Ryder Cup captains issue joint letter pledging unity in coronavirus fight
Ryder Cup captains Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker have issued a joint letter stressing Europe and the US must remain united in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite a widespread reshuffling of the golf year, and the cancellation of The Open, the 2020 Ryder Cup is still scheduled to take place in Wisconsin in September.
In the letter, Harrington and Stricker wrote: “Every two years Europe and the United States of America come together.
“We are united by the shared values of sportsmanship and our desire to defeat a formidable opponent.
“In doing so, we witness some incredible displays of determination, passion and spirit.
“When Europe takes on the United States in The Ryder Cup it is always fiercely contested but it is just golf. It is not a matter of life and death.
“Today Europe and the United States are united like never before. We have a formidable opponent, but it is not each other. It is like nothing we have ever faced before.
An Open Letter from our Captains 📝#WorldHealthDay 👉 https://t.co/GlE9IUkyPY pic.twitter.com/Nq2zTyBQ0z
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) April 7, 2020
“Defeating Coronavirus won’t happen in three days. It won’t happen because of the efforts of only 12 men. It needs all of us to play our part.”
Harrington and Stricker went on to pay tribute to the health workers who have put their lives on the line to head to the frontline of the crisis.
They added: “Instead of celebrating someone in a Green Jacket, this week we rightly celebrate those selfless people around the world wearing scrubs, wearing white coats, wearing supermarket uniforms, together with everyone else working round the clock to protect us and keep the world functioning.
“You are our true heroes.”
Latest
-
NewsNicolai Von Dellingshausen out in front in Tenerife
Von Dellingshausen added a second round of 62 to his opening 64 to reach 16 under par.
-
Dave TindallIs Bryson DeChambeau a good bet to defend his US Open title in June?
Golf’s biggest hitter devised the perfect strategy to win at Winged Foot – but can he do the same at Torrey Pines?
-
NewsJohn Catlin one-shot off lead at Tenerife Open after threatening to record 59
The American had covered his first 13 holes in 10 under but finished with an opening round of 63.
-
NewsPaul Casey out to join ‘elite company’ with hat-trick at Valspar Championship
Casey says he is ‘raring to go’ as he eyes his third successive victory in the event.
-
NewsTom McKibbin flattered by Rory McIlroy comparisons and would love to emulate him
The pair both hail from Holywood Golf Club just outside Belfast.
-
NewsQ&A: EDGA president Tony Bennett on twin priorities of disability golf
The organisation, formerly the European Disabled Golf Association, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
-
Dave TindallValspar Championship: Casey has eyes on unique threepeat
The Englishman has won the last two editions of the Florida event and will bid to land a hat-trick of triumphs this week.
-
Matt CooperBountiful weekend for South African golf – can the players ride the wave into the Majors?
It was a great weekend for South African golfers – but can they repeat the kind of success they enjoyed in the early 2000s?
-
NewsGarrick Higgo set for US PGA Championship debut after winning in Spain
The 21-year-old held off Germany’s Max Kieffer.
-
NewsGarrick Higgo wins Gran Canaria Lopesan Open after seeing off Max Kieffer
The 21-year-old left-hander carded a flawless closing 63 to finish 25 under par.