<div><p>France will join Germany, Madrid, Portugal, Netherlands and Sweden as official candidates to host the 2018 Ryder Cup, Sports Minister Rama Yade announced here on Wednesday.</p><p>Since its creation in 1927 the biennial competition has only once been held outside Great Britain or Ireland in Europe - with Spain hosting the 1997 edition.</p><p>Yade described the Ryder Cup as a "legendary" event.</p><p>"Our country has incomparable advantages but we must continue to work without stopping," she told a press conference organised by the French Golf Federation.</p><p>Yade promised to devote all her energy and determination to backing the bid.</p><p>The winning candidate is due to be announced by the Ryder Cup Committee in April 2011.</p><p>The 2010 Ryder Cup is being held at Celtic Manor in Wales.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65105194&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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