WIREDGOV

The Scottish Government will use its allocation of Ryder Cup tickets to develop golf in Scotland and promote the country on the world stage, First Minister Alex Salmond announced yesterday.

As host nation, the Scottish Government is entitled to 7,080 Ryder Cup tickets at no extra cost. Spread across practice and match days, the Government is working with select partners to maximise the economic and social benefits of its allocation to Scotland.

The First Minister today confirmed tickets would be targeted at promising young golfers and people contributing to the development of golf and sport in Scotland. Further tickets will be used to back golf clubs and maximise the business opportunities of hosting The Ryder Cup. Tickets will also be used to acknowledge inspirational Scots and veterans.

Meeting the first junior ClubGolfers and veterans to receive tickets through the Government’s ticket allocation at Haddington Golf Club, the First Minister said:

“The Ryder Cup is a massive global event, reaching more than 180 countries and half a billion homes on each day of the competition. Demand for tickets is at record levels and the quarter of a million spectators, over a third of whom will be from Scotland, will create a unique atmosphere never before seen at Gleneagles.

“We are determined to use these tickets - part of the tournament contract and coming at absolutely no additional cost to the Government - to press home the advantage of hosting the Ryder Cup by celebrating and promoting Scotland.

“These tickets will be given as a big ‘thank you’ to those who make Scotland a brilliant place to live – such as our good causes and their devoted volunteers, veterans who have served their country and sporting champions, including those Scottish stars set to shine at the Commonwealth Games.

“In addition, a special thank you must go to those who work in golf clubs and with our junior golf initiative, ClubGolf, to develop the next generation of Scottish talent and build Scotland’s golf clubs.

“They deserve our gratitude for the contribution they make to our communities, and what better way than sharing the excitement of one of the major global events of 2014, giving them the opportunity to see some of the very best golfers in the world at close quarters and fuelling the appetite for the sport among hundreds of young people.

“But as well as being a fantastic sporting spectacle, this tournament will give us an unmissable opportunity to promote Scotland on the global stage.

“That is why an important part of our ticket distribution programme will allow the Scottish Government, our agencies and local Scottish businesses to engage with senior government, business, and tourism representatives from across the globe, developing our international links, boosting the economy and promoting Scottish tourism on the world stage.”

Match day tickets for the competition have now sold out but practice day tickets are on sale. Ryder Cup Europe recently announced a ‘Tartan Tuesday’ event for families.

Col Martin Gibson, Executive Chairman of Veterans Scotland said:

“I am delighted that the contribution made by the 408,000 former service personnel living in Scotland has been recognised with this allocation of tickets’ he went on to say that many veterans take part in golf as well as many other sports as part of a healthy lifestyle which is encouraged whilst serving.”

Jackie Davidson, ClubGolf Manager, added:

“We’re delighted that the Scottish Government are supporting junior golf and providing the opportunity for young players across the country to experience this incredible event.

“As a legacy to the Ryder Cup, ClubGolf has already introduced over 300,000 children to the game and with the continued support of the Scottish Government out to 2018, we hope to reach and inspire even more youngsters to pick up a club and enjoy coaching at their local club or facility.

“We also want to recognise the impact of volunteer coaches across the country, and part of this allocation will be made available to those amazing volunteers, without whom the programme simply could not survive. Following on from the Junior Ryder Cup at The Blairgowrie Golf Club, it’s another lovely opportunity for young players and coaches to enjoy an action packed day, admiring the world’s best right here in the home of golf.”