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The PGA of America has hinted it will limit the number of people inside the ropes at the 2016 Ryder Cup following widespread criticism of the European Tour’s handling of such access at Gleneagles.

Over 100 people – including former footballers, PGA officials, and players’ non-immediate family – were counted following some matches during Europe’s most recent victory in the biennial match.

That incited the ire of many people, including spectators who had paid handsomely to attend the match only to have their view of the action obscured by these hangers-on.

Read more -> Ryder Cup ‘hangers-on’ have got to go

Pleasingly, the issue didn’t go unnoticed by the PGA of America. Its chief of championships, Kerry Haigh, says that ‘inside the ropes’ access will likely be tightened for the next match at Hazeltine.

“It is an issue that we continue to review and monitor,” explained Haigh in an email to the Associated Press. “As you know, there are a number of different groups that currently are allowed access inside the ropes. … All categories and numbers are and will be reviewed and may be reduced or eliminated if we collectively feel it will be in the best interests of the Ryder Cup.”

Michael Jordan was afforded his now-customary pass to his pick of the action at this year’s Ryder Cup.

During the Saturday foursomes matches at Gleneagles, (not including marshals) 95 people were counted following match two and 91 following match three. The count was reportedly higher for other matches.

A day earlier, former Rangers footballer Charlie Adam was seen inside the ropes of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia’s foursomes match with Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler, whilst ex basketball star Michael Jordan was afforded his now-customary pass to his pick of the action.

Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, actor James Nesbit, former footballer Ruud Gullit and singer Brian McFadden were other well-known faces seen taking advantage of a closer view of the action.

Unsurprisingly, many took to Twitter to voice their disapproval, including top sports-writers…

hangerson1

 

Others took a more sarcastic – but equally dim – view of the antics…

hangerson2

Ryder Cup hangers-on :: Your thoughts?

Are you pleased by the PGA of America’s pledge to look into the issue of inside the ropes access ahead of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine? Did you attend this year’s match at Gleneagles and have your view obscured by the hangers-on? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

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