Ryder Cup 2014 Daily Update: Thursday September 25

The Yanks are coming…

The buses started leaving our partner hotels as early as 6:30 a.m. this morning to escort our clients/U.S.A superfans to the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, site of the matches. On an overcast and windy day, the players played practice rounds accompanied by their caddies, personal coaches and Ryder Cup Captains and Vice Captains. If you’ve never been to a Ryder Cup you probably have no idea how hugely popular this event has become. There were throngs of people at the tee boxes, overlooking the driving range, at the spectator village, corporate tents and just about everywhere else. It’s such a festive and enjoyable atmosphere.

The Ryder Cup is unlike any other golf tournament in the world. Here it’s OK to root and root loud for your team. Keep in mind, this was for the practice round. The real competition doesn’t start till tomorrow. Last night each team received motivational talks. The Europeans got a pep talk from Sir Alex Ferguson, the celebrated former manager of Manchester United soccer team and the American team were inspired by two wounded war veterans, Josh Olson and Noah Galloway, who lost limbs in Iraq. According to reports, several of our players were near tears as they listened to the two young men talk about their tragedy and how they’ve come back from their injuries.

Our Premier Golf guests spent last night at receptions at the various partner hotels where they were serenaded by a bagpiper, enjoyed drinks and appetizers and watched a terrific Ryder Cup video with comments by Jack Nicklaus, who designed the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, and our company president Jim Ward. Ward did his best to rally the troops and encouraged all of our clients to “yell loud and bring that Cup back.”

The Opening Ceremonies for the Ryder Cup were held today. An impressive group of bagpipers led in the two teams as they marched to the stage. What a great spectacle as well as a fabulous showcase for golf.