The eyes of the world are focused upon Medinah, Ill., where the 2012 Ryder Cup begins today, Friday, Sept. 28.

The 12 members of the United States golf team are striving to win back the Ryder Cup, lost two years ago to the European team in Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

Golfers from both teams were on the course at Medinah Country Club on Wednesday, participating in the practice round. The crowds of onlookers rivaled those typically found on competition days for PGA events, according to locals who attended the practice.

Attendance numbers for the 39th international competition are expected to be so large that off-site public parking and transportation services have been established at Arlington Park Race Track, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Additional public parking is available in the DuPage County Forest Preserve.

In fact, parking is not permitted near the country club itself, located in Medinah, an unincorporated community named for the golf course.

The two teams are comprised of the top golfers from the United States and Europe.