LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Muhammad Ali welcomed guests in Louisville for the Ryder Cup.

Ali, wife Lonnie, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Deputy First Minister of Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones hosted a gathering Wednesday night at the downtown Ali Center.

Lonnie Ali told a crowd of around 300 that her husband shares the spirit of competition and will to succeed with the Ryder Cup players.

So, she said, it was appropriate that Ali wish the players well and embrace all the supporters who had traveled to the Alis' hometown.

Muhammad Ali, who has Parkinson's disease, didn't speak but later shook hands with more than a hundred fans who waited their turns to get closer to the former boxer.