On the course: Merchandise at the Ryder Cup may run out before the end of the event if sales continue at the current rate, traders have said.
A variety of goods are on sale at the event in the K Club at Straffan, Co Kildare, including clothing, umbrellas, crystal, jewellery and other souvenirs, all bearing the familiar double flag and cup logo. Some traders have already sold more than half their stock and believe they will be out of stock before the final day on Sunday.
Despite fears that bad weather would keep people away, almost 30,000 people visited the sales area in the tented village on Wednesday and sales were far higher than anticipated.
Peter Barrington, UK sales and marketing manager with clothing company Oscar Jacobson, said sales had been "phenomenal". The company, which dressed referees and officials for the event and supplied the trousers for the European team and their caddies, had experienced much better sales than expected.
"By Saturday, we will be more or less sold out," he said.
Ashworth women's wear, Adidas Golf and Galloway have all reported exceptional sales and Glenmuir clothing says it has run out of many of its lines.
Shoppers are spending on average €120 each on the logo goods including T-shirts for €59, china mugs for €15, wallets for €25 and keyrings for €6.
However, purchases have not yet been made by the wives and girlfriends of the players. Though they were scheduled to shop at the merchandise tent yesterday, staff did not spot them.
Elsewhere, improved weather, the promise of a colourful opening ceremony and the occasional blast of rehearsal music helped create a buzz of excitement at the event yesterday.
The Tiger troops, who follow Woods wherever he goes, were out in strength. The US golfer has a following akin to that of a pop star, attracting larger numbers of spectators than any other golfer at the event. Fans push as close to the barriers as possible, craning their necks to see him tee off and walking in step with him as he strides down the fairway.
He is universally admired but female golf fans seem to have a particular soft spot for him.
Sue Leyden, attending with friends from Curam Software in Dublin, said she was in awe of Woods.
"He's a bit mysterious, a bit smooth and attractive, he doesn't talk much," she said. "To tell you the truth, I've been stalking him all morning."
Peggy Murphy from Limerick also admitted to having a soft spot for him. "I think he's fantastic . . .I want him to win his match but I hope the rest of the Americans lose."
Audrey Nolan from Dublin was thrilled to have managed to photograph the man. Clutching her camera, she said he was the world's best golfer.
In the afternoon the official opening ceremony was a crowd-pleaser. Featuring 350 performers, including music by Donal Lunny with choir and orchestra, the event was produced by Platinum One and televised across the US.
