Former Ryder cup captains to take on celebrities

RYDER CUP fans at Gleneagles are in for a treat when four golfing legends take on a team of famous sporting faces in a special Pro-Celebrity Match on Thursday September 25.

The friendly match, which precedes the Opening Ceremony will feature four former Ryder Cup Captains Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam, Mark James and Corey Pavin. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The friendly match, which precedes the Opening Ceremony and will be televised live on Sky Sports, will feature four former Ryder Cup Captains Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam, Mark James and Corey Pavin, as well as Scottish footballing legend Kenny Dalglish, former football pundit and Liverpool great Alan Hansen, ex-England footballer Jamie Redknapp and Scottish Rugby star Gavin Hastings.

The four-ball better ball contest will be played over nine holes on the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, teeing off at 11.30am, with each celebrity partnering with a former Ryder Cup Captain.

Alan Hansen, a 3-handicap golfer, said: “It will be a great experience to play on the PGA Centenary Course the day before The Ryder Cup tees off, and in such illustrious company. I’m sure it will be an entertaining game, with plenty of banter and interaction with the galleries. Hopefully we’ll give the fans at Gleneagles and those watching at home a good show.”

Celebrity ambassador ex-footballer Alan Hansen. Picture: Jane Barlow

Edward Kitson, Ryder Cup Match Director said: “Staging a Pro-Celebrity Match on thefinal practice day will give spectators a taste of some of the excitement to come. As with The Ryder Cup itself, this will be a match that can be enjoyed by all so it’s great news that Sky Sports is going to televise the event live, showcasing the fun and enjoyment of golf, The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and golf in Scotland.”