Ryder Cup: Huge crowds welcome start of competition at Gleneagles

The Ryder Cup exploded into action today as America and Europe’s finest golfers enjoyed a deafening welcome at Gleneagles.

Massive galleries 20 deep in some places gathered from early morning to see the players tee off.

At every vantage point overlooking tees, greens and fairways the spectators stood to watch the first day’s drama unfold.

The spin-off benefits of images of Gleneagles being seen in all its glory around the world has already been noticed in a huge spike in web traffic searching out the hotel.

“You can see the reaction already we will be feeling the benefits for years,” predicted Gleneagles chairman Peter Lederer.

Away from the on-course action, the galleries provided fertile ground for celebrity spotters with golfers Tony Jacklin and Sandy Lyle, footballer Richard Gough, rugby player Will Greenwood and actor James Nesbitt all taking in the early play along with a genuine A-lister US basketball legend Michael Jordan.

For full coverage of the first day’s play at Gleneagles, see Saturday’s Courier or try our digital edition.