Fans cheer on the US team as Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley approach the 17th green Friday afternoon at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Fans show their support for team USA during opening round play of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Team USA fans were out in full force on the first tee Friday morning as Ryder Cup competition got under way at Medinah Country Club.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Jason Kelly, 11, of Schaumburg kicks his heels in the air with excitement while in a downward plunge on the Freefall ride at the Huntley Fall Fest carnival on Friday, September 28. Jason's mom, Jill, says he's a fan of roller coasters, too. An hour was put aside for 15 families with special needs children who preregistered to have a chance to enjoy rides for free.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

A glass sculpture glows orange. Color has been added to the piece and will change as it cools.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Fans sport their flag outfits on the 17th green during the morning matches on day 2 of the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club Saturday.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

A bagpiper performs during the closing ceremonies of the Ryder Cup Sunday evening at Medinah Country Club

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Landon Livreri of the New York Ski Federation launches himself from the hill during the Norge Ski Club ski competition Sunday September 30, 2012 in Fox River Grove.

Brian Hill | Staff Photographer

Lieutenant Mike Copeland is retiring from the Des Plaines fire department after 37 years of service and prepares to lay his brick of fame with his name and service dates with the others who came before him at a ceremony outside fire station one in Des Plaines on Monday.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Alex Breytspraak , reaches up for a pass in front of Zach Sledz, both 7 and from Aurora, during a Batavia Youth Football league game at West Main Park in Batavia.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Teacher Steve Fodor, gets a photo of Nikki Kavanaugh, (in red) Ella Hughes, (green) and Ella Klingonsmith, as they pose for him at Westfield Community School in Algonquin during National Walk to School Day Wednesday October 3, 2012.

Brian Hill | Staff Photographer

Pepe, a six-month-old Humboldt penguin from Brookfield Zoo, says hello to employees of UPS in Addison on Thursday. It ws part of UPS's Walk Like a Penguin campaign to help promote walking safely on the snow and ice.

Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Jennifer Frier video tapes Jennifer Jasensky, Scott Stewart and Melissa Swan for a dance video Thursday in the parking lot of Target in Vernon Hills. The North Suburban Chicago Parents group were making a parody video for YouTube based on the "Gangnam Style" music sensation made popular by South Korean rapper Psy.

Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer