Italian marble, stained-glass mirrors and a dedicated sommelier: Inside the new clubhouse of the European Ryder Cup team
Ahead of the Parisian 2018 Ryder Cup, Gentleman's Journal head to Wentworth to explore the course's new Clubhouse
It was in the Wentworth Clubhouse that the Ryder Cup was born. In June 1926, after a match between the professionals of Britain and America, Samuel Ryder and his fellow players hatched the plan to continue these matches on a biennial basis.
In those days, the Clubhouse was a more modest affair. However, this year, the iconic Wentworth Club has opened the doors to its new luxury Clubhouse, the result of a significant £13m investment by the Club’s owners over the past 12 months.
Gentleman’s Journal headed down to Surrey ahead of the 42nd Ryder Cup — held this year across the channel from Wentworth in France at Le Golf National — to explore the new clubhouse of the European Ryder Cup team.
The team at Wentworth have worked tirelessly over the past eight months on a complete refit of the Clubhouse, from the front door to the back. Every surface — floors, ceilings, walls — is different, and the iconic exterior has retained the building’s historic features.
Thorp Design, based in Sloane Street, managed the architectural direction and interior design of the project. They selected the finest Italian marble to be used across the bars and bathrooms, with soft carpets carefully crafted in China and transported to Wentworth.
The locker rooms have received particular attention, with new sauna and steam rooms and a complete overhaul in style. And the Club Lounge, with bronze-cladded columns and stained-glass mirrors is the perfect elegantly-designed space for afternoon tea.
Our particular favourite space was the Dining Room, a grand room with a mirrored ceiling feature overhanging a central banquette. With dishes showcasing the breath of the country’s culinary strengths, Wentworth will now enjoy a dedicated wine sommelier — with members and guests able to enjoy wine pairings from different regions.
As the birthplace of the Ryder Cup, the new Hall of Fame will house Wentworth’s vast collection of historical memorabilia – all reframed and refurbished, including a famous image of The Ryder Cup which will hang proudly in the new Club Lounge. An illustrious decoration in an illustrious venue — we can’t wait to tee off…
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