PGA of America rectifies Ryder Cup tickets snafu for frustrated fans

Those heading to Whistling Straits for the 2020 Ryder Cup snagged quite the golden ticket. Turns out, everyone wanted to go to Sheboygan, Wis., for the biennial event — as least according to the ticket debacle that took place earlier this month.

Fans started to receive emails in early October saying they had secured a spot in the lottery to get Ryder Cup tickets, but when the random selection process started on the morning of Oct. 16, many frustrated fans experienced slow load times, long waits and, eventually, no Ryder Cup tickets.

“Due to unprecedented demand for 2020 #RyderCup tickets, which quickly sold out today, some may have experienced challenges during the Random Selection Process,” the Ryder Cup USA account tweeted on Oct. 16. “We appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm & excitement for the #RyderCup & apologize for any inconvenience.”

But to the PGA of America’s credit, it made good on the snafu. Five days later the Ryder Cup USA’s official account tweeted a statement from the PGA, saying it identified nearly 2,000 fans affected by the tickets processing error and were able to offer each of them a chance to complete their purchases.

From the PGA America: We are pleased we could identify the 1,992 individuals affected by the brief 2020 #RyderCup tickets payment processing error and make it right. (1/2)

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) October 21, 2019

Happily, we have offered each of them the chance to complete their purchases. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience & appreciate the passion so many have shown for the #RyderCup, as evidenced by the unprecedented demand for tickets. (2/2)

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) October 21, 2019

Speaking at Congressional Country Club for the PGA HOPE’s National Golf & Wellness Week on Monday, PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said he was “blown away by the demand” for Ryder Cup tickets.

“I’ve been to a couple Ryder Cups as a board member, inside the ropes last year in Paris,” he said. “You just can’t believe the scale of it now. It’s gone so far beyond a golf tournament.”

According to Golfweek, Waugh said “We’ll be a little more crowded now” when asked how they accommodated those who experienced issues purchasing tickets.

“I think the reality of anything is mistakes are going to happen, problems are going to come up,” he said. “How you deal with them is what defines you.”

The 43rd Ryder Cup is Sept. 25-27, 2020, at Whistling Straits, just north of Milwaukee, Wis. Steve Stricker will captain the U.S. team against Padraig Harrington’s European squad. The Americans are trying to rebound from a 17.5-10.5 loss in Paris, France, in 2018.

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