Holly misses Ryder glitz as WAGs tee up for the cup

Olympic hero Michael Phelps, singer turned actor Justin Timberlake and the fabulous Ryder Cup wives, were all dressed to the nines for the curtain raiser of the 39th Ryder Cup gala in Medinah, Illinois.

There was also a moving tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros, who died in May of last year from a brain tumour.

And while Rory McIlroy was forced to fly solo -- with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki busy competing at a tennis tournament in Japan -- the world number one was delighted to see the wives and partners the focus of attention for once.

"It's great to have them around," he said. "I suppose it just adds a little bit of a fun element."

But one 'birdie' who didn't get an invite to the event was Rory's former girlfriend Holly Sweeney, who admitted she misses being part of the glitzy affair.

The Belfast native made a definite mark on the scene when she emerged as a glamorous grown-up WAG on the arm of the Irish golfer. But two years later, Rory is dating tennis ace Caroline and Holly (21) has moved on with her life.

She is a self-confessed golf-nut after spending hours on the course supporting her boyfriend. And while she is happy to be flying solo, she would love to be involved in this "unique week".

"I think the only time I do miss it is during the Ryder Cup. You are such a part of a team," she told the Herald. "The girls are on their own for a lot of the time. They are kind of cheerleaders in a way."