US aim to do it for King Arnie
SPIETH: WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING TO HONOUR HIM
Two-time Major winner Jordan Spieth says the US Ryder Cup team are looking to pay tribute to Arnold Palmer this week after his death and bringing home the trophy would certainly qualify.
The Americans have lost three in a row, six of seven and eight of the past 10 Ryder Cup showdowns to Europe ahead of Friday’s start of the 41st biennial matches at Hazeltine.
“As Team USA, we’re all looking to do something to honour him this week,” Spieth said. “We all learned a lot from him. We would not be who we are on and off the course if it were not for him.”
The US flag flies at half-mast over the suburban Minneapolis course to pay homage to Palmer, who died on Sunday at 87.
Palmer was the first superstar of American golf, the first true celebrity sportsman. He attracted passionate supporters known as Arnie’s Army and lifted golf into the television age and beyond, serving as an inspiration to many of today’s top stars.
“He was the first cool guy to play golf,” said US Ryder Cup player Jimmy Walker. “Nobody did anything more for golf than Arnie did. He was one of the greatest personalities in golf ever. He had a love for the game. It showed to the end.”
“All athletes owe him a debt. He paved the way for us,” Spieth said. “He was a role model and golf’s greatest friend. I still think it’s underrated how much he contributed to golf. This will be a tough loss for golf going forward.” – AFP