista on Monday at 12.45pm.

The club was the very first in the Western Isles to take part in the ClubGolf junior initiative. The 2014 Ryder Cup is already leaving a legacy benefit to Scotland via the ClubGolf junior golf initiative, which was a commitment made by Scotland as part of the 2001 bid - almost 300,000 school children have been introduced to golf through the scheme since 2003.

The week-long tour will take in some of the nation’s most spectacular scenery at the most Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western courses participating in the ClubGolf programme, before arriving at Gleneagles, host of The 2014 Ryder Cup, on Wednesday 10th September. The wider legacy of The 2014 Ryder Cup is also important with participating courses also being chosen for their tourism and environmental connections.

At each location, members of the public will have the opportunity to see and have their picture taken next to The Ryder Cup Trophy. The experience can be shared online with the hashtag #rydercuptrophytour.

Alan MacKenzie, island manager at VisitScotland said: “It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to welcome one of the world’s most recognised sporting trophies to Harris and The Isle of Harris Golf Club, one of the finest settings in the world for a round of golf. As we prepare to host The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, the legacy and economic benefits are set to be felt right across Scotland, not just in the accommodation sector but also travel and transport, Scottish food and drink suppliers, attractions and a wide range of businesses throughout the industry.

While representing the various legacy benefits associated with hosting The Ryder Cup in Scotland, including junior golf, golf tourism, golf events and Green Drive, The Ryder Cup Trophy brings with it a real sense of excitement, drama and prestige. This is Scotland’s year, our chance to secure a legacy and showcase Scotland as the home of golf.”