Usually, a Ryder Cup is one of the most exciting things in golf but with the way things are going, fans are going to be sick of the idea of it by 2025.
After the success of the tournament over in Rome in 2023, there’s been plenty of excitement about the return to the USA at Bethpage Black as the Europeans look to win on American soil.
However, while the players on display will provide plenty of entertainment and there’s no doubt the crowds will end up being there in their droves, there’s already plenty of controversy around the event.
A hike in ticket prices has caused fury among the golfing public, with tickets as much as $750 for basic entry.
Smylie Kaufman has suggested a maximum of $300 be enough and he’s not the only one to come out and criticise proceedings.
But just when things didn’t look like they could get much worse, the event organisers have apparently now announced a huge hike in prices even for the volunteers.
According to Golf.com, the Ryder Cup will be charging volunteers around $350 to come along for the event.
While it includes certain access and food, it’s seen as one of the biggest price increases ever when it comes to getting those volunteers involved.
And as expected, the online world of golf has gone into a frenzy and slammed the organisers yet again.
Golf fans fuming as Ryder Cup announces huge prices for volunteers
While it must be said that volunteers do usually pay some sort of fee to be a part of these events, the $350 price is seen as a major kick in the teeth for those who do want to take part.
And over on social media platform X, golf fans have been making their feelings known.
Another fan, @boxcarbergeron, did justify the price a bit, but insisted the price was still ridiculous.
“Every PGA tournament charges volunteers a fee. You get parking, they feed you, and you work half a day and can watch the rest. Plus a ditty bag, and normally a chance to play the course in a volunteer’s tourn. after. But $350 is ridiculous.”
While @msjweber suggested that notion of the word ‘volunteer’ was being played on a bit.
“You are charging volunteers who help run the event for free. Their time is valuable and their talents help make the event successful.”
Following the trend, @ToddLewys was also unhappy, suggesting the PGA makes enough money without having to charge volunteers.
“The PGA is making tons of money off the event. No need to charge volunteers. Absolutely ludicrous.”
Of course, in the interest of balance, there were some fans who suggested that this is the norm nowadays and that really, it’s not too bad value, as @andersonzj suggested.
“I paid to volunteer at the 2024 BMW Championship. It’s normal these days. I paid $250. It came with BMW Championship branded hat, 2 Peter Millar polos, 1 Peter Millar quarter zip, and free admission to all days of the event. Worth it to me. If people pay, why care?”
Overall, though, it does seem to be another big own goal by the PGA of America.
Come the Ryder Cup in just under a year’s time, it will be interesting to see if anything has changed, or if tickets have simply sold out regardless.
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