Louisville, Ky. -- The 2008 Ryder Cup continues to demonstrate a positive impact on the Louisville community as officials from The PGA of America joined with Cobalt Artworks to present checks totaling $22,000 to Louisville's Muhammad Ali Center and The First Tee of Louisville.
The contributions were the result of the online auction of LeRoy Neiman's one-of-a-kind portraits of the 2008 Ryder Cup's U.S. Captain, Paul Azinger, and European Captain, Nick Faldo.
The portraits were donated by Neiman and unveiled before members of The PGA of America and the European PGA Tour, including both Captains, and representatives of the community in October of 2007 in Louisville. The portraits remained on exhibit at Cobalt Artworks Gallery throughout 2008.
The online auction drew bids from art collectors and sports fans from all over the world. The successful bidder is golf enthusiast Ian Inglis of Scotland who purchased both paintings for a total of $22,000.
Through Inglis' arrangement, both paintings will go on display in spring 2009 at the British Golf Museum in St. Andrews, Scotland. The Museum is directly opposite The Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse and just 67½ yards from the 1st tee of the Old Course. The museum traces more than 500 years of golf history from Britain and abroad. Following the exhibition, Inglis intends to display the portraits in his home.
"We believe the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club was the best Ryder Cup in history," said Walt Gahm, General Chairman of the 2008 Ryder Cup and founder of Valhalla Golf Club. "We were thrilled by the enthusiasm of the community and pleased to have used this event to develop awareness and funds for deserving organizations such as the Muhammad Ali Center and The First Tee of Louisville."
Neiman was commissioned to create the Official Artwork for the 37th Ryder Cup in Louisville. Previously, he created official imagery for the 1997 Kentucky Derby, 1998 Breeders' Cup Championship, the 2000 PGA Championship, as well as official art for five Olympiads and four Super Bowls.
Louisville hosted the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, September 16-21, 2008. For more information about the 37th Ryder Cup, go to rydercup.com.
About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
