Family ties set to be tested as Shandon Park Golf Club host Ryder Cup match of their own
Whilst the stage has been set in New York for this year's Ryder Cup, a similar challenge has been organised at Shandon Park Golf Club in Belfast - with a family twist added in for good measure.
As members get ready to hit the fairways and greens this Sunday, the respective teams will be led by husband and wife duo Michael and Karen Simpson, who will be captaining Team USA and Team Europe respectively as loyalty to team colours will take precedence over any household diplomacy.
With bragging rights firmly at stake in the Simpson household, the event is all for a good cause as monies are being raised for Dementia NI.
The 12-hole challenge match has been organised by the professional shop and Diane Conway, with the latter explaining to the News Letter as to how it all came about.
She said: "We have organised an event here for every Ryder Cup since before COVID...and it provides social fun and raises funds for charity.
"Michael is our Club Captain this year and his wife Karen is our Lady Captain, so there's definitely going to be some banter between the pair.
"Both of them wanted to captain Team Europe but Karen was pulled out in the draw and she was over the moon with that.
"Members who signed up were also drawn to either represent Team Europe or Team USA and they have been asked to dress accordingly to add to the day.
"96 members have signed up in total so it's going to be a busy day. It's an accumulative stableford match and there's small prizes for the winners – including a small trophy for either Team Europe or Team USA.
"It's a bit of fun but we all know how competitive golfers can be, so I’m expecting a few matchplay scenarios thrown in to add a little edge.
"Michael and Karen wanted to pick a local charity and Dementia NI is one that they have a close connection to...it's been a total team effort from everyone to get this organised."
Golf star and Northern Ireland's own Rory McIlroy is the headline act for Team Europe as they aim to get their first victory on US soil since 2012.
The Holywood native is no stranger to Shandon Park Golf Club as he was previously a junior member at the course.
So, what do the members have planned to cheer on McIlroy and his Team Europe team-mates over the weekend?
"The Ryder Cup is always special...but it's great watching one of our own in Rory playing in it," Diane added.
"Shandon Park loves matchplay format and we won two European titles in 2000 and 2001, so it's our 25th anniversary of that success.
"People often forget that Rory was a member here and he won the 2003 Scratch Cup.
"I'm sure members will be glued to their TV's this weekend watching and then we will go in and watch the golf after our challenge match on Sunday.
"It all makes for a fantastic weekend."