Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition opens at Verulamium Museum St Albans
The historic city of St Albans saw the inauguration of the Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition at the sprawling Verulamium Museum last night April, 19 where a strong contingent of high profile dignitaries witnessed the unveiling ceremony of the coveted event.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Mayor of St Albans City and District Cllr Aislinn Lee.
Ryder Cup, considered as one of the historic events of the sport played biennially as both European and American turfs take alternative turns, was established by Englishman Samuel Ryder.
A struggling merchant and entrepreneur from St Albans in Hertfordshire donated his favourite gold cup marking as the top prize for the winning team and laid the foundations of the event which is still organised religiously every two years.
Ryder, during his illness in the later part of his life, was advised by his doctors to take up the sport as exercise. He struck an early chord with the sport and played for as long as he lived.
Also present in the ceremony were Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills, Sandy Jones, Chief Executive of the Professional Golfers’ Association, PGA Chairman Phil Weaver, PGA Captain Eddie Bullock and Ryder Cup player and TV commentator Ken Brown.
Daughters of 1957 Ryder Cup Captain Dai Rees, Jennifer Johnson and Gillian Williams were also part of the high profile celebrity contingent at the ceremony.
Sandy Jones said, “It is fitting this exhibition starts here in St Albans before travelling around the UK and Europe before eventually making its way to Gleneagles in 2014. Sam left this legacy and I think he would be proud of what he started. I think he
would be proud of the great iconic game it has become today, I think he would be proud of this exhibition and proud it starts here in St Albans as it was his home and he would want to give something back to this city”.
The exhibition will feature souvenirs from former players, trophies and emblems related to the history of the event.
The exhibition will also feature some rare photographs of the former Ryder Cup players.
The star-studded event is set to return to Medinah Golf and Country Club in Chicago where the sturdy European Team will defend its title from the Americans.
Tags: