Ryder Cup ticketholders to face identity checks, say organisers

Ryder Cup tickets will not be transferable and there will be security procedures in place to ensure the identity of ticket holders are checked, organisers have said.

Despite a lively trade in tickets on website eBay.ie, the organisers of the 36th Ryder Cup, to be held in Straffan, Co Kildare, in September, have said that second-hand purchasers will not be able to use their tickets.

A spokeswoman for Ryder Cup Europe LLP said they had all necessary arrangements in place for the ticket and security checks to be made.

"Tickets are not transferable and we have endeavoured to eliminate the trade of tickets on ebay," she said. "Passport details are required to make a purchase and photo ID is required to validate the tickets on the day of use."

The Garda and Ryder Cup organisers were mindful that the appropriate level of security would be put in place as circumstances dictated, she added.

The company has a no refunds policy for unusable tickets. However, its website states that "all special cases will be reviewed" if the purchaser contacts the site.

There will be a ban on mobile phones at the event and cameras will not be allowed on the three days of the competition (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

There is also a ban on large bags.

Organisers are expecting 45,000 visitors a day and an eight kilometres security cordon will operate around the club from the night of September 17th to 24th.

Ticketholders have already been issued with parking passes for one of two park-and-ride facilities serving the event at Weston airport and Palmerston House.

The cost of parking there is €20 and includes the 25-minute transfer by bus to the K Club. Identity checks will be carried out before buses are boarded.

A spokeswoman for eBay.ie said the resale of tickets was not an illegal activity and was therefore permitted on eBay.ie.

"eBay has a number of measures in place to ensure it is a safe and transparent place to buy all kinds of tickets," she said.

"eBay does have certain listing policies in which they detail the guidelines of items which are allowed to be sold . . . in which eBay states that its users should carefully read any contracts that you have entered into that may limit your right to sell your item on eBay."