Golf
Fans warned on bogus Ryder Cup tickets
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-10 12:39
LONDON - Forged or invalid tickets could leave golf fans desperate to watch next year's Ryder Cup disappointed and out of pocket, organisers warned on Monday.
The team match between Europe and the US always creates huge demand and next October's edition at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales is already attracting unscrupulous ticket agents according to Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup director.
"We need to make it clear to anyone intending to be at the 2010 Ryder Cup that they are strongly advised to purchase tickets through the official channel," he said in a statement.
"Failure to comply with this warning could lead to fans being seriously overcharged for tickets which are simply not valid and unnecessary disappointment as those unwitting fans are turned away.
"We are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from members of the public who have paid for Ryder Cup tickets and hospitality through unofficial sources.
"In all cases the sums involved have been far in excess of the face value of the tickets and it would appear that the seller is unable to absolutely guarantee entry into the event.
"We urge everyone to check and double check before parting with their money as there appears to be an increasing number of operators seeking to sell hospitality packages through unauthorised channels," Hills said."
The US won the trophy for the first time in nine years at the Valhalla Club in Kentucky in 2008.
