The skies over Hazeltine National Golf Club cleared and the sun shone just in time for Thursday's Ryder Cup opening ceremony in Chaska.
Maybe just in time, too, to blow away the clouds, the cold weather and all the nattering between teams — and within teams — that has led to Europe's Justin Rose striking the first ball for teammate Henrik Stenson in a foursomes match against Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed just after dawn Friday.
By then, perhaps long forgotten will be Lee Westwood questioning the opponent's team unity and spirit; U.S. captain Davis Love III calling, whatever the context, his team maybe the greatest ever assembled; Phil Mickelson blaming past captain Hal Sutton for Ryder Cup mistakes made 12 long years ago; and Europe rookie Danny Willett's brother waxing not-so-poetic about American golf fans.
By then, perhaps maybe the biennial match-play competition will be played with the spirit of the man both teams and dignitaries remembered Thursday, Arnold Palmer.
A video tribute and moment of silence honored the "King," who died Sunday at age 87. They did so on an afternoon that welcomed a long weekend of golf with song, speeches and special guests Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin.
They did so while fans by the tens of thousands gathered on the driving range and looked down into a natural amphitheater from corporate tent after corporate tent.
Nicklaus and Jacklin recounted one of the Ryder Cup's most memorable moments — Nicklaus' conceding Jacklin's short putt in 1969, a gesture that ended in a tied competition — while Love later in addressing the crowd declared, "Arnold, this one's for you."
This one will begin with four morning matches that start with two young Americans facing Europe's Olympic gold and silver medalists. It will finish with world No. 2 player Dustin Johnson and partner Matt Kuchar facing 10-time Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood and rookie Thomas Pieters.