Date :
29/07/2014
It’s only the third time Scotland has played host to this prestigious golfing event. The first time - also at Gleneagles - was the founding game of 1921, the pre-cursor to the official competition. It’s a hugely significant event for us. Even if golf isn’t your cup of tea, the buzz around it will be wonderful to experience, so make sure you get involved in the celebrations. Take a look at what others are doing on the VisitScotland website for inspiration.
What is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup is a long-standing battle between America and Europe. Today it consists of 28 matches over 18 holes, between two teams of 12. The 12 members of each team must qualify throughout the year to be eligible to join the team. To keep abreast of which stars of golf are likely to be playing, check the Ryder Cup Team pages closer to the time.
Spectating visitors
All tickets have been allocated but there are still tickets available for the practice sessions on a first come first served basis, though these are likely to disappear quickly. Your visitors can find out more on the VisitScotland website.
If you have guests staying with you, doing little things like checking the weather forecast or having a spare umbrella or two to make sure they’re equipped for the conditions will make them feel well looked-after.
At these busy times, extra transport is offered, including park and ride facilities and extra trains from Scotrail. Special bus services will be running too, just make sure your visitors know pre-booking is required. For full details visit the Getting to the 2014 Ryder Cup page.
Extending opportunities
The one thing that watching a sport is guaranteed to inspire is a desire to play. So what to suggest on the days when they’re not watching the pros? Make sure you know the clubs that welcome non-members. Do they have any rules your visitors need to know before they arrive? Are there specific days for visitors, how much does it cost and how can they book a tee time?
Already there are package deals for Ryder Cup visitors, for example ‘Stay and Play’ offers. If you have a business close to a golf course, it’s not too late to team up and create a package deal yourself.
Remember your visitors will be looking for more than just golf during their trip. Suggest ideas for experiencing our landscape, traditions and local produce too. Be sure to ask when your customers are booking with you what might be of interest. For inspiration, take a look at the Homecoming Scotland website.
Making the most of the influx of golf fans
In 2010, when the Ryder Cup was held in Wales, 69 percent of overseas visitors interviewed said coming to see the Ryder Cup had made them more likely to return to Wales for a short break or holiday. (Source: Ryder Cups 2010 Executive Summary) and “77 percent of local golf club representatives interviewed after the event felt that golf tourism would increase in the long term in Wales as a result of the hosting of The 2010 Ryder Cup”.
A common complaint from visitors after big events is around price hikes. This can sour a visitor’s perception of a place. It’s tempting to increase prices at periods of peak demand like this when you’re working harder than ever to provide good service, but if we want people to return to Scotland, it’s essential to offer value for money.
VisitScotland has created a handy downloadable guide to help to make the most of the golfing calendar, this year and beyond, with lots of facts, hints and tips. Go to the VisitScotland website to download the Teeing Up for Success guide.
Whatever your business there are plenty of opportunities to capitalise on this event.
The Ryder Cup will take place at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, 23-28 September 2014.