From the beginning, the hope was to bring the crowd into the tournament as the last member of the US team. The city of Louisville embraced its challenge with tickets and t-shirts, chants and support for not only the week leading up to the Ryder Cup, but the months and years before.

In case you’ve somehow missed all of the hoopla associated with the big event coming to Louisville- the Ryder Cup will be in town… next week! Organizers expect over 200,000 spectators for the event, and most of those will be traveling in from out of town. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of Louisville’s historic hosting experience.

With the award-winning Ali Center as a backdrop, Louisville native Muhammad Ali, along with Mayor Jerry Abramson and other dignitaries, will welcome national and international guests to our community with a variety of musical entertainment and much fanfare. This event is sponsored by Yum! Brands, Inc. and Ernst & Young. Special thanks to The Cup Experience and Louisville Metro Mayor’s Office. For more information, go online to www.alicenter.org

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The European team brings a record 3-time consecutive win streak to Valhalla. Captain Nick Faldo, arguably the best European golfer of our time, brings a group of eight Ryder Cup veterans, along with four newcomers to the tournament. All eyes will be on Padraig Harrington as he comes into the tournament on fire, winning three of the last six major championships. Also look for Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia to make some noise, as they have been on a combined 9 prior Ryder Cup teams.

Nick Faldo- Captain

After months of speculation about who would finish out the Ryder Cup team, USA Captain Paul Azinger made his selections public earlier this week. While the team will be missing the most famous golfer in the world in Tiger Woods, Kentuckians can be happy as two of its own made the final roster, including 2004 Ryder Cup member Kenny Perry and newcomer and University of Kentucky graduate, JB Holmes. The final four selections will join the original 8 members who were awarded spots on the team based on their final PGA points total.

The automatic 8 members are as follows:

The Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau has Released the Following Information about the Ryder Cup:

GATE HOURS:
The official gate opening and closing times are listed below. Please make sure to allow yourself enough time to get to the appropriate shuttle when leaving the event. All patrons of the 37th Ryder Cup must enter the grounds of Valhalla Golf Club through a security check point before being allowed admission.

Opening Closing
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 7:30 AM 7:00 PM

Come work one-on-one with the Glassworks' Glassblowing Artisis and blow your own Golf Ball on the Green Sculpture! A memorable token for your trip to Louisville and to the Ryder Cup!
$72
MON SEPTEMBER 15 – SAT SEPTEMBER 20: 3–8 PM
SUN SEPTEMBER 21, 12-3PM

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In celebration of the Ryder Cup, historic Frankfort Avenue will host "The Cup Hop" a special F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop on Friday, September 19th from 6:00pm - 11:00pm. Over 40 businesses will sponsor a golf-themed scavenger hunt in which the grand prize winner will receive a golf-themed prize package valued at over $500. Free parking and transportation will be provided to the participating shops, restaurants and galleries along the Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenue corridor.

Come join the fun of great eats, hot music & the most fun you will have during the Ryder Cup. TA2 Latin Sound will be featured from 7PM - 10PM with their infectious funky Latin rhythms that everyone will be itching to dance too.

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Join us for an enjoyable evening of libations, appetizers, entertainment, music, art and a prize for the person dressed in the most irreverent golf attire! $20.00 per person (FREE for KMAC members (includes admission to exhibits including Whackers and Hackers: Artist Made Golf Clubs, 2 free drink tickets and light appetizers).

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