Let the games begin.

The opening ceremony of the 45th Ryder Cup took place near the first fairway of Bethpage Black on Wednesday evening. Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald delivered their opening remarks before both the European and American flags were raised near the first tee box to open up the event.

However, the two speeches featured very different tones.

Bradley delivered remarks centered on his connection to Bethpage as a former member of St. John’s University’s Golf team. Donald, however, reminded the crowd and the world that his team is not being paid to play in the Ryder Cup like his opponents.

“This isn’t about prize money or ranking points. It’s about the legacy you leave behind. …,” said Donald. “We know it won’t be easy… but we are fueled by something money cannot buy.

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