Golf holds a special place in the heart of Michael Jordan. Otherwise, why would a balling legend sweat himself and stand amongst the fans to cheer for a Ryder Cup participant? Well, the cameras recently caught the former Chicago Bulls great doing just that at the Whistling Straits Golf Course, Wisconsin, US.
The 3-day event, Ryder Cup 2021, began on September 24th and welcomed MJ as its biggest fan on Day 1. Many will also remember MJ’s brief encounter with the rival European team from a 2012 video. He was in the car with his family while one of the players had stuck a Euro flag on his windshield.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Jordan cheering for the American golfing squad
The 6x NBA Champion is not new to the Ryder Cup. In fact, his first appearance in the high-profile golfing event dates back to 1997 when he showed up in Valderrama (Spain). And currently, he has continued that tradition as he attended the 43rd edition of the spectacular showcase.
In a video clip, MJ is cheering for his golf buddy Dustin Johnson at the par-4 11th. Just as the 37-YO 2x Major Champion holed a tough downhill putt, MJ felt elated with the show of precision. With that move, DJ ensured a 3-up lead with fellow countryman Xander Shaufelle against Paul Casey & Bernd Wiesberger.
DJ 🤝 MJ
Legendary.
(via @RyderCupUSA)pic.twitter.com/jSRjA9whkq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 24, 2021
That fist-pumping candid reaction from a 58-YO MJ showed just how desperately he wishes the best for the US Golfing squad.
MJ’s longstanding connection with Ryder Cup
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Only a few days ago, Air Jordan was at a basketball facility where his Hornets were working out. And with the NBA preseason around the corner, he still made time for an appearance at the Ryder Cup. No wonder Paul Casey went down to greet the champion in the middle of the match and stated, “I don’t care if I’m up or down, I’m definitely saying hi to Michael Jordan.”
But MJ’s history with the Ryder Cup goes way back. Many still remember how he was in the same frame as the legendary Payne Stewart (1999). Then, his picture of holding a cigar while watching the game became popular in 2006 (repeated in 2014). In fact, he was in attendance even when Team USA won the prestigious tournament in 2016.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So the owner of The Grove XXIII, a friend of Tiger Woods, a betting expert when on the greens, and a regular golfer, MJ just added another page to his Ryder Cup legacy. So do you think Team USA will win this one and further impress MJ? Let us know your predictions in the comments box below.
Watch this story – Anthony Davis, Scottie Pippen, and Other Teammates of LeBron James & Michael Jordan Pick Sides in the GOAT Debate