Justin Timberlake To Serve As 2012 Ryder Cup U.S. Team Ambassador

MEDINAH, Ill., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The PGA of America is pleased to announce that Justin Timberlake will serve as the first-ever Team Ambassador for the United States during the 39th Ryder Cup at historic Medinah (Ill.) Country Club. The 39th Ryder Cup, the first to be conducted in Illinois, will take place Sept. 25-30.

In this new Ambassador role, Timberlake will appear at the Ryder Cup Gala on Sept. 26 at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., as well as Ryder Cup Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 27 at Medinah Country Club.

"The Ryder Cup continues to generate incredible excitement as September approaches, and Justin Timberlake's involvement is an added bonus for one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "The Ryder Cup is truly a global event, and Justin [Timberlake] is a household name internationally. As someone who is passionate about golf, he's the perfect fit to be a Team Ambassador, and The PGA of America is proud to have his support for the 2012 Ryder Cup."

"As Captain, I'm very excited to have Justin [Timberlake] on board as an Ambassador for the U.S. team," said 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III. "He's a true champion for our sport, and I've been very impressed with his commitment to growing golf and sharing his passion with others. He genuinely loves the game. I know golf fans are going to embrace his participation and share in his excitement for the Ryder Cup."

Timberlake said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the Ryder Cup firsthand and lend his support to the U.S. team.

"Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine – whether I'm out playing the game, working on the course at Mirimichi or sharing my love for the sport with others," Timberlake said. "There is no greater stage for the sport than the Ryder Cup, and I'm proud to be an Ambassador for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and take part in such a time-honored event. It's going to be a special week for golf fans around the world, me the most."

For more information about the 2012 Ryder Cup activities, visit www.RyderCup.com.

About the 2012 Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup, among the last great professional sporting events where winning, and not prize money, is its own reward, spans 38 competitions over 84 years. The competition was born in 1927, when enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold trophy that bears his name. The U.S. Team defeated Great Britain, 9½ to 2½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Mass. The Ryder Cup, recognized as the pre-eminent international team event in golf, has since expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. The United States has posted 25 victories, Great Britain/Europe has won 11 times, and there have been two ties. Europe currently has possession of the Ryder Cup trophy, thanks to a thrilling 14½-13½ victory over the United States in October 2010 in Wales. The 39th Ryder Cup will be held Sept. 25-30 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

Media Site: www.rydercup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RyderCupTeamUSA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RyderCupTeamUSA

About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

SOURCE The PGA of America