While the PGA of America's recent release of spectator ticket prices for next year's Ryder Cup drew a lot of criticism, there was an even stronger reaction to the figures charged to those hoping to serve as volunteers at the Bethpage Black games.
While the cost of attending the games has risen with each passing renewal of the Ryder Cup, those hoping to watch the game on site in New York next September will have to shell out $750 (£577) a day – although that includes the headline price. unlimited free food and soft drinks.
That's probably it three times £212 charged by the European Tour to attend one day of competition at last year's Ryder Cup in Italy.
While ticket prices for high-profile sporting events have risen almost exponentially in recent years, it has generally been accepted as a direct result of supply and demand, but the PGA of America's decision to charge just $392 for the chance to volunteer at the 2025 Ryder Cup has drawn widespread criticism.
While those volunteers who find plum roles working as school marshals may see that price as a good value, many other volunteers will be working in parking lots, visitors and other areas of the site where they will not be in a position to observe. any golf action in the meantime will be charged the same amount of the privilege.
The $393 fee, which includes taxes and a credit card processing fee, will entitle the volunteer to a weeklong tournament pass, along with a uniform, tote bag, commemorative Ryder Cup pin, and free meals during work shifts.
It's common for volunteers to be charged a fee to work at high-profile golf events, with the US Open and PGA Championship both demanding a starting fee of around $175 for volunteers, but this recent price increase has led to the PGA of America being accused of price gouging and exploitation. .
Defending the decision to raise prices for spectators and volunteers, tournament director Bryan Karns said: “We looked at the prices and were able to get information from all these different sporting events. And we were able to see what people were paying, and that really drove this.
“In terms of our position in this world – how do we feel? There are people who have the Ryder Cup on their bucket list the same way someone would have the Yankees' World Series opener on their bucket list.
“In the end, that's where we feel we are. We have a lot of people, the demand is very high for this event, so we wanted to make sure we call it the right way.”
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