Sweden withdraws Ryder Cup bid

The Swedish Golf Federation and Scandinavian Golf Event Management (SGEM), the company behind the country's bid to host The Ryder Cup, have decided to withdraw their candidature for the 2018 contest.   Sweden will focus on the 2022 event after the the organisers cited a weakened economy and insurmountable challenges in terms of sourcing the necessary finances - including lack of Government funding - as the reasons behind their withdrawal.   The announcement leaves France, Germany, Holland, Portugal and the city of Madrid as the remaining parties involved in the bid to stage the biennial match in eight year's time.   Jacob Wallenberg, chairman of SGEM, said: "The Ryder Cup is a fantastic event and it is regrettable that it was not possible to resolve the funding for 2018. However, Sweden needs major events and one of these may be The Ryder Cup. We will work to ensure we can make a new application for 2022."   Richard Hills, Ryder Cup director, added: "Swedish golfers have played a leading role in Europe's recent Ryder Cup successes and we hope that Sweden will be in a position to make a vigorous bid to stage the event when it returns to Europe in 2022."   Where next?   Equipment: Latest equipment reviews Competitions: Win golf prizes