SHEBOYGAN COUNTY (NBC 26) — The countdown is on until the Ryder Cup tees off at Whistling Straits this weekend.
This is the 43rd event which was originally scheduled for 2020 but due to the pandemic, it was delayed by a year.
Golfers from the United States and Europe will be coming together for this tournament.
On Monday, NBC 26 caught up with fans who were on the event grounds and grabbing their last-minute souvenirs from the merchandise store.
Many of them were very excited about the tournament, some even traveling from out of state.
“We just thought it would be a great idea to come up and check out all the fun activities, it looks like it’s going to be a wonderful event, it’s beautiful,” said Holly Franzen who is visiting from Chandler, Arizona. “Packer game today, Ryder Cup coming, what’s not to love.”
One man visiting from Alabama said he traveled to Wisconsin because his wife will be volunteering for the Ryder Cup event this weekend.
“We both volunteered to work here in the lottery. My wife got picked and I didn’t, so I’m spectating and she’s working,” said Arnie Christianson. “I’ll be following all the contests, she has to work three or four days.”
It’s his first time at an event like this which Christianson says he’s very excited about.
“Just seeing the top players for Europe and the U.S. Different aspects involved, this is a team competition with partners and individual matches. Best ball, four-ball, a unique way of seeing golf and match plays is always exciting,” Christianson said.
A 91-year-old couple visiting the merchandise store said they came to take a quick peek at the grounds.
“It's tremendous just looking at it and everything here is unbelievable. We’ve been to Whistling Straits for other tournaments but nothing like this,” said Roger Otten.
The two love everything about golf and say that was a big part of how they fell in love.
“We love it, we golfed last year when we were both 90, this year has been a little harder,” Audrey Otten said.
“He gave me his clubs to use while he was in the service so that’s how I became a fan.”
Monday evening is the last day the merchandise store will be open to the public.
Practice rounds begin Tuesday, before the official kick-off of the event on Friday.
If you plan on watching the Ryder Cup on television click here for your full television guide.
