The director of next year’s Ryder Cup has warned golf fans to be wary of unofficial hospitality packages some costing tens of thousands of pounds.
The prestigious event will come to Perthshire in September 2014, drawing the gaze of the world as Europe and America face off at Gleneagles.
Around 45,000 spectators will descend upon the venue each day to watch one of sport’s greatest battles unfold, but Ryder Cup Europe director Richard Hills has warned companies not to be caught out by bogus corporate hospitality packages.
Firms can spend huge sums entertaining clients at events such as the Ryder Cup, but with clients refused entry to previous events in wrangles over non-transferable tickets, Mr Hills has urged companies to hold off until official corporate hospitality packages are launched later this year.
In 2010 a number of firms were caught out after they purchased bogus packages for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales.
“We are already hearing accounts of companies selling Ryder Cup corporate hospitality packages,” said Mr Hills.
“We take this matter very seriously as we want everyone intending to come to the event next year to have an amazing experience. It is important to warn companies and individuals alike that the official sales process has not yet begun.
“Our number one priority is to protect consumers and to prevent people from being disappointed next year.”
Meanwhile, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged local businesses to capitalise on the opening of the 2014 Ryder Cup procurement process. The event will secure the employment of around 5,000 people in Ryder Cup-related projects.
The Public Contracts Scotland portal has 60,000 businesses already registered and Ryder Cup Europe is encouraging companies to use the portal to ensure they hear about new contract opportunities.
Contracts will be awarded over the next 18 months and organisers expect the first to be awarded within the next three months.
Mr Fraser said: “This initiative is exactly the type of public and private sector engagement the Scottish Government should be sponsoring and encouraging. I strongly believe in greater cooperation between the public and private sector.
“Hopefully this scheme will act as the first in a long line of public and private sector projects enabled through the PCS website. I would encourage all local businesses to register and engage with the procurement process in order to maximise the economic opportunities arising from the 2014 Ryder Cup.
“I am confident that Perthshire will deliver a hugely successful Ryder Cup and I would like to see capable local business contribute to this success.”