Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1345880
panning 94 years, since its inception in 1927, the illustrious 2020 Ryder Cup event, now being played in 2021, and involving the world's greatest players, will surely create some of the most memorable moments in golf history. The Ryder Cup is certainly one of the world's greatest sporting events. Every two years, 24 of the best players from the United States and Europe go head-to-head in match play competition. Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It's an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder. We all know much has changed in the last year due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything that we had come to take for granted as normal had changed drastically for everyone and everything. Not even professional sporting events were left unscathed. Many events including professional golf tournaments were cancelled, postponed, or had dates moved to 2021—as the safety for players and patrons was of the utmost importance. The 2020 Ryder Cup that was to take place in September 2020 had also been postponed and will now be contested on September 21-26, 2021. Many of The Ryder Cup team players had strong opinions about the event and felt it truly wouldn't be a Ryder Cup if devoted spectators were not allowed to attend and cheer loudly for their favorite team and players. It just wouldn't be the same. After much discussion by all parties involved, the decision was made to move the 2020 event to the same timeframe in 2021. The last time a Ryder Cup date was moved was in 2001, when the September 11 attacks pushed the event to 2002. Subsequently, The Ryder Cup events will now be played on odd years to maintain a two-year distance between the events. The 2023 event will be held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome with The Ryder Cup returning to the United States in 2025 at Bethpage Black in New York. This year's prestigious event is still scheduled to take place on the Straits Course at the historic Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. The course will be hosting its very first Ryder Cup, and has previously hosted three PGA Championships (2004 won by Vijay Singh, 2010 won by Martin Kaymer and 2015 won by Jason Day). At the helm of the United States for this celebrated event is U.S. Team Captain Steve Stricker with the assistance of Vice Captains Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, and David Love III. In September 2019, European Team Captain Pádraig Harrington selected Robert Karlsson as his first Vice-Captain. In May 2020, he accidentally revealed his second Vice-Captain pick Luke Donald in an interview. More Vice Captains will likely be added on both sides as we get closer to the event. With strong leadership, both sides will strategize during the upcoming months and maneuver their teams in one of the most lively, electrifying, and emotional sporting events in all of history. S Steve Stricker 2020 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain GOLF NOW! Chicago 11