Italy's Novak Djokovic, the tennis player with 24 Grand Slam titles, and former striker Gareth Bale showcased their golf skills as they helped their team win the All-Star Match 7-4 at the Marco Simone Arena in Rome.
Djokovic (center), Bale (third from the right), and members of Team Monty lift the trophy for the winning team of the All-Star Match. Photo: Ryder Cup
Before the team golf match on September 27th, Djokovic warmed up in the practice area, with his rackets tucked into his golf bag. After the warm-up, he tucked one racket under his arm and went to the hole to begin the round. Once there, Djokovic switched from a racket to a club and hit his first shot of the All-Star Match. After two practice shots, both met with enthusiastic cheers from the spectators, Djokovic teed off near the right edge of the fairway.
"Not bad!", the live television commentator remarked.
The All-Star Match is an exhibition game featuring sports stars and celebrities, taking place ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup – the 44th edition of the professional golf tournament between the US and European teams. Djokovic is part of "Team Monty," led and competed by renowned golfer Colin Montgomerie. Djokovic's teammates include former football star Gareth Bale, Leonardo Fioravanti (surfing), Kipp Popert (G4D golf), and Garrett Hilbert (exhibition golf).
"Team Monty" faced "Team Pavin," captained by golf legend Corey Pavin, and comprising Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, Ukrainian soccer legend Andriy Shevchenko, former American baseball player Victor Cruz, disabled golfer Tomasso Perrino, and Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton. The entire All-Star Match consisted of three holes.
In the actual match, Djokovic and Popert led the charge with a 3-1 victory over Sainz-Perrino. The second match ended in a 2-2 draw. In the final match, captain Monty and Bale won 2-1 against Pavin-Shevchenko. With this result, Monty's team defeated Pavin 7-4.
Established in 1927, the Ryder Cup is recognized by golfers as the most exciting professional team tournament in the world . The 2021 tournament in Wisconsin saw the host nation, the USA, win overwhelmingly 19-9 against Europe. This year, the clash between the two strongest golf nations in the world kicks off tomorrow, September 29th, with the USA having not won as the away team in the past 30 years.
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