Storms leave mark on Valhalla

Hurricane Ike has left its ugly mark on this year s Ryder Cup just days before the showpiece event is due to get underway.

Winds of up to 60mph hit the course and sent a television tower and a number of trees crashing down. Meanwhile, nearby Louisville suffered a loss of power, which caused chaos on the roads.

Kerry Haigh, managing director of championships, confirmed the television tower fell on the 12th hole.

The PGA of America is working to clean up all affected areas and is confident that when spectators arrive on Tuesday for the first full practice round, Valhalla will be ready for the biggest event in golf this year, Haigh said.

There is reason to be optimistic with the weather set to calm - the forecast suggests that Friday through to Sunday will be sunny with little or no wind.

Meanwhile, the Junior Ryder Cup takes place on Monday and Tuesday at The Club at Olde Stone, Bowling Green, Kentucky. On Wednesday the two teams will play a Friendship Exhibition match at Valhalla.