Golf: 2022 Ryder Cup opening ceremony set to be held in Colosseum

European Tour CEO Keith Pelley has revealed how he is in talks for the 2022 Ryder Cup opening ceremony to be staged in the Roman Colosseum.

Pelley has also dismissed any debate that the current economic and political instabiity will jeopardise the Ryder Cup being staged in Italy.

“I’ve said all along the Ryder Cup in 2022 is going to Italy,” said Pelley, who added that the tour’s Ryder Cup support team is in Italy this week meeting with local officials.

“Italy in 2022 is a story that people talk about but we had conversations this week about the opening ceremony being in the Colosseum. These are serious conversations with Italian decision makers and officials.”

The Roman Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commisioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80, with later improvements by Domitian. 

Pelley's main concern ahead of the 2022 Ryder Cup is that the course, Marco Simone, is currently a "construction zone" and well behind on schedule

“The fact is that the government has funded Marco Simone, the money has been transferred,” said Pelley.

“The only thing we have a concern with is we were late getting the golf course started and we want to have at least one Italian Open at Marco Simone prior to the Ryder Cup. Our timelines are tight.”

As for Europe's host venue for the 2026 Ryder Cup, Pelley has remained tight lipped but insists an announcement should happen in February or March: "I think 2026 [Ryder Cup venue] will be announced in the next three to four months."

Padraig Harrington is a red-hot favourite to be named 2020 European Ryder Cup captain ahead of the next clash with the United States at Whistling Straits.