In the European team room at the 2023 Ryder Cup, including the heartbreaking rationale for the 13th locker
Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at his team room before teeing off on Friday.
After the USA’s comprehensive victory in 2021, Europe’s 12-man team is looking to recapture the Ryder Cup in Rome this weekend.
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And Donald, 45, tried to give his team the best possible environment for success over the three days.
In a long one YouTube videoThe former world number 1 led people into Europe’s team room, starting with the “chill-out area”.
This is decorated with numerous photos of the team from their training trip.
There is also a TV and sofas for players to watch the coverage.
Donald said he wanted to create something “secret” where the team “could all be together.”
He then goes to the breakfast area, where the players eat before heading out onto the pitch.
Here are some historic images of the European team – including a brilliant shot of the impressive Spanish duo Jose Maria Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros.
Donald describes the dining area as an “incredible space” for “maintaining team cohesion.”
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Europe’s captain then goes downstairs towards the locker room.
But before they reach it, the players see the “History Wall”.
This consists of all 168 players who played for the European team – and appropriately, “EUROPA” is written in yellow with a blue background.
There is also a quote from the late Ballesteros on the wall that reads: “Seeing yourself win and passionately wanting to win are, in my opinion, the first steps to victory.”
The five-time major winner Ballesteros died in 2011 at the age of 54 as a result of a brain tumor.
Another brilliant addition to the team room is a wall showcasing the brilliant performances of European rookies of the past – including Olazabal, Phillip Walton, Thomas Pieters, Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood.
Donald then goes to the lockers where the golf bags are lined up in alphabetical order for the players.
Each locker and bag is personalized with the person’s name, along with a towel and a Team Europe logo bag for toiletries.
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Towards the end of the video, Donald asks viewers to follow him “to my favorite room.”
He walks through and reveals the incredible team locker room, lit up with each player’s name.
Underneath each name is “This is your time” in the player’s native language.
But the most touching gesture throughout the building is the addition of the “13th. lockers”.
Along with the 12 players on this year’s Ryder Cup team, they have also made room for Ballesteros – who competed in eight Ryder Cups and led Europe to five victories as a player and captain.
Speaking about the fitting move, Donald said: “Seve is our ultimate symbol of what makes a European player great.”
“His spirit, enthusiasm and soul will be with us all the way.”
The video ends by showing the last thing the players will see before they take to the court – an image of Ballesteros designed by local art students. along with the caption “Forever in our hearts.”
Donald concludes: “What the Ryder Cup meant to him.” [Ballesteros]They will feel that when they go out and they will be ready to go.