While their husbands and partners practiced their putting on the greens of Celtic Manor, the ladies accompanying the European and US Teams in their Ryder Cup bid today enjoyed an excursion to the stunning Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. The wives and partners of the players, led by Captains’ wives Gaynor Montgomerie and Lisa Pavin, were treated to a specially-staged catwalk show, showcasing the work of 15 young fashion designers from the University of Wales.
The front row were thrilled by what they saw, with Mrs Montgomerie commenting afterwards “I know where to come when I’m looking for a new dress. It was fabulous. All the girls really enjoyed it.” Lisa Pavin, wife of US Captain Corey, echoed her thoughts, saying she thought the clothes were “gorgeous and very unique.”
The presentation also included one collection inspired by The Ryder Cup itself, providing a glamorous take on golf wear.
With a number of the women playing the game themselves, and a growing number of ladies around the world taking to the fairways, it’s a wise move to cater for their sartorial needs as they swing their clubs.
After the fashion show, the ladies enjoyed a sociable lunch in the Millenium Centre Auditorium, and were entertained by Only Boys Aloud, a 200-strong teenage Welsh boys’ choir. This was received with rapturous applause and a standing ovation from their audience – which bodes well for their performance at the Welcome to Wales concert at the Millenium Stadium Wednesday Night.
picture shows, left to right: Alison McGinley (wife of Paul McGinley), Marian Jimenez (wife of Miguel Angel Jimenez), Allison Micheletti (partner of Martin Kaymer), Laurae Westwood (wife of Lee Westwood), Holly Sweeney (partner of Rory McIlroy), Caroline Harrington (wife of Padraig Harrington), Gaynor Montgomerie (wife of Colin Montgomerie), Alison Campbell (partner of Darren Clarke), Anna Roscio (partner of Edoardo Molinari), Katie Poulter (wife of Ian Poulter), Valentina Molinari (wife of Francesco Molinari) and Sanna Hanson (wife of Peter Hanson) at the Wales Millenium Centre
28/09/2010 19:42
Watch the birdies
There really are no words to describe the euphoria that swept the fairways of Celtic Manor this afternoon, as Colin Montgomerie’s embattled men reclaimed the Samuel Ryder Cup as their own. As the sun shone brightly over the picturesque Usk Valley, this lush pocket of south Wales saw a groundswell of European pride emerging from the sodden earth. The air was filled with raw emotion as complete strangers hugged and patted each other on the back. Tears streamed down the cheeks of grown men, who cheered with booming voices, and mothers clung to bewildered children who knew only that they had never before seen anything like this – and may never do so again.
History is being made in this, the 38th Ryder Cup. For some, they’ll be delighted this event is going down in the record books: for others, they might prefer to banish the memories and move on....
For the fans, the key lesson from yesterday’s shenanigans was to think carefully about their attire so they could survive the sporting marathon. The merchandise pavilion in the tented village has virtually sold out of waterproof gear, and supplies of the official Ryder Cup umbrellas were gone before a ball was hit in anger. So, spectators came prepared in all manner of garb, to show their allegiances, while somehow keeping dry and warm.
As European Team Captain Colin Montgomerie’s predecessor, Sir Nick Faldo waved goodbye to the Ryder Cup in the Kentucky sunshine two years ago, and quipped: “See you in Wales – and bring your waterproofs.”
While the US and European Teams battle it out on the fairways at Celtic Manor, one newlywed couple in the crowd is flying the flag for both teams ....
