Italy Record 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and former striker Gareth Bale showed off their golf skills as their team won the All-Star Match 7-4 at the Marco Simone Stadium in Rome.
Djokovic (middle), Bale (third from right) and members of Team Monty lift the Cup for the winning team of the All Star Match. Photo: Ryder Cup
Before the team golf match on September 27, Djokovic warmed up in the practice area, next to a pair of rackets in his golf bag. After warming up, he put one under his arm and went to the hole to join the match. There, Djokovic switched rackets for clubs, then hit the first shot of the All-Star Match. After two practice shots, both of which were warmly cheered by the audience, Djokovic teed off near the right edge of the fairway.
“Not bad!”, the live TV commentator commented.
The All-Star Match is a friendly pit competition, bringing together sports stars and celebrities, taking place ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup - the 44th edition between the American and European professional golf teams. Djokovic is part of "Team Monty", led and competed by famous player Colin Montgomerie. Djokovic's teammates include former football star Gareth Bale, Leonardo Fioravanti (windsurfing), Kipp Popert (G4D disabled golf), Garrett Hilbert (performance golf).
Team Monty's opponents are Team Pavin, captained by golfer Corey Pavin, and featuring Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko, former US baseball player Victor Cruz, disabled golfer Tomasso Perrino and Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton. The All-Star Match featured three hole-in-one matches.
In the actual match, Djokovic and Popert led the way with a 3-1 win 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 side defeated Pavin 7-4.
The Ryder Cup, founded in 1927, is recognized by golfers as the world's most exciting professional team tournament. The 2021 tournament in Wisconsin saw the host US win 19-9 over Europe. This time, the clash between the world's two strongest golfing nations begins tomorrow, September 29, with the US having not won as a guest in the past 30 years.
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