Ryder Cup golden ticket to be won

WHEN Paul McGinley was selected as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, he surely couldn’t have envisaged seeing himself playing a Willie Wonka role by handing out Golden Tickets.

But that’s exactly what the Irishman will be doing as part of a new initiative announced by Ryder Cup Europe for next year’s match at Gleneagles. A single money-can’t-buy Golden Ticket will be included in next month’s ballot for Scotland’s first staging of the biennial event in more than 40 years. In addition to receiving a telephone call from McGinley to break the news, the winner will receive special treatment at the event, including a free matchday ticket and reserved seats at the first tee.

“For a player, appearing at a Ryder Cup is the pinnacle of team golf, and you can see from the thrilling matches down the years just how it brings out the best in them,” said McGinley. “For a fan, therefore, the Golden Ticket must be the ultimate way to enjoy the event. It’s a fantastic idea to enable someone to experience the best elements of The Ryder Cup – from the unique atmosphere of the first tee, to the clothes the team will wear on the day and, of course, getting to see inside the clubhouse.”

The ballot for match-day tickets closes on 22 July, with those who have been successful, including the Golden Ticket winner, being notified during the week commencing 12 August.

To register, visit www.rydercup.com/europe/2014tickets.