VisitScotland has welcomed the addition of home favourite Stephen Gallacher as well as Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood to the line-up for the European Team at The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this month.
Scotland’s national tourism organisation, which is the lead agency in delivering Scotland’s Ryder Cup commitments, has assured Paul McGinley and his 12-strong team of a warm reception when they arrive in Scotland, the Home of Golf, to take on an American side led by Tom Watson, who will finalise his team at midnight on Tuesday 2 September.
And it has urged Scots across the country to turn out to welcome both teams to Scotland when they appear on stage at the glittering Ryder Cup Gala Concert at The SSE Hydro on Wednesday 24 September when the curtain is raised on one of the biggest sporting events ever to take place in Scotland.
The Ryder Cup Gala Concert will be the first chance for fans to see both teams in their entirety on stage ahead of the matches in an evening which will also see contemporary music talent including Nina Nesbitt, Jake Bugg, Twin Atlantic, Amy MacDonald, Danny Wilson, Texas and Nile Rodgers appear alongside Scotland’s leading arts agencies – the Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, National Theatre of Scotland and RSNO, who will share a stage for the first time.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “Now we know the line-up of the European Team in full, the excitement of this global sporting spectacle is secured and very real. Scotland will stop to enjoy the Ryder Cup.
“There is still time to get involved in this remarkable experience with tickets available for the Practice Days at Gleneagles and the spectacular Gala Goncert at the SSE Hydro in “Glasgow. Fans will be able to see first-hand all their golfing heroes at both events and of course have a great day and evening out.
“It is a fitting tribute to the quality of Stephen’s golf over the last few years that he has been chosen to represent the European team when The Ryder Cup is played in his own country.
“With the passionate crowds in Scotland the teams were always assured of a rousing reception but with a Scot on the team there will undoubtedly be that added extra that we hope will inspire the European team to victory.
“I’d like to congratulate each and every member of both teams in securing a place in The 2014 Ryder Cup. We have been working hard over the past 13 years to ensure that Scotland, the Home of Golf, hosts the best-ever Ryder Cup and we look forward to all 24 players as well as captains and vice captains being a huge part of that.
“Whilst there are still tickets for the Practice Days and the Gala Concert available, I’d urge every golfer and Scot to snap them up. A Scottish support is world renowned. Let’s get out and show Stephen Gallacher how proud we are of him and his colleagues.”
Tickets are on sale now and available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.ticketsoup.com or by calling 08444 999 990 or 0844 395 4000. Visit www.rydercupgalaconcert.com for more information