Ryder Cup organisers say ticket touts could be ready to offload corporate hospitality deals which do not include access to the PGA Centenary Course.
Golf fans could be pitching up at Gleneagles without match day tickets despite handing over hundreds of pounds for the “illicit” packages.
Ryder Cup Europe issued the stark warning against scalpers as they launch hospitality for the next year’s tournament.
The official packages aimed at small business owners will cost upwards of £500 but guarantee tickets to see Paul McGinley’s European team take on the USA.
Organisers say they will be “unable to assist” disappointed golf fans who have been sold ticketless packages by third parties that are not pre-approved.
Europe’s Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said: “Whilst we are delighted to have created a programme with the ever-changing market conditions in mind, buyers are urged to be clear exactly what their package includes.
“Businesses looking to entertain clients and colleagues at the 2014 Ryder Cup should be cautious of unofficial packages offering hospitality around the event but outside of the venue.
“They may not be illegal but they cannot include tickets for the 2014 Ryder Cup. If you are in any doubt, we urge people to contact us directly so we can confirm whether a package is official or not.”
Ryder Cup Europe is hoping to pull in more small and medium-sized businesses by offering single corporate hospitality packages for the first time.
They include food and refreshments throughout the day, as well as tickets to see the event unfold.
Organisers say the £500 packages “compare well” to other big ticket events in the UK, coming in at half the price of Champions League final hospitality.
Strict security measures have been put in place to prevent ticket fraud. Fans registering for individual tickets must submit a photograph to the website.
Applicants may then enter a ballot for the 12,000 tickets available for each of the event’s match days on September 26 to 28.