CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The world's best golfers began practice rounds Tuesday as they hit the course in Medinah, to prepare for this weekend's Cup.
Tuesday was a day for celebrities and golfing greats and a day of fun before the serious competition kicks off later this week. Thousands of people turned out for a glimpse of the stars and great hopes for an autograph or two.
Fans love the golfers, but it was the goof, Bill Murray, who drew a huge round of applause as he got ready to tee off. Earlier, he and Justin Timberlake paired up for their imitation of a Happy Gilmore tee-shot, delighting the crowd.
"We got to see Justin Timberlake tee off on the first hole and I was blown away," says Bill Schumacher of Chicago. "He's got a great swing and a great game and of course we saw Bill Murray and the crowd was chanting and you heard more Caddyshack references. I mean, it was a really great thing to have those guys out here, lot of fun."
It was especially fun for Schumacher's 8-year-old golfer daughter.
"I love it because I've only been to girls golf tournaments and I've never been to a big one like this," said the young enthusiast.
The most famous golfer of them all, Tiger Woods, was also on hand for his practice round.
Other celebs included comedian George Lopez as well as Scottie Pippen and former Bear Richard Dent, who came in last in the four team Pro-Am.
"It's once in a lifetime you get to play in an event like this," Dent told Fox Chicago News. "We played okay. I got one birdie out of the day, that's all I can say.
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps patiently signed autographs for grateful fans and confessed to a golf game that isn't so golden.
"It's the most humbling thing I've done in my life," Phelps said.
Justin Timberlake, the so-called ambassador for the Ryder Cup was too busy to sign autographs for fans. Bill Murray left fans stunned when he grabbed their autograph posters and walked off, autographing them and then flipping them off the bridge like Frisbees.
