“Italians could protest” – Ryder Cup organizers afraid of local uprising as foreigners gallop 90 percent tickets for 2023 event

“Italians could protest” – Ryder Cup organizers afraid of local uprising as foreigners gallop 90 percent tickets for 2023 event

Ryder Cup captains Zach Johson and Luke Donald

Ryder Cup’s organizing committee has expressed fears that local crowds will not be able to enjoy the tournament in 2023 when it takes place at the Marco Simone club outside Rome, with 90 percent of the tickets already galloped up by foreigners.

Gian Paolo Montali, who is one of the local organizers for the event that the news was a surprise and also a mixed bag considering Italy was already making a lot of efforts to promote its products abroad.

“That surprised us a lot. On one hand I’m surprised. But on the other hand we’ve been doing everything we can to promote Italian products (abroad). And we’re not a country with a golfing profile,” said Montali.

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“But what I’m afraid of is that the Italians will show up at the last minute and realize what’s going on. That’s the real concern. I tried to see if we could put aside some tickets for that last period but the organizational structure was already in place,” he added.

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Players impressed with Ryder Cup venue

Ryder Cup captains Zach Johson and Luke Donald

As per reports, most of the tickets have been sold to people from Europe. “So far, we have had applications from people in 122 different countries, including strong interest from Italian fans. The ballot remains open until Oct. 16, so there is still time for people to apply,” said Ryder Cup match director Edward Kitson.

Major champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy expressed their excitement and contentment with the Ryder Cup venue, having teed up on the course las month during the Italian Open tournament. “The course is defending itself well,” said Montali.

The two captains for the Ryder Cup, US’ Zach Johnson and Team Europe’s Luke Donald are currently in Italy for a photoshoot where the two will be hitting shots into the Colosseum followed by a meeting with Pope Francis.

“I’m in charge of the Ryder Cup and I have friends asking me for tickets to whom I have to say, ‘No,’” Montali said speaking of the demand in general. “We’re hoping to have a total of up to 280,000 spectators for the week, including practice rounds,” Montali explained. “With up to 50,000 per day.”

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