With the Ryder Cup just weeks away, we thought we’d share some fun facts about this year’s event to get you in the mood for some world-class golf. Ready? Here we go:
JT named team ambassador - For the first time in Cup history, the U.S. will have a team ambassador – actor and musician Justin Timberlake. Apparently, JT is an avid golfer himself.
“There is no greater stage for the sport than the Ryder Cup, and I’m proud to be an ambassador for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and take part in such a time-honored event,” Timberlake told RyderCup.com. “It’s going to be a special week for golf fans around the world, me the most.”
Timberlake will appear at the Ryder Cup Gala on Sept. 26 at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., as well as at the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 27 at Medinah Country Club.
15th hole gets a makeover – Medinah Country Club has transformed the famed 15th hole of Course No. 3, shortening it by about 100 yards to create a drive-able par-4. The course also sports a new two-acre lake that borders the right fairway and green.
Renowned golf course architect Rees Jones designed the new hole, along with 11 of Course No. 3′s 18 greens and its main putting green. The updates bring the course up to U.S. Golf Association specifications, and cost about $1.5 million. Jones believes the makeover enhances the hole’s risk-reward challenge.
Sounds of the Windy City – Ryder Cup officials are celebrating the tournament’s proximity to Chicago with a special performance by the Grammy-award winning band of the same name. You can also expect to see U.S. and European golfers, as well as some of Chicago’s famous faces.
“We are very excited to celebrate the 39th Ryder Cup with this Gala event, which will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience with the Ryder Cup captains, teams, Justin Timberlake and the iconic band Chicago,” Ryder Cup Director Michael Belot said. “It will be an unforgettable evening celebrating global golf, the Chicagoland area and all things Ryder Cup.”
The 2012 Ryder Cup takes place Sept. 25-30 at the Medinah Country Club in Rosemont, Ill. Give us a call to schedule your trip today!