The Ryder Cup is just around the corner, and the excitement is already building. But the most attention was drawn to the opening ceremony of the 45th Ryder Cup, during which US team captain Keegan Bradley made a gaffe. Although the ceremony was originally scheduled to take place today, it was moved earlier due to bad weather.
Keegan Bradley was energetic in his speech, recalling the 1999 match in Brookline that stirred up strong emotions. However, he made a gaffe by mentioning Justin Rose instead of Justin Leonard, recalling the legendary golfer's brilliant move.
The Ryder Cup became personal for me in 1999 at Brookline, said Bradley, as quoted by the Scotsman.
I was 13 years old, perched on my dad's shoulders watching Justin Rose's miracle putt drop on 17. When the crowd erupted on 18, my dad let me join in on the celebration. That was the moment golf stopped being a game and started being a calling. That day changed my life.
Luke Donald's speech
Golf fans know that American players will be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, and part of that money goes to charity. However, the European team is using the moment to provoke the American players and the public, which is best shown by Luke Donald's speech.
In his speech, the captain of the European team pointed out that this competition is a matter of prestige, not monetary prizes. The experienced golfer and captain stressed the importance of playing for his country, his continent and his teammates.
We come to you this week not just as individual players from nine different nations but as one team, a team defined by history, by unity and by belief that we are playing for something far greater than ourselves, Donald said.
The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It is unlike anything else in our sport. It is not about prize-money or world ranking points. It's about pride. It's about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.
We play for our families, our team-mates, our countries, our continent, and for the generations before us who made this event what it is today.- he concluded.
