CHASKA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Moving tributes to Arnold Palmer and a celebration of sportsmanship from the Ryder Cup past highlighted Thursday's opening ceremony of the 41st edition of the match play event starting on Friday at Hazeltine.
Under blue skies and warm sunshine, Palmer, who died on Sunday aged 87, was honoured in a touching video montage of his life and exploits on the golf course, and a moment of silence was observed for the man who was known simply as, 'The King'.
Thousands of fans crowded a grassy expanse in front of a stage set under a giant banner of the gold trophy donated in 1927 by Samuel Ryder as a prize for the international competition held every two years.