MAJOR plans to bring one of the world's biggest sporting events close to Atherton could drive a huge economic boost for the town.

The Journal believes developer The Peel Group is soon to unveil proposals to build a world class 18-hole golf course on the 1,000-acre Hulton Park Estate between Chequerbent, Over Hulton and Atherton with a view to it hosting golf's famous Ryder Cup in 2026.

The biennial event, which sees the world's best golfers compete in a continental challenge between Europe and America, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and guarantees a multi-million-pound surge for local economies.

The last Ryder Cup saw 250,000 golf fans head to Gleneagles and pumped around £100 million into the Scottish economy.

Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green said: “The idea of hosting an event as big as the Ryder Cup is very positive and would be fantastic.

“But of course there will also be concerns of how any development of this scale will impact on the area in terms of infrastructure.

“I look forward to seeing the full details in the future.”

A potential £100 million-plus project could also involve a new hotel, clubhouse and conference facilities being built on the sprawling estate, which is owned by Peel.

Company officials unveiled the preliminary proposals to councillors last month and it is understood more detailed plans will be brought forward and consulted on in the coming months.

Bolton Town Hall sources suggest Peel is ‘very serious’ about bidding to host the Ryder Cup at the estate.

Plans submitted for a golf course would have to go through Bolton Council.

Leader of the council Cliff Morris said: "We will have to look carefully at all aspects of any application that is put forward.

“There are lots of things to look at and to make sure we get right.

“But if it is the level of investment being suggested then we have to welcome that.

“A leisure facility of this scale would create jobs in the area."

The Ryder Cup is one of the most popular sporting events on the planet, watched by millions across the world.

The venue for the contest alternates every two years between courses in America and Europe.

Peel acquired the Hulton Park Estate in 2010 for an undisclosed fee, after it had been on the market for £8.5 million.

Prior to this it had been in the hands of the Hulton family since at least 1167.

The land, close to Junction 5 of the M61, comprises 713 acres of park and agricultural land, 211 acres of woodland and lakes and has six farms and seven residential properties.

It has previously been reported that a leisure scheme was being planned for the site.

Peel is also behind proposals to build 1,700 new houses close to the estate on land at the Chequerbent roundabout.

The developer has put the project forward as part of a ‘call for sites’ by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which is aiming to address a growing need for housing in the region.

However there is nothing to suggest at this stage the housing scheme and the golf course proposals are linked.