Ryder Cup fan zone to hit Glasgow

An official Ryder Cup fan zone will be set up in Glasgow’s Merchant Square next month to encourage golf fans to make the most of the event at Gleneagles on September 23-28.

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB), in partnership with Ryder Cup Europe and VisitScotland, will host the official fan zone event in Merchant Square from Friday to Sunday, September 26-28. A city guide is being produced to be handed out to ticket holders highlighting what’s on offer in Glasgow.

What’s on in the Ryder Cup fan zone?

The fan zone will feature live coverage of the tournament shown on a big screen and an interactive golf zone. The fan zone will be family focused during the day with golfers, and beginners of all ages able to test their skills in the Gleneagles golf simulator.

Fans can also get get tips from the on-site golf professional and practice their putting on the putting green. Adding to that, a photo booth for fans to take pictures and share on social media their support for both teams will be set up.

In the evening bars and restaurants will welcome the golf fans returning from Gleneagles. Visitors and residents can also enjoy evening entertainment in Merchant Square from Federation of the Disco Pimp, One Night Wonders and The Reel Time Ceilidh Band over the three nights.

“The 18th hole may be at Gleneagles, but the 19th hole will be in Glasgow.” – Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council

Nearly 7,000 hotel room nights have been booked in the city during the event, which GCMB believes will inject more than £1 million into the city’s economy.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau believes Glasgow will be the best place to watch the action, and the entertainment afterwards.

“Visitors will be looking for more than just golf during their trip,” said the council leader. “We want them to make the most of their time in the city and experience all that it has to offer.

“Our official fan zone in Merchant Square will provide a focal point for visiting golf fans and Glasgow residents to watch live coverage of the tournament, try out the interactive golf zone and enjoy welcoming evening entertainment. The 18th hole may be at Gleneagles, but the 19th hole will be in Glasgow.”

Richard Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup director, is hopeful the zone will create a Ryder Cup buzz in the city.

“Families will be able to get caught up in the magic of The Ryder Cup.”

“The 2014 Ryder Cup promises to be a magnificent festival of sporting excellence,” said Hills. “It attracts a huge TV audience around the world who will all see the delights Scotland has to offer.

“It is great that golf fans, youngsters and families will be able to get caught up in the magic of The Ryder Cup through the Glasgow fan zone.”