Ryder Cup: how golf is new focus of soft power diplomacy

With Donald Trump a keen player, tournament offers chance for Europe to show united front

As the Ryder Cup tees off for the first time in France this weekend, at a vast course beyond the Palace of Versailles, golf is becoming a new focus of soft power diplomacy in an era of a US president who not only loves the links but owns numerous courses.

The tournament that pits top US golfers against top Europeans is the world’s most-watched sporting event after the Olympics and the football World Cup – one of the last huge sports competitions still limited to western nations from each edge of the Atlantic.

Tiger is playing great. Looks like a big win could happen. Very exciting! @TigerWoods

Continue reading...