Buzz Building Around 2016 Ryder Cup In Chaska
CHASKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- It's still a year away, but buzz is already building around the Ryder Cup. The competition between Team USA and Team Europe will be played at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska next fall.
Demand for tickets is already higher than the last time the Ryder Cup was in the United States.
"We're breaking all kinds of records. So the Ryder Cup, there's so much interest," Championship director Jeff Hintz said.
Preparations are already underway for the 2016 Ryder Cup.
"The entire grounds here is going to be completely transformed. This entire hole will be lined with individual corporate chalets," Hintz said.
According to Hintz, 2 million square feet of buildings and tents will be constructed.
Outside of about 10,000 secured corporate tickets, people from around the world are vying for their chance to see some of the best golfers during the distinguished event. The tournament is played every other year, and switches off between being played in the United States and in Europe. The last Ryder Cup played in the U.S. was in Medinah, Illinois.
"We had a 135,00 individuals that registered to purchase tickets through our random selection process. This year it's 228,000 so far," Hintz said.
Nearly 80 percent of those people are from outside Minnesota, and less than a quarter of people who want tickets will get them.
"If you get picked, you're lucky," Hintz said.
Hintz chalks up the increase in demand to the level of game being played.
"I would say golf in general with the younger group of players and how well they're playing, especially Jordan Speith and Rory McIlroy, and just the quality of golf right now is fantastic," Hintz said.
September 30th is the last chance to put your name in to be randomly selected to buy tickets. Tickets run from $30 for a practice round to $130 for a daily match ticket. Here's a link to registration.
And the team captains will be in town for a public event at the Orpheum to begin the Countdown to the Ryder Cup. Click here for ticket information.