The stage is set for one of sport's most electrifying rivalries as Team Europe and Team USA prepare for the official commencement of the 2023 Ryder Cup. The traditional opening ceremony, a spectacle of pageantry and pride, is your first unmissable glimpse of the teams before the battle begins.
When and Where to Tune In
Golf fans across the UK can catch all the action from the opening ceremony live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. The broadcast begins at 4:30 PM BST on Thursday, 28th September.
For those preferring to stream, the ceremony will be available via the Sky Go app or on the NOW streaming service, ensuring you don't miss a moment whether you're at home or on the move.
What to Expect from the Ceremony
Held at the stunning Marco Simone Golf & Country Club just outside Rome, the ceremony is far more than a simple formality. It is a vibrant celebration of the competition's history and a crucial moment for team morale.
The key highlights you can look forward to include:
- The Player Introductions: The moment each team member is announced to the world, often accompanied by dramatic music and roaring crowds.
- Captains' Speeches: Europe's Luke Donald and America's Zach Johnson will address their teams and the global audience, setting the tone for the weekend's competition.
- The Raising of the Flags: A solemn and patriotic act where the flags of Europe and the United States are raised side-by-side.
- A Spectacle of Entertainment: The host nation, Italy, is sure to put on a memorable show filled with local culture and music.
The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher
Team Europe, led by Luke Donald, is determined to reclaim the coveted trophy after a record-breaking defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021. Playing on home soil provides a significant advantage, and the European team will be eager to harness the energy of the crowd from the very first moment.
Conversely, Team USA, captained by Zach Johnson, aims to achieve a rare victory on European turf and prove that their 2021 win was a sign of a new era of American dominance in the competition.
The opening ceremony is the calm before the storm, a final opportunity for fans to see the teams united in ceremony before they split into the fierce, three-day contest that defines the Ryder Cup.
