Kentucky Welcomes the 2008 US Ryder Cup Captain
Kentucky’s state capitol building provided a spectacular backdrop as Governor and Mrs. Ernie Fletcher hosted Paul Azinger, the newly named 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain at a welcome dinner in early November. The event represented Kentucky’s first opportunity to introduce the Captain to Kentucky as the state prepares to host the Ryder Cup at Valhalla in 2008.
“The First Lady and I were honored to welcome Paul and his wife, Toni, to Kentucky to display our full support of his leadership and the entire U.S. Ryder Cup team,” said Governor Fletcher. “When the Ryder Cup matches take place in 2008, it will be the largest sporting event ever to come to Kentucky. We intend to take full advantage of all the opportunities it presents our great Commonwealth.”
Governor Fletcher and his 16-member Ryder Cup Task Force, chaired by Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong, have been working closely with Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson’s 16-member Task Force, chaired by businessman Stan Curtis. The two groups have already begun to lay the ground work to ensure the state and city are fully prepared to host this enormous event in September of 2008.
“Kentucky has teamed up with The PGA of America to create a win-win partnership,” said Secretary Strong. “With an expected attendance of 210,000 spectators, worldwide media attention, and an economic impact exceeding $100 million to the commonwealth, Kentucky is poised to deliver a monumental guest experience in 2008.
A press conference was held earlier that day at Valhalla Golf Club to officially name Azinger as the 2008 U.S. Team Captain. Paul Azinger turned professional in 1981, and becomes the 25th individual to be chosen U.S. Captain since the Ryder Cup began in 1927 in Worcester, Mass. |
