Ryder Cup chief defends ticket prices for 2027 event

Ryder Cup organisers have defended ticket prices for next year's centenary event in Ireland despite a significant increase from the last European edition in Rome.

Daily general admission tickets for the three tournament days on 17-19 September at Adare Manor in County Limerick will cost 499 euros (£434), compared with up to 260 euros in Italy in 2023.

While it marks a record high for ticket prices for a European hosted Ryder Cup, it is less than the $750 (£555) fans paid to watch Europe's victory over the United States at Bethpage Black in New York last year.

"We acknowledge it's an increase from Rome," Richard Atkinson, the European Tour Group's chief Ryder Cup officer, told BBC Sport NI.

"That was four years ago and a lot has happened in the world since then. We are lower than Bethpage. We've tried to make this as accessible as possible to a wide demographic of people. Our practice day tickets will be from 89 euros and juniors from 20 euros.

"Our prices are proportionate to a global sporting event. This event has grown in stature and profile, it's one of the biggest sporting events in the world. We're confident in our pricing but we've made it accessible to everyone."

Prices for the Tuesday and Wednesday practice days will be available from 89 euros (£77), while a Thursday ticket - which includes the opening ceremony - will cost 179 euros (£156).

Atkinson added that he "absolutely" believes the 499 euros price tag is fair and feels fans will get their money's worth in Ireland through a combination of golf and entertainment.

"We have significant focus on the fan experience on site and from the moment the people arrive at 6.30 in the morning, they'll be entertained not only by 24 of the best golfers in the world but also outside of the ropes, we'll have an extensive entertainment programme to keep the fans engaged.

"We'll have over 20,000 grandstand seats at Adare, that's a record for any European Ryder Cup, we'll have big screens on every hole."

Image caption,

Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row in next year's edition at Adare Manor

Residents on the island of Ireland will have an exclusive priority window to purchase tickets on Friday, 24 April (11:00 BST) before an open ballot for global tickets opens on 3 June.

Irish residents who are unsuccessful on Friday will have a second chance to secure tickets in the 3 June ballot.

Atkinson says he expects a third of the crowd - which could total 250,000 across the week - to be made up of residents from the island of Ireland.

"We've already had over a half a million people register their interest for tickets, so that tells you how significant the demand is," added Atkinson.

"This is likely to be one of the largest we've ever delivered and one of the largest events to come to the island of Ireland so we couldn't be more excited."

It is the first time Ireland has hosted the event since the K Club staged Europe's victory over the United States in 2006.

Luke Donald will again captain Europe after leading the team to wins in Rome and New York. The USA have not yet named their successor to Keegan Bradley.