Over a year ago, my brother-in-law and I applied to purchase tickets for the 41st contest of the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course. We were initially denied the chance to buy tickets, but later on Ingvar was told he was moved to a waiting list and would have the opportunity to buy four single day passes.
A few months later, I submitted a request to get media credentials so I could cover the event and write a column about it. I was granted media credentials. Sunday, two of my brother-in-laws (Ingvar Larsén and Bill Chavez) attended the Ryder Cup, along with my husband and I. Mike’s dad, Wes, was also able to attend since my ticket became available.
I drove to Chaska and attended the competition by myself on Saturday with my media pass. I was able to park right on the grounds, which was a real plus considering most people had the time consuming task of driving to Canterbury Park or other locations and shuttle in. Hearing people singing the national anthem over the golf course as the sun came up was really moving. The crowd was very passionate on both sides. Although I recognize it's definitely a competition to win the coveted trophy, there is an obvious bond between the continents and a common love of the game.
On Sunday at 5:00 am we left in Paynesville to get on the road to secure a spot in the bleachers near the green. It was exciting to watch 24 of the world’s finest players convene for the competition. It was unlike any other sporting event I’ve ever experienced. I was taken back by the level of talent, as well as the enthusiasm and patriotism of the spectators.
Bill Chavez shared: “I especially enjoyed the unity and patriotism displayed and the energy of the crowd on both sides.”
Wes said he enjoyed the event a great deal and thought the crowd was pretty well under control. He found the staff helpful and the course very well maintained. Wes attended the U.S. Women’s Open at Hazeltine Golf Club in 1966 with his wife Lois and again in 1991 with Mike for another U.S. Open.
Ingvar Larsén, who was born in Sweden and now lives in Becker, had an interesting perspective on the event: "It was fun to be a part of the Ryder Cup with the "pepped up" atmosphere for the World Class Golf Event with beautiful weather! I enjoyed seeing all of the famous golfers and how incredibly good they are. It’s amazing how much they prepare before putting on the greens.”
My husband Mike is an avid golf enthusiast. He has played the game for over 50 years alongside his dad. Mike was on the grounds crew and greenskeeper for seven years and then club manager at Koronis Hills Golf Course in Paynesville for nine years. Mike’s dad (Wes) also worked on the grounds crew at Koronis Hills Golf course for sixteen years after he and his wife, Lois, sold their meat locker business. He retired for the second time from the golf course at the age of 77. Mike also volunteered for the United States Golf Assocation for 13 years (1992 to 2004) working in the media center and interview area and inside the ropes for the Minnesota 10 during US Open competitions. Mike said “I enjoyed watching some of the best golfers in the world perform so well under tremendous pressure at the Ryder Cup competition, knowing one shot could affect their match and also determine whether their team would win the Ryder Cup for the next two years.”
It was a blessing that I secured media credentials because it meant Mike and his dad were able to attend this fabulous event together. It was a special time and a memorable event.
