6,500 SEATS TO CREATE TURBO-CHARGED ATMOSPHERE ON 1ST TEE...MEET THE MONSTER!

TWELVE years after the first horseshoe stand was introduced at a first tee, the Ryder Cup has given birth to Le Monstre. This is the enormous bank of seating set to further charge the atmosphere at the start of proceedings. It is a far bigger backdrop than anything which greeted players in previous Ryder Cups. Snaking around to an angle over the 18th green and topped with hospitality tents, the stand will hold 6,500 fans. Panoramic views of the first fairway and beyond are offered to most spectators. European captain Thomas Bjorn said: ‘It’s going to be one of the most amazing experiences in any sport, being on that first tee.’ The development is the most potent symbol of how much this event has grown. The idea of a first tee mini-stadium came about at Ireland’s K Club in 2006, when accommodation for 1,400 spectators memorably produced an emotional had to hit that tee shot before,’ said Ian Poulter. ‘When I think back to my first Ryder Cup in 2004, the stand was nothing like what we have today. So it is going to be a special moment.’ Work on the temporary structure began after the French Open in early July and took two months to complete. The 18th green is adjacent, with about a third of the seats looking down from above the natural banking surrounding it. That creates a dramatic amphitheatre effect. It will be the culmination of the so-called ‘Loop of Doom’ that circles a large lake, ready to swallow up wayward shots from the 15th hole onwards. Eight years ago, Celtic Manor had a similar ‘stadium’ final hole enveloped by large grassy banks, which at times became unusable due to the deluge of rain. Fortunately the weather forecast suggests there will be no repeat this time in Paris. Those trying to hit the narrow fairway on the 18th before attempting to land the ball on the island green are sure of a raucous reception.

reception for the recently widowed Darren Clarke. Since then there have been a couple of structures with capacities of around 2,000. Now has come something more than triple that size, made possible by a large plateau overlooking the tee box. ‘If this is the route we’re going to go, we’re going to have 60,000 sitting down at the first tee in the future,’ added Bjorn, who was consulted about the huge new arena layout and gave it his blessing. ‘It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t