It was once an biennial excuse for the Americans to demonstrate a golfing superiority over the British and Irish team but, over time, has grown to be a real power struggle between the United States and Europe. However, it is not just on the course that the event has grown - off it, the Ryder Cup has developed into a financial bonanza for wherever it is held.

For instance, it is estimated that this year's staging at The Belfry will generate around £50 million for the economy around Birmingham.

Around 35,000 spectators will attend each day's play and, in a dramatic change from when the event was first held at The Belfry, in 1985, many of them will be from the rest of Europe or America.

As recently as 1993, it was estimated that 75 per cent of the spectators came from within 45 minutes travelling time of The Belfry. "We expected that to turn on its head as the importance of the matches grew," admitted Mike Gray, the commercial director of the Professional Golfers' Association. In fact, this year will see the locals very much in the minority.

Imagine what it will be like in The K Club in 2006, the next time the Ryder Cup will be staged in Europe. It will prove to be a financial windfall for the Straffan area . . . but it also means tickets will be harder than ever to get.