Team Monty took the inaugural Ryder Cup All-Star Match at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.
Playing captain Colin Montgomerie, whose Team Monty consisted of 24-time tennis Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, G4D Tour player Kipp Popert, Italian professional surfer Leonardo Fioravanti, Garrett Hilbert from Dude Perfect and ex-professional footballer and Wales captain Gareth Bale. Defeated Team Pavin 7-4 in the seven hole event, captained by Corey Pavin, Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz, Italian G4D Tour player Tommaso Perrino, all-American pairing of actress Kathryn Newton, former NFL player Victor Cruz and footballing legend in Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko.
Speaking about the victory, winning captain Colin Montgomerie, said: “Playing in the Ryder Cup was such a big part of my life and my career and today has really taken me back there. I was actually getting a little bit emotional coming down the 18th and it was a real privilege to Captain such a talented team of all stars.”
Novak Djokovic, said: “My partner Kipp really delivered his A-game today and is such a talented player and so inspiring. Overall, I’m pleased with how I played. I haven’t had the chance to practice too much coming into today, but I hit a good opening tee shot which really settled the nerves and I managed to play some good holes. The crowds were amazing and it was a really fun experience.”
Gareth Bale, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed that. With big crowds following us there were some nerves there, but I’ve played a few pro-ams before so knew what to expect and that helped. Monty was on top form today and really led from the front. The rough was pretty penal so I had a few tough shots when I missed the fairway, but I hit a good shot on 16 and got up and down for birdie, so that was a good memory to take away.”
Final Leaderboard:
Novak Djokovic & Kipp Popert win 3-1 v Carlos Sainz & Tommaso Perrino
Leonardo Fioravanti & Garrett Hilbert tie 2-2 v Kathryn Newton & Victor Cruz
Colin Montgomerie & Gareth Bale win 2-1 v Corey Pavin & Andriy Shevchenko