Ryder Cup 2012: Opening Day, Part 1

Golf writer Andy Reistetter is joined by Merri Daniel, golf's foremost woman advocate, as they experience an unbelievable day at the 2012 Ryder Cup. Walk the grounds of Medinah Country Club, and meet the people outside the ropes. Experience a day at the most classic of all golf destinations—the Ryder Cup.

Welcome to the 2012 Ryder Cup!

After a short bus shuttle over to Medinah CC, there we were, entering the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Staking out Our Spot for the Opening Ceremony.

Here we are, staking out our spot for the Opening Ceremony.

Media Mates...

We made a quick visit to the Media Center to say hello to our friends Tim Rosaforte, Fred Albers and Doug Bell. Merri is modeling media bib No. 93...all "inside-the-ropes" media will have to wear these bibs this week at Medinah...

Scotland, the Home of Golf and the Ryder Cup in 2014!

One must get a picture with two well-dressed men: Stuart Mackenzie and David Connor will be representing Scotland and the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Caped Englishmen!

We came across Englishmen Mikey Lea and Gavin Timms, who were happy and proud to display their Premier Travel transportation passes…there is more to this story!

Happy 50th Birthday, Ray Maginley!

Merri happily joins in the celebration of Ray Maginley's 50^th birthday!

Outside-the-Ropes Entertainment

Meeting folks outside the ropes is as entertaining as watching the professional golfers compete inside the ropes.

While Merri and I love golf and have a degree of proficiency at the game (Merri shot a two-birdie 82 at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick on Tuesday), we really are all about outside-the-ropes entertainment!

C'mon, Ireland…

We met up with Carina Kealy and her "C'mon Ireland" attitude. Seriously, Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke…What more could this woman want?

C'mon Ireland…

So, Carina...this woman got what she wanted…Rory's autograph and a Stella!

Bernhard Langer

Merri and Andy are supposed to be outside the ropes but Bernard Langer, too? Langer was the winning European Captain in 2004, and he is a 10-time participant in Ryder Cups!

C'mon, Geri & Bob!

C'mon—the Ryder Cup at Medinah CC has 40,000-plus spectators each day, and we ran into our friends Geri and Bob Wegner!

Mother and Daughter and Premier Golf!

Our day started with us picking up our credentials at the Premier Golf hospitality desk at the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes.

Meet the ultimate mother-daughter team of Premier Golf: Michelle and Lauren Williford. Their smiles and greetings told us it was going to be a special day!