Ryder Cup to pay tribute to amateur

Arozamena killed on US golf course

Paris – Europe’s traditional Ryder Cup colours will carry a hue of sadness this week as the players don yellow ribbons in tribute to Spanish amateur golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena, who was stabbed to death on a course in the US last week.

Ryder Cup officials have approached Barquin Arozamena’s family to discuss a tribute and were told her favourite colour was yellow.

“It was very sad when we found out,” fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia said yesterday.

“My dad spoke to her uncle, and it was very sad when we found out on Tuesday morning [last week] in Portugal because she was just too nice of a person, and the way it happened,” said Garcia.

The 22-year-old Barquin Arozamena was a leading amateur based at Iowa State University and had hoped to turn professional. Police have charged a man with first degree murder.

“We want to try to win the Cup for Europe, for everyone, for our teammates, but obviously with the passing of Celia, it’s an extra effort there. We’re obviously touched by it. Hopefully we can make sure the family are proud,” Garcia said.

European captain Thomas Bjorn voiced similar thoughts: “The golfing family extends way beyond what we are trying to do this week.

“She was such a great prospect for the game of golf but also a wonderful person.” –