Tight Ryder Cup Security Will Require Spectators To Bus
CHASKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- We're just over two months away from one of professional golf's biggest spectacles. Preparations are well under way for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National in Chaska.
But if you're among the estimated 250,000 people planning to attend, there is some important information you'll need to know.
Unlike previous golf tournaments at Hazeltine, access to the Ryder Cup will be restricted to public transit.
"The level of traffic and the amount of traffic is very different from a PGA championship," said tournament director Jeff Hintz.
Hintz says entry to the Ryder will be on shuttle buses only. They'll operate free of charge from the nearby Canterbury Park. Buses will operate 30 minutes before and after gates to Hazeltine open and close.
"For the safety and security of everybody as well as the community, there won't be walk-ins," Hintz said.
Southwest Transit will also offer shuttle rides for a $5 fee from three area drop-off sites. Passengers will not be allowed to park vehicles at those sites.
Also different from the PGA Championship in 2009 will be the level of security at the golf course.
"First, read your ticket, it will tell you where to park," said Chaska Police Chief Scott Knight.
Carry-in bags will be limited in size and spectators will be screened before boarding shuttles and after they are dropped off near the course.
"Then they're going to walk to the main gate where it's not a great distance and be screened again," Knight said. "They'll be going through three checkpoints before they can get into the venue."
The level of security will be similar to that of an airport. One of the greatest events in the world of sports has been clearly changed by recent events around the world.
For complete spectator information about the Ryder Cup, click here.