Team Europe’s partners turned heads at Bethpage State Park as they posed together in matching white outfits ahead of this week’s Ryder Cup.
With Rory McIlroy and his team-mates aiming to retain the trophy on American soil, the players’ wives and girlfriends were on hand to provide support — and they made a stylish impression at the official opening ceremony.
Photographs taken on the grand stairway at the Black Course showed the group in coordinated white suits and heels, presenting a united front ahead of three days of intense competition.
Among those pictured were McIlroy’s wife Erica Stoll, who stood alongside Jennifer Kovacs, wife of Swedish star Alex Noren.
Julie Sander Danielsen, wife of Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard, was also present, as was Clare Fleetwood, whose husband Tommy will be hoping to replicate his heroics from Rome two years ago.
The opening ceremony itself was brought forward by 24 hours due to adverse weather conditions, ensuring that the tournament schedule could proceed as planned.
Play is set to begin on Friday morning, with the contest concluding on Sunday evening.
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Team Europe WAGs looked smart in their white suits
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European captain Luke Donald used his address to underline the unique spirit of the Ryder Cup, taking a subtle swipe at Team USA’s financial incentives.
“It is not about prize money or world ranking points,” Donald said.
“It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.
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Luke Donald aimed a dig at Team USA ahead of the Ryder Cup
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“We’re fuelled by something money cannot buy.”
His words were pointed, with the PGA of America confirming that each member of the United States team will receive $500,000 (£395,000) if they win the tournament.
Of that amount, $300,000 (£237,000) is earmarked for charities of the players’ choosing.
Team Europe, in contrast, receive no financial reward for victory, something Donald believes adds to the sense of purpose within his squad.
Europe’s challenge is significant. They have not won a Ryder Cup on American soil since the famous Miracle at Medinah in 2012, having suffered defeats at Hazeltine in 2016 and Whistling Straits in 2021.
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Team Europe and Team USA will do battle at the Ryder Cup this week
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However, Donald’s men arrive as reigning champions, having produced a dominant 16.5–11.5 victory at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome two years ago.
McIlroy, Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm are expected to lead from the front as Europe aim to end their winless run away from home.
The presence of the players’ families has long been viewed as a vital ingredient in creating the camaraderie that Europe have traditionally relied on.
Their show of solidarity in New York will have been noted by the home fans — and by their American counterparts — as the countdown to Friday’s opening foursomes begins.
