Thorbjorn's Time

Rolex Ambassador Thorbjørn Olesen on the Behind the Scenes Highs, and Personal Disappear, That Marked His Memorable Ryder Cup Debut at Le Golf National.

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I THINK IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT for me that I qualified in the top eight, because it really made me feel like I belonged and should have been on the European team. If I had been a captain’s pick, I think I might have felt a little differently. As a rookie, qualifying to make the team is a really nice feeling and lets you feel a little better about yourself when you’re there.

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THERE WAS SUCH AN AMAZING VIBE IN THE TEAM ROOM when I arrived on the Monday afternoon. Just being there at the start of the week with all of the captains, vice-captains and players was one of the best memories for me. That’s where it all started and all the bonding between the guys began and it was at that point that we became a team.

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WHEN WE MET UP FOR OUR PRACTICE ROUND, AND A PHOTO SHOOT WITH ALL OF OUR RYDER CUP CLOTHES ON, it was another really special moment for me. I think that’s one of the only times that I’ve ever been a bit nervous in the practice rounds.

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THE FIRST TEE SHOT ON THE FRIDAY MORNING WAS A LITTLE BIT TOUGH.

I was very nervous, I was desperate to go out there and play well and it wasn’t until after a couple of shots that I felt a bit more settled. It’s very difficult to describe because it is so different to playing on your own. You know you are playing for your teammates, so you really want to perform and to win, but it is without a doubt a cool feeling, especially with all of the crowds there. As soon as you hole one putt and you get the crowd going, you’re just riding on a wave of support which is an incredible feeling.

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I ACTUALLY WENT TO HAZELTINE TWO YEARS AGO TO DRIVE THOMAS BJØRN’S BUGGY,