The stars of this yr’s Ryder Cup walked down Rome’s well-known Spanish Steps on Wednesday – days earlier than teeing off within the well-known {golfing} competitors.
Europe’s star man, Rory McIlroy, was there with spouse Erica Stoll, together with captain Luke Donald and his spouse Diane Antonopoulos.
Team USA captain Zach Johnson additionally led his staff down the well-known steps, accompanied by spouse, Kim Barclay.
The couple posed alongside Johnson’s teammates with the Ryder Cup, which Team USA will probably be hoping to retain following their complete 19-9 win in Wisconsin in 2021.
However, amid the joy in Rome, there have been numerous notable lacking faces following the break up involving the brand new Saudi-funded LIV Golf League.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald and spouse Diane on the Spanish Steps of Rome
Team USA’s Xander Schauffele and his spouse Maya Lowe and Max Homa and his spouse Lacey Croom
Ryder Cup favorite Ian Poulter won’t play on this yr’s competitors having made the change, whereas Lee Westwood, who has been a part of each Ryder Cup since his debut in 1997, will even not function.
Spain’s Sergio Garcia – one other Ryder Cup favorite – will even not take to the course this weekend, regardless of a last-ditch try to make good with the European tour and get to Rome.
“It’s certainly a little strange not having them around,” McIlroy stated.
“But I believe this week of all weeks, it’ll hit house with them that they don’t seem to be right here.
“I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them.”
McIlroy poses for pictures with followers
Rory McIlroy shakes arms with a fan
Read extra:
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There should still be a manner again for the celebrities, with The European tour and PGA Tour having entered a partnership with the Saudi Arabian nationwide wealth fund that pays for LIV Golf.
However, the proposed industrial entity nonetheless must be finalised and accredited.
The Americans have already gone by means of the LIV impact, having performed the Presidents Cup final yr with out Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed being eligible to qualify or having Phil Mickelson obtainable as a vice-captain.
The 2024 Ryder Cup – the forty fourth within the competitors’s 96-year historical past – is being performed on the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.
It will start on Friday and Saturday with the foursome and fourball matches, adopted by the singles video games on Sunday.
Content Source: news.sky.com
