Teeing Off with Tribute: Ryder Cup's Emotional Beginning

The Ryder Cup started off with emotional scenes as U.S. captain Keegan Bradley delivered a significant tribute on the first tee. Before sunrise, Chris Mascali, a New York firefighter, shared his Sept. 11 story with the American team to inspire them. With grandstands soon to be filled, the narrative of resilience set a serious tone for the tournament.

European captain Luke Donald leads his team with a storied history of comebacks, evident in their choice of salmon-colored attire—a nod to past triumphs. Having tasted victory away from home before, Europe is no stranger to the pressures and expectations of performing on foreign soil.

Bradley and Donald, both residing in South Florida, share a deep camaraderie, reflecting on the importance of soaking in the competition. As anticipation builds, both teams sense the weight and pride of representing their continents, eager to leave a lasting mark in this epic contest.