Golf fans get teed off at ticket process
Ryder Cup website confuses with “lottery”
Tickets for the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler next year sold out in less than 50 minutes on Wednesday, and fans were furious with the process.
Those interested were able to register their email address for an access code that was delivered Monday, and ticket-buyers were instructed to wait in line in a digital ticket lobby beginning at 9 a.m. CDT Wednesday until their turn arrived.
Many complained on Twitter they were in the lobby as soon as possible and never got a chance to purchase, while others said their "cart" showed that they had tickets to purchase, but error messages kept them from finishing the transaction and subsequently booted them to the back of the line.
To add insult to injury, tickets were already popping up on the secondary market at significantly higher prices.
The Ryder Cup website did indicate, "Due to high demand, having an access code does not guarantee you a chance to buy tickets. Available inventory may vary depending on when you're able to access the sale."
A ticket FAQ also indicated "a limited number of individual and daily hospitality opportunities still remain" for those who did not get the tickets they want, and those who signed up initially could be contacted if future ticket opportunities arise.
At the heart of frustration appeared to be the terminology of "lottery" for those given an access code, implying that those fans were given an advantage for ticket purchase.
The Ryder Cup drew an estimated crowd of 200,000 in Minnesota in 2016, the last time the United States hosted.
The Journal Sentinel has reached out to the PGA of America media representative seeking an explanation.