Something for the weekend: Former footballer Gianfranco Zola has swapped the football pitch for the golf course, becoming a designated buggy driver for the European team at the Ryder Cup. Quite a job change!
Zola, who retired from football in 2005, has flown out to the Bethpage Black golf course in New York, USA, to join the European team. He has been chosen by Europe vice-captain Francesco Molinari to drive him around the course as the competition takes place.
Molinari began a friendship with Zola years ago and has played golf with the former footballer since. Zola has played in various high-profile Pro-Am competitions, for those who play at a competitive and strongly skilled level but are not paid, over the years.
Perhaps he could use his experience playing under pressure and dealing with potential hostile atmospheres to offer advice to the European team?
Meanwhile, English golf player Luke Donald, who is also on this year’s Ryder Cup European team, has given the partners of his team members and the caddies Rolex watches.
It is a tradition for the European captain to present his players with the luxury watches on the first night together in the team room, however Donald has gone further, with the gifts engraved with the team’s logo and the tournament date.
The Professional Golfers’ Association of America will also give each of its players $300,000 (£222,000) in pay to give to a charity of their choice, with another $200,000 (£149,551) awarded to the players, captain and assistant captains. They have all said they will donate this to charity, minus a payment for their caddies.
Sounds like the world of golf is very generous in recognising team members and their partners, caddies and charities!
