The first early start came at 6.30am on Thursday for practice. Whilst everyone chooses to enjoy golf in their own way, I headed to the range to watch the players warm up. As an avid fan and regular golfer myself, to see how far these players are hitting the ball is mesmerising. They study every shot they make and we were there to see it all. The European players seemed very relaxed as we followed them round, happy to sign autographs and pose for photos. The US team seemed less relaxed, yet Phil Mickleson showed his continued class both on and off the course with his welcome to the fans and excellent play. The morning was extremely cold with a mist ensuring that the players were in bobble hats – by the afternoon the sun was out and the warm sun shining, ready for the opening ceremonies and the opening of the Ryder Cup. The US National Anthem and subsequent fly-over left everyone with goosebumps, simply amazing. In the evening we all headed to the celebration party which was fantastic, outdoors on an island in the middle of the Mississippi we danced the night away to a fantastic band and incredible local food and drink, the smores were to die for!

Friday morning saw an even earlier start with many on the 6am transfer to the course. Upon arrival at Hazeltine National there was a magical mist lingering over the course. The crowd was pumped up as the players approached the first tee for what has been called the most nerve-wracking shot in golf. I watched the four groups come down the first before heading over to the 6th and the 16th. After a tough first morning, the European team made a fantastic comeback in the afternoon to quieten down the raucous US crowd.