The organisers of the Ryder Cup have come under attack for the decision to ask Scots to pay a staggering £135,000 for the privilege of volunteering at the Ryder Cup.
The prestigious event comes to Gleneagles in Perthshire next year and 1,800 unpaid workers are being sought to take on a host of roles.
Each will have to pay a £75 registration fee to cover expenses including food and clothing for the event, which will be watched by one of the world’s biggest TV audiences.
Ryder Cup Europe has said that such registration fees are commonplace and have made it clear that volunteers will enjoy a raft of benefits as they play a part in sporting history including plenty of spectating time.
However, Scottish Labour’s Patricia Ferguson MSP is among those who believe there should be no financial barrier to volunteering at the eagerly anticipated event.
“I welcome the early recruitment of volunteers to assist with the Ryder Cup next year but I am, however, very disappointed that people are being asked to pay to volunteer.
“I would have hoped that the organisers could have worked with the local communities and focused on Scottish young people from across all backgrounds first, before opening this up to everyone, anywhere in the world.
“The Commonwealth Games has just launched its own recruitment drive, which I hope will enable Scots from all backgrounds access to one of the world’s leading sporting events. There is no financial barrier to letting them take part.
“Some of the greatest images of the London 2012 Games were the enthusiastic volunteers who reflected the diversity of the UK in their roles and there is no reason the Ryder Cup in Scotland should be any different.”
The criticism that followed the announcement of the recruitment drive has prompted Ryder Cup Europe to clarify elements of its volunteer programme.
They remain convinced that their volunteer package will offer each and every member of the team an unforgettable experience.
A spokesperson said: “Registration fees are common to Ryder Cup volunteering programmes both in Europe and the USA.
“They make a contribution to volunteers’ food and beverages as well as clothing for the event.
“Volunteers receive a jacket or windcheater, fleece, polo shirt and cap as well as catering vouchers for breakfast and lunch, plus access to one of the greatest golf events in the world.”
Each Ryder Cup volunteer will also be guaranteed at least half a day of time on course during each day of competition, watching the competition unfold.
Off-course volunteers will be transported from their sites to the course to ensure they don’t miss out on the action. Despite the fee furore, golf fans are expected to apply in their droves for the chance to play a part in the Ryder Cup 2014.
Potential volunteers can apply for up to three different roles from a choice of 15 positions by visiting rydercupvolunteers.com before midnight on April 14 2013.
Roles will include scoreboard carriers, park and ride volunteers, crowd safety marshals and buggy shuttle drivers.