37th Ryder Cup First Ever to Feature Captains’ Portraits

Renowned Artist LeRoy Neiman Unveils Original Likenesses of Azinger and Faldo to be auctioned for Local Charities

Louisville, KY – October 22, 2007 – Amid an array of amazing Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali multimedia and memorabilia, President of the PGA of America Brian Whitcomb and renowned sporting event artist LeRoy Neiman paid tribute to two more champions, 2008 Ryder Cup Captains Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo. All part of a day long “Captains’ Celebration,” Whitcomb and Neiman unveiled one-of-a-kind portraits of Azinger and Faldo before an invited audience of special guests, including members of the The PGA of America, PGA European Tour and representatives of the Muhammad Ali Center and First Tee of Louisville. Proceeds from an auction of the portraits will benefit both the Ali Center and First Tee.

The unveiling was held in the LeRoy Neiman Gallery of the Ali Center which also features Neiman’s well-known portrait of Ali as well as other examples of Neiman’s work including Ali. The Ryder Cup Captains’ portraits will move to the Cobalt Artworks Gallery nearby on Louisville’s Main Street. Both pieces of original art will be auctioned off by public bidding which will continue until Sunday, September 21, 2008 when the portraits will be awarded to the highest bidders. Louisville will host the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, September 16-21, 2008.

“The eyes of the world will be focused on Louisville, KY for golf’s grandest event, Ryder Cup,” said Whitcomb. “It is only fitting that one of the most exciting events in all sports partner with a cultural icon to give back to the community that is hosting us.”

Neiman is one of the most popular living artists in the United States today. He was commissioned to create the Official Artwork for the 37th Ryder Cup in Louisville. Previously, he created official imagery for the 1997 Kentucky Derby, 1998 Breeders’ Cup Championship, the 2000 PGA Championship, as well as official art for five Olympiads, four Super Bowls and the inaugural Muhammad Ali Center poster. The Captains’ portraits are said to be valued at between $65,000 and $75,000 apiece.

“I am pleased to be back in Louisville and part of one of golf’s greatest events,” said Neiman. “I have sketched and painted both Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo over the years and have nothing but admiration for them and their careers.”

Cobalt Artworks Gallery is currently hosting a year-long retrospective of Neiman’s work entitled “LeRoy Neiman – Five Decades.” The exhibit is comprised of paintings, prints, drawings, books and posters curated from the Artist's personal collection and will be on display through the Ryder Cup in September, 2008.