You can add another superstar to the mix at the Ryder Cup in a couple weeks, but this one isn’t a golfer. The youngest winner in “American Idol” history and a past Grammy-Award® nominee, platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks will perform the U.S. National Anthem at Medinah Country Club during the 2012 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, September 27.
“I’m so honored to have the opportunity to sing our national anthem at the 2012 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies at Medinah,” said Jordin Sparks. “The Ryder Cup is one of the most patriotic events in all of sports, and it means a lot to me to represent the United States on such an important stage. I can’t wait to experience such an incredible atmosphere with passionate golf fans from around the world.”
The Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies will also include appearances by U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III and European Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal; 2012 U.S and European Ryder Cup players; Justin Timberlake, the first-ever Ambassador for the U.S. Ryder Cup team; past Ryder Cup Captains and additional special guests. The 2012 Ryder Cup competition begins on Friday, September 28 with four fourball matches and four foursomes matches and will be completed on Sunday, September 30 with 12 singles matches.
Team USA captain Davis Love lll gets to decide before the contest starts whether the fourball or foursomes matches will be played in the morning. The winning team is determined by cumulative total points. Under Ryder Cup rules, the team that does not currently hold the Cup must win the contest to win the Ryder Cup. If the matches end in a tie, the Ryder Cup will be retained by Team Europe, who won the trophy in 2010 in Wales.
For more information, visit the about the 2012 Ryder Cup website.