A Week After Riling Up Team USA Fans, Michael Jordan’s Confidante European Golf Rival Makes an Outspoken Gift to Ryder Cup Allies

Let it be known that Michael Jordan values his friendships over borders. The golf-loving NBA superstar sided with Team USA rivals though he rooted for the home squad. Now his close friend, who once dominated the greens, is extending a gift to the European golfers who snatched the Ryder Cup from USA. And this gift screams MJ to the core.

Though it was the bitter truth to swallow for fans, the Chicago Bulls legend proved he acknowledges a stronger team where it matters. It showed as he added a special touch to the gift sent through his friend.

Golf legend delivers a Michael Jordan present

Apart from the glory of winning a historic event, the victors of the 2023 Ryder Cup got an extra special memorabilia. It is a tradition that captains present a gift and European Captain, Luke Donald, called his best friend in America to do the needful. Therefore, Donald was presenting his 12 teammates with Nike Air Jordans.

These aren’t your regular Nike trainers. The limited editions were custom-designed by Michael Jordan himself and apparently not available in retail – making it invaluable in history.

The former no.1 golfer in the world is a popular captain and this gift just upped his score. He presented the Jordans as an emphatic reward for the team’s 16.5-11.5 stunner in Rome. With this triump, the Europeans have reclaimed the trophy in the biennal competition.

It’s no surprise His Airness pulled this favor for Donald. The basketball star and the golf titan have been friends since the ’90s when MJ’s golf mania was at its peak. In the present day, they’re neighbors in their gated community in Florida and swing a few drives every now and then.

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This is not just the Euro Captain’s magnanimous gesture for his team. It’s also a display of his strong friendship with the Jordan Brand mogul. That too after Donald mischievously stirred up USA fans through MJ.

Luke Donald dished Michael Jordan’s Ryder Cup faves

The six-time NBA champion is no casual golfer.

Apart from taking it very seriously, he’s a regular presence at PGA events. He’s often seen rooting for Team USA at every Ryder Cup. However, he skipped the competition this year for undisclosed reasons. Donald made sure Jordan’s presence was felt in Rome with a little mind game.

He claimed that during a dinner before he left for Rome, Jordan predicted the winners. “[Jordan] tipped Europe to win,” per Luke Donald. Americans were quick to clutch their pearls.

We don’t know if that’s the honest truth, unless Jordan clears the air himself. But Donald would also clarify that Jordan hopes for his good friend to have a great experience and for US to win whatever the odds.

His prediction came true for Donald’s squad and they got a great souvenir out of it. What do you think about Jordan’s gesture?

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