Medinah Country Club will host the event

Thousands of sports fans from around the world are joining players from Europe and the United States in the city of Chicago ahead of the 2012 Ryder Cup.

The opening ceremony of the 39th Ryder Cup takes place this evening, before the action begins on Friday.

The event will take place at the Medinah Country Club, Medinah, Illinois, with Europe looking to defend the title they won during the 2010 competition at Celtic Manor Resort, Wales.

Europe won that competition by 14½ points to 13½.

However, it is the city of Chicago which has taken the early spotlight, with the European Team wearing the shirts emblazoned with the city’s skyline during the second official practice round.

José María Olazábal, European team captain, explained: “We felt that this was a good way to thank Chicago and the State of Illinois for hosting The Ryder Cup and to show our gratitude and respect to the people of Chicago for welcoming us this week.”

Chicago’s skyline incorporates three of the five tallest buildings in the United States and the city is often considered the birthplace of the skyscraper.
Olazábal added: “Chicago is very much a sports loving city and the atmosphere around Medinah’s famous No. 3 course is going to be electric for the three days of the match.

“Chicagoans are very vocal fans and it’s great to have that kind of tone – it brings out the best in all the players.”

There is more information on the build up to the big event at the official website.