The Loop

Ryder Cup: U.S. sweeps opening matches for first time since 1975, a fitting tribute to Arnold Palmer

September 30, 2016

The first tee at the Ryder Cup is always a memorable scene. This year at Hazeltine National, it was even more so, with fitting tributes to Arnold Palmer by the fans and officials.

A nice video tribute put together by the PGA of America was played on the big screen, followed by a resounding chant of "Arnold Palmer, Arnold Palmer" by the fans.

One more nice touch? Arnie's bag from the 1975 Ryder Cup sat on the first tee at Hazeltine to honor The King.

Why the '75 Ryder Cup? Those Matches were held at Laurel Valley Golf Club, just 12 miles from Arnold Palmer's hometown of Latrobe, Pa., where Palmer captained the United States to a resounding Ryder Cup win, 21 to 11.

So how did the U.S. team respond? By sweeping the opening foursomes matches, marking the first morning sweep by the U.S. . . . since 1975. As Davis Love III marked, it was the fitting way to start this Ryder Cup and pay tribute to Arnie.