Listen to this Article
Fans Threaten Boycott Over 'Astronomical' Prices
Golf enthusiasts have taken to social media to express their outrage over the ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup, with some fans even threatening to boycott the event. The tournament, which will take place at the Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York from September 26 to 28 next year, has sparked controversy with its hefty ticket prices.
£574 for a Single Ticket: Fans Left Fuming
The "random selection" ballot for tickets, which includes "Ryder Cup+" seats, has left fans stunned. A single ticket to any of the three days of action will set you back a whopping £574 ($750), while a pass to the practice sessions earlier in the week will cost between £195 ($255) and £324 ($423). Despite the added benefit of unlimited food and drink, fans are still seething with the astronomical prices.
Comparing Prices: A Stark Contrast to 2023
The 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome offered fans a much more reasonable price for general admission. Tickets were priced between £38 and £46 ($50 and $60) for practice days, while weekend tickets were priced at £200 ($264) for the Friday and Saturday and £210 ($275) for the Sunday. The stark contrast in prices has left fans questioning the reasoning behind the significant increase.
Fans React: 'A Massive Own Goal' and Calls for Boycott
One fan took to social media to express their outrage, stating: "I would like to go on the record now and say that if Europe wins the Ryder Cup at Bethpage because the crowds were turned into a polite snooze fest by the insane ticket prices, it’s going to go down as a massive own goal." Another fan joked: "I need to sign a LIV deal so I can afford Ryder Cup tickets." However, not all fans were taking a lighthearted approach, with one suggesting that the event should be boycotted, writing: "We all need to unify and boycott this. Then we can move on to groceries and housing next."
The Impact on the Sport: A Concern for the Future
The controversy surrounding the ticket prices has raised concerns about the impact on the sport. With prices becoming increasingly unaffordable for fans, there is a risk of alienating the very people who make the Ryder Cup so special. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is essential that organizers prioritize accessibility and affordability for fans.
A Call to Action: Will the Organizers Listen?
The backlash from fans has sent a clear message to the organizers: something needs to change. With the event still over a year away, there is time for the organizers to reassess their pricing strategy and make adjustments to ensure that the Ryder Cup remains accessible to all fans, not just those with deep pockets. Only time will tell if the organizers will listen to the concerns of the fans and make the necessary changes.
