U.S. team captain George "Buddy" Marucci raises the U.S. flag at the opening ceremonies of the U.S. Walker Cup Match at Royal County Down. Photo by Robert D. Thomas/SCGA.

By Robert D. Thomas
Southern California Golf Association
With the swirl of bagpipes and a recalcitrant American flag, the opening ceremonies of the 41st Walker Cup took place at this evening at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

Music from bagpipes and a flute orchestra set the stage for opening speeches from officials of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Royal County Down and United States Golf Association President Walter Driver, who read a letter from former U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush, whose grandfather donated the Walker Cup when the matches began in 1921.

Each captain was then called on to introduce his team and raise his country's flag, but when U.S. Captain George "Buddy" Marucci attempted to raise the American flag, he couldn't get the rope untied and had to be rescued by club officials. The balky pennant finally rose, floating in the air, and Marucci noted dryly, "That's just the way things are here," which got a big laugh from the crowd. Officials then checked the flags of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland before GCI Captain Colin Dagleish did the honors.

Matches begin tomorrow with SCGA member Rickie Fowler and teammate Billy Horschel leading things off for the Americans in foursomes competitions. MORE