• Ryder Cup Ambassador Alan Hansen launches Ryder Cup Practice Day programme, which begins with Tartan Tuesday • Tickets on sale through http://www.rydercup.com/
The 2014 Ryder Cup Ambassador Alan Hansen today launched the event’s action-packed Practice Day programme. He also announced a new charitable element to the first day of Ryder Cup week, which will be known as Tartan Tuesday.
Hansen was joined by ClubGolf members from Prestonfield Golf Club in Edinburgh at Edinburgh Castle and called on all spectators coming to the first Practice Day (Tues 23rd September) to wear a piece of tartan as a sign of welcome to the Ryder Cup players, who will be on course for the first time as a team.
One-off tartan clothes pins will also be on sale at the event, with all proceeds going to the Official Charities of The 2014 Ryder Cup – Friends of St Margaret’s Auchterarder, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport, Quarriers and The McGinley Foundation.
Alan Hansen, Ryder Cup ambassador, said: “While The Ryder Cup pits Europe against the USA, I think it is a fantastic idea to give the players a warm welcome to Scotland with Tartan Tuesday. Every Ryder Cup has a unique atmosphere and the first Practice Day will set the tone for the whole week. It should be a great sight, seeing flickers of tartan all over the course. Tartan is an iconic Scottish image and a major fashion trend, so it’s the ideal way to welcome the Ryder Cup players to Gleneagles. It’ll be a great ticket to have if you can get one.”
Tickets are already on sale for each of the three Practice Days via http://www.rydercup.com/ the official Ryder Cup website. The process includes a photo ID registration, and you can buy up to eight tickets for you and your friends and family.
The 2014 Ryder Cup Practice Days are the best opportunity for fans to see the stars of both Ryder Cup teams up close and in relaxed mood as they get acquainted with the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles. The teams will practice on course and at the driving range, where special autograph areas have been arranged.
Tartan Tuesday is just one of the special events that will take place during The Ryder Cup Practice Days. Designed as a world-class day out, the days preceding the three Match Days include the Opening Ceremony on Thursday 25th September and the Junior Ryder Cup Friendship Match on Wednesday 24th September, which will showcase golf’s best young talent. Part of the legacy of The 2014 Ryder Cup is the ClubGolf initiative, which aims to give every nine-year-old child in Scotland the chance to participate in golf. These children are given the opportunity in schools to try golf, and should they wish, take their interest further by joining a coaching programme at one of a large number of ClubGolf registered clubs across the country. To highlight this, 10 young Prestonfield golfers joined Alan Hansen to launch Tartan Tuesday. Prestonfield has a thriving junior section and was shortlisted for the 2014 RBS Junior Club of the Year award. The children were accompanied by Liz Taylor, ClubGolf Coordinator and coach, also from Prestonfield, who won this year’s RBS Volunteer of the Year award.
There will also be a range of family-friendly activities, from a dedicated Kids Corner where children will have fantastic views of the players and also autograph opportunities, to a special Treasure Hunt where families will be encouraged to explore the course, uncovering some of its hidden gems.
Finally, the tented village on course will feature an array of interactive activities from 2014 Ryder Cup official partners, including music from local musicians, and a chance to explore Ryder Cup memorabilia first hand.
Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “The Practice Days have a unique atmosphere at The Ryder Cup. You can watch some the greatest stars in golf gearing up for this great event. For those that come, we have some excellent experiences and activities to enjoy – it is our intention to leave you feeling that you have been part of the best ever Ryder Cup.”
Alan Hansen added: “Golf is one of my lifelong passions and I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked to become a 2014 Ryder Cup Ambassador. The Practice Day tickets are a great way for people to be part of the greatest team event on the golf calendar. I’ll certainly be there.” –ENDS–
