Rome, the Italian capital, has won the race to host the Ryder Cup for the first time in 2022 and will reconstruct its course for the event.

The 44th edition of the contest, which pits a team of elite European golfers against US counterparts, will take place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club just outside of the city.

It will be only the third time the Ryder Cup has taken place in continental Europe. Spain’s Club de Golf Valderrama hosted the competition in 1997, in which Europe defeated the US, while 2018’s edition will commence at France’s Le Golf National.

Italy’s bid held off competition from neighbouring Austria, as well as Germany and Spain. Denmark, Portugal and Turkey had also bid, but withdrew their interest in the early stages.

As part of its hosting, Italy has pledged to undertake a complete reconstruction of the course “to the highest standards”.

Chief executive of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, led the five-strong committee to award Italy the contest. Pelley said its bid was “bold and ambitious”.

“There is no question that the Eternal City of Rome will provide a wonderful backdrop for one of the great occasions in world golf,” he added.

Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup director, said the infrastructure, commercial structure and government support meant Italy’s bid was “consistently strong and impressive”.

“The plans outlined for the golf course at Marco Simone are spectacular alongside the commitment to develop all levels of golf in Italy, and we look forward very much to working with the Italian 2022 Ryder Cup team over the coming years,” added Hills.

Rome is also in a four-way competition with Hamburg, Budapest, Paris and Los Angeles for the hosting of the 2024 Olympic Games.