Key Ryder Cup dates

Tuesday: Hazeltine National closes to member play, allowing the next three weeks for its groundskeeping crew to pamper the course into perfect shape.

Sept. 12: American captain Davis Love III announces at Hazeltine the first three of his four captain's picks. That's also the start of a week in which many of the U.S. players will travel to Chaska to spend time playing and studying the course.

Sept. 20: The Ryder Cup Trophy Tour that started last week in New York City arrives in Minneapolis for a lunchtime event at the Star Tribune Building (650 3rd Ave S. ) and that night's Twins-Tigers game at Target Field. The trophy goes to the PGA Shop at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport the next day and opens the Ryder Cup merchandise shop at Hazeltine National on Sept. 23.

Sept. 25: Love announces his fourth and final wild-card pick at halftime of NBC's "Sunday Night Football" game.

Sept. 26: Both teams arrive in Minnesota for three practice days.

Sept. 29: Hazeltine National's driving range turns into an amphitheater seating 20,000 for afternoon opening ceremonies.

Sept. 30: The first ball is set to be struck at 7:35 a.m. in foursome (alternate shot) play. The first two days have both morning (foursome) and afternoon (four-ball) sessions.