By Fred Altvater
We have seen the Ryder Cup become a huge international sporting event that transcends golf and appeals to non-golfers alike. The Solheim Cup has grown to become one of the most anticipated athletic events on the calendar every two years. To a lesser degree the Presidents Cup is anticipated and receives excellent television ratings.
With names like Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer and Phil Mickelson now on the Champions Tour, is this the right time for a senior version of the Ryder Cup? 
Everyone loves the Ryder Cup and it brings millions of viewers to the intrigue and drama every two years. It seems to bring out the best in the competitors, plus the top players in the world make it a goal to make the teams.
Would a Senior Ryder Cup attract fans?
The Champions Tour is not wildly successful, but it does draw a loyal audience, especially among older golfers, who are business owners and executives with disposable incomes to buy the items that could be lured to sponsor such an event, Cadillac, Rolex, Mercedes, Workday, American Express, etc.
PING helped get the LPGA’s Solheim Cup off the ground and it has been a wildly successful marketing strategy for the equipment manufacturer. Wouldn’t Titleist or Callaway make a good sponsor for a Senior version of the Ryder Cup?
The PGA, not the PGA Tour, owns The Ryder Cup franchise, however, the PGA Tour could initiate a Senior Presidents Cup that could include more top name players such as, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
Possible Teams for Senior Ryder Cup
A Senior Ryder Cup, or Presidents Cup would be much more relatable to golfers that head out for an annual buddies’ trip every year. The match play format of such an event, plus the camaraderie that exists on the Champions Tour contains those same virtues exhibited among a group of guys, or girls, when they travel together for a golf trip. It becomes more about the friendship and off-course banter than the actual golf itself.
With recognizable names reaching their 50’s, it may be time for a Ryder Cup for senior golfers.
For more on this topic, Back 9 Report you can watch Fred and Carlos discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a Senior Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup on Back 9 Report TV. https://youtu.be/HjcqUeAp5Xc
