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Ryder Cup captains Paul McGinley and Tom Watson officially introduced their respective sides to the Scottish public for the first time this week at last night’s Ryder Cup Gala Concert at the Scottish Hydro in Glasgow.

Organised jointly by VisitScotland and DF Concerts, the evening saw performances from Scottish rockers – and bunkered fans – Twin Atlantic, Nina Nesbitt, Midge Ure, Eddie Reader, Jake Bugg, Texas, Amy Macdonald and Nile Rodgers of Chic.

Read More –> Ryder Cup Gala Concert was ‘no brainer’ for Twin Atlantic

The evening was split into two parts in order for a huge gathering of 1,500 corporate guests to enjoy a dinner at the SECC, hosted by TV star Rory Bremner, before being led through to the Scottish Hydro for the big finale.

Gala Concert - 2014 Ryder Cup

Star of the show was undoubtedly Amy Macdonald, who sang one of her big hits, Mr Rock and Roll, then a slowed down version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark, which she dedicated to Tom Watson’s Ryder Cup team.

Read more –> Bubba Watson is the man to beat

Second half hosts Edith Bowman and James Nesbitt entertained the crowds, with Nesbitt pointing out that Rory McIlroy’s mum and dad, Rosie and Gerry, were in attendance. “Rosie’s the one dripping in diamonds,” said Nesbitt. “It’s been a good couple of years, hasn’t it Rosie?”

Self-confessed golf nut Fred MacAulay introduced the two teams, complete with better halves in tow, to the stage. Not surprisingly, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher got the loudest cheer of the night.

Gala Concert 2014 Ryder Cup

Tom Watson not feeling the pressure at Ryder Cup Gala Concert

US Ryder Cup captain Watson, potentially, got one up on his opposite number by seeming to be the more relaxed on the night, telling his players to “Go win it, baby”. Nesbitt told the crowd that McIlroy was now single, only for Watson to chip in, “so is Rickie”.

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Chic star and recent collaborator with Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, closed the show by playing some of his most famous numbers, including Le Freak and Good Times.

Watch –> What makes the Ryder Cup so special?

A total of 8,000 people were in attendance.

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Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered

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