CHICAGO (Aug. 14, 2012) – The Magnificent Moments campaign, an officially-sanctioned charitable fundraising campaign of the 2012 Ryder Cup, has announced that it is offering a limited number of exclusive Ryder Cup ticket "Combo Packs" to the public.

"With the sold-out 2012 Ryder Cup less than two months away, excitement surrounding the event continues to grow," said Magnificent Moments Executive Director Eric Schmidt. "The Magnificent Moments campaign currently provides the best way to secure a spot on the grounds of Medinah (Ill.) Country Club."

Tickets are available through a gift of $600 to the campaign, and donors will be given their choice of one practice round (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and one Match day (Friday, Saturday or Sunday), providing them with two total opportunities to visit Medinah and witness historic Ryder Cup action in person.

The campaign is raising money for two local charities – The Illinois PGA Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC®CNI) – by hosting a series of charitable "magnificent moments" in downtown Chicago.

To purchase Ryder Cup tickets, please visit magnificentmoments.org or contact Eric Schmidt at 630-623-8366 or eschmidt@rmhccni.org.

About Magnificent Moments
Magnificent Moments is an officially sanctioned charitable fundraising campaign of the 39th Ryder Cup, which will be played Sept. 25-30, 2012, at historic Medinah (Ill.) Country Club. The campaign is raising money for two local charities – The Illinois PGA Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana – by hosting a series of "Magnificent Moments" in Chicago leading up to the Ryder Cup.

The campaign launched with the Ryder Cup Captains' Charity Golf Shot on Sept. 26, 2011, and will continue with a "Tartan Art on The Avenue" public art exhibit and a "Bagpipes & Blues" event at the iconic Field Museum. "Tartan Art on The Avenue" will be on display during the month of September 2012 along Michigan Avenue and at other iconic Chicago locations. Large golf balls will be decorated by local, international and celebrity artists. The late, internationally acclaimed artist LeRoy Neiman, who was an alumnus of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, also painted the first golf ball that will tour Chicago for special occasions. The "Bagpipes & Blues" event will be held on Sept. 27, 2012, the eve of the opening day of the Ryder Cup. Blending the cultures of Europe and Chicago, this event will be a spectacular evening set against Chicago's stunning skyline. Indulge in elegant dishes celebrating the Ryder Cup and Chicago culinary favorites, while the music swings from Chicago Blues to Scottish Bagpipes. A premium bar and a world-class auction supporting our two magnificent charities will round out the festivities. The event will be open to the public, with tickets available for purchase.

For more information about Magnificent Moments, visit magnificentmoments.org.

About the 2012 Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup, among the last great professional sporting events where winning, and not prize money, is its own reward, spans 38 competitions over 84 years. In 1927, enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold chalice that bears his name, and the inaugural Ryder Cup was contested at Worcester (Mass.) Country Club. The U.S. Team defeated Great Britain, 9 1/2 to 2 1/2, with the matches played June 3-4.

The Ryder Cup, recognized as the pre-eminent international team event in golf, has since expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. The United States has posted 25 victories, Great Britain/Europe has won 11 times, and there have been two ties. Europe currently has possession of the Ryder Cup trophy, thanks to a thrilling 14 1/2-13 1/2 victory over the United States in October 2010 in Wales.

The 39th Ryder Cup will be held September 25-30 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

Media Site: rydercup.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RyderCupTeamUSA
Twitter: twitter.com/RyderCupTeamUSA

About the PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

About the Illinois PGA Foundation
The Illinois PGA Foundation is a 501 © 3 organization that serves as the charitable arm of the Illinois Section PGA, one of the forty-one geographical regions that comprises the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA of America). Established in 1991, the organization focuses its community efforts on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) is to improve the health, well-being and education of children through its core programs. Four Houses provide a "home away from home" to keep families together. To continue serving families in crisis, RMHC®-CNI is building a new Ronald McDonald House® – the largest in the nation – in Chicago, due to open in 2012.