A lively Ryder Cup opening ceremony adds further to the hype
The Ryder Cup is officially underway after a lively opening ceremony at Medinah golf and Country Club. Spectators came in, the Orchestra was played and it all happened in a very pleasant manner.
It was a chilly afternoon but even then, people came in to the see the 24 players raring to go on Friday. It all started off when the flags were raised and respective national anthems were played.
There was orchestra followed by a brilliant performance by Justin Timber Lake. Timberlake also read a magnificent poem and tried to lighten up the atmosphere by cracking some jokes.
Josh Ledet and the Soul Children of Chicago’s performance was one of the highlights of the day. They covered a Beatles’ song ‘Come Together’.
The speeches of the two captains very interesting, Davis Love III mainly focused on the friendship, where as Jose Maria Olazabal said that they will be taking the trophy back home.
Davis Love III emphasised that we all need to be friends before and after the matches as well because the Ryder Cup is all about friendship. “In this world, we need all the friends we can find,” were the words of Love.
Davis Love also added, “Captaining the USA team is an honour of my life”.
These words come as a surprise. Firstly, because the Americans are playing in their own backyard, so they need to be a little aggressive to put the Europeans under pressure.
Secondly, talking like this gives the impression of a defensive approach and the Americans need to be positive. They should challenge the Europeans head on.
Olazabal gave a true captain’s speech. He really lit up the atmosphere when he said, “I know how much you want to win this lovely golden trophy, but we have every intention of bringing it back home with us”.
The European captain also praised the late Seve Ballesteros. Seve was very close to Olazabal being a country man and as a golfer. Above all, Seve will always be remembered as one of the Ryder Cup legends.
“Most of all,” Olazabal said, “I learned from him what true passion is all about. Seve, we miss you”.
The pairings for the four some were also announced, leaving behind any speculations that were coming from various quarters.
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