Golf takes a glamorous turn before Ryder Cup tees off

America and Europe are about to go head-to-head as the glamorous build-up to the Ryder Cup gives way to the on-course action.

The Ryder Cup is almost underway. Photo: Getty Images.

An American squad featuring nine of the world’s 11 top-ranked golfers tries to reclaim the Ryder Cup from Europe this weekend, aided by 40,000 loud supporters and a home course edge.

The European side, however, has won nine of the past 12 editions of the biennial team matches, including three of the past six on US soil, and brings an experienced line-up to face a US team with six rookies on its 12-man roster.

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Brisk winds at Whistling Straits along the Lake Michigan shoreline promise to make the layout, tucked among cliffs and hillsides, formidable for everyone when play starts Friday. Flag-stiffening winds will switch to a southerly when the main event kicks off, unlike anything seen on practice days.

It doesn’t hurt that the hosts have 2020 Masters winner Dustin Johnson, Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, British Open champion Collin Morikawa and US PGA Tour playoff winner Patrick Cantlay all ranked in the top five, even if the last three are Ryder Cup newcomers.

“We come with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, young guys willing and ready to learn,” US captain Steve Stricker said. “We’re not coming with bad experiences. I see that as a positive. Our guys are super fired up and ready to go.”

Friday and Saturday feature morning foursomes and afternoon four-ball matches ahead of Sunday’s 12 final singles matches.

About 40,000 spectators are expected each day, mostly US supporters due to Covid-19 travel restrictions after the event was delayed from 2020 by the pandemic.

Europeans did their bit to win over US fans Wednesday, wearing cheeseheads to the first tee, the foam cheese wedge-shaped hats worn by supporters of the nearby NFL Green Bay Packers.

Jon Rahm is hoping to hit form. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Partners enter the spotlight at glamorous gala

The golfers and their partners enjoyed a glamorous gala dinner on Thursday (AEST) as part of the festivities.

The nearest and dearest of those in action will be on hand in Wisconsin to watch all the drama unfold.

Photo shoots took place with the couples and for those without partners — like Norway’s Viktor Hovland — they received some extra love as Sergio Garcia’s wife Angela Akins and Henrik Stenson’s wife Emma Lofgren posed alongside the 24-year-old, pretending to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Norway’s Viktor Hovland poses with Angela Akins Garcia and Emma Lofgren. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images/AFP.

Sergio Garcia’s wife Angela will be cheering him on. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images.

The Ryder Cup is a family affair. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images.

When does the Ryder Cup start and how can I watch?

The stars will tee off on Friday night at 10pm AEST. You can catch all the action over the course of the weekend live on Kayo.

The competition will conclude on Monday morning (AEST).

What are the rules?

The format is different to any other professional golf tournament around and comprises of 28 matches across foursomes, four-ball and singles matchplay.

Foursomes: Two-man teams from Europe and America face off. Each pairing uses the same ball and the golfers alternate taking shots.

Four-ball: Similar to foursomes, this also involves two-man teams. However, instead of alternating shots, each player hits their own ball, and each team counts the lowest score on each hole. The player with the lowest score wins the hole for their team and if the lowest score is tied, then the hole is halved.

Singles matchplay: Each American player squares off against a European player on the final day in head-to-head contests.

There are plenty of functions before the stars even get to the first tee. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP.

With AFP

Originally published as Golf takes a glamorous turn before Ryder Cup tees off