Mini 'City' Stands Inside Hazeltine For Ryder Cup
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In less than three weeks, golf fans from around the world will descend on Chaska for the Ryder Cup Tournament.
Hazeltine National Golf Club has spent months building a tiny city on the course to accommodate the estimated 250,000 fans. Workers are now in the final stages of preparation for the event.
"It's amazing how much work is done over the course of just one working day," Jeff Hintz, director of the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, said.
Rolling greens now have the look of a miniature town, with a constant flow of traffic to finish the work. Once the tournament begins most vehicle access will come to an end.
"There's really only one road that's shut down for the week of the Ryder Cup. It actually starts on Tuesday, early in the morning: 12:01," Hintz said.
Three miles of Pioneer Trail will close for the duration of the Ryder Cup, open only for buses bringing spectators to the venue.
"We really want people to do their homework before coming out," Hintz said.
Buses will be the only option for tournament entrance yet fans can choose from three shuttle options.
There will be a free park and ride system out of Canterbury Park in Shakopee.
The Southwest Transit and Metro Transit will also provide shuttles similar to the set up used during the State Fair.
"There will be no opportunity for people to be dropped off in any of the adjacent commercial properties and walk in, they'll be turned away," Hintz said.
The strict entrance policy ultimately comes down to security. The Ryder Cup will bring in an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 people daily, making safety a top priority as Hazeltine plays host to the world's largest golf tournament.
There will be a Ryder Cup grand opening event open for the public the weekend before the tournament begins. That event will run Friday, Sept. 23 through Monday, Sept. 26. Parking and entrance rules will not be in effect at that time.