Italy will host the Ryder Cup for the first time in it's history in 2022, it was announced on Monday (14 December).

SOUNDBITE: (English) Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour:

"Well, after much deliberation and four terrific bids, it was a unanimous decision by the board and by the Ryder Cup executive team that the 2022 Ryder Cup would be awarded to Italy and Marco Simone golf course which is just ten miles from the heart of Rome, obviously one of Europe's greatest cities."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour:

"Well I think the venue is going to be terrific. We are obviously going to rebuild the golf course completely with both the Italian federation, the golf course and ourselves (the European Tour) so that's exciting. You take a look at the magestic, iconic city that Rome is and it only being ten miles away, (this) provides for wonderful theatre for the Ryder Cup. The government and the financial support that Italy has is unmatched and then when you break it right down for the players and you think about what they are going to be playing for. The prize purse doubles this year and then moves to seven million euros in 2017 and continues for the next 11 years. The Italian Open will be a premium event for many years to come."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Richard Hills, Managing Director, Ryder Cup Europe:

"It was a very tough decision, but Italy answered the five criteria questions extremely well, in a very positive way. But again, it was a very very tough decision come the end."