The European host nation for the 2018 Ryder Cup will be revealed at the Wentworth Club outside London on May 17, Ryder Cup Europe announced on Wednesday.

In the running will be bids from France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Only Spain in 1997 has hosted the event previously.

Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills said: "It has been a hugely challenging and stimulating process, taking almost 18 months to complete, and the Wentworth Club is a highly appropriate location to announce the host nation for the 2018 Ryder Cup."

Six countries initially submitted bids to host the biennial event which opposes Europe and the United States, but Sweden withdrew before the bid documents were officially lodged with Ryder Cup Europe prior to April 30, 2010.

The 2018 Ryder Cup Evaluation Panel then undertook a detailed process to validate the five bids, including site inspections in France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

The winning bid will follow Ireland in 2006, Wales in 2010 and the 2014 host nation Scotland, by securing the right to stage the European edition of the contest in 2018.

Europe's defence of the trophy they won at Celtic Manor, Wales last year will be held next year in the United States at the Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois, USA, from September 28-30.

© 2011 AFP/sid