Developing collaborative local sport policies through major sport events: the case of the 2018 Ryder Cup

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale This article reflects upon the growing use of major sport events as a way to bring about new forms of collaborations between sports actors and local governments. It seeks to determine the extent to which these collaborations can produce sustainable local sports policies. Design/Methodology/Approach This work is based on a case study of the collaboration between the French Golf Federation and the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines community for the hosting of the 2018 Ryder Cup. It draws on a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews conducted with leaders from both organizations. Findings This work shows how an event-based relationship is a double-sided opportunity, as it serves to align interests in the short run but fails to drive local sport development in the longer run. Research contribution The paper adds new perspectives for the analysis of sport events’ legacy by studying a collaborative governance process for the implementation of a local sport policy. It also questions it through the collaboration between sports federations and local authorities. Practical implications Several issues identified in the results are discussed in order to envision ways to put major sport events at the service of host territories and question the utility of event-based local sport policies.