GOLF:THE COMPANY behind the Ryder Cup in Europe have launched a campaign to try to protect people from being duped by what they call "pirate" operators ahead of next month's competition in Wales.

They have been made aware of hospitality packages located in a hotel five miles from Celtic Manor, where Europe take on the US on October 1st-3rd.

Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said: “Make no mistake, customers will feel that this is misleading at best.

“Two global brands have contacted us in the past two weeks horrified to hear that they had booked unofficial and off-site hospitality and that, as tickets cannot be transferred, they might not receive any valid tickets for the Ryder Cup.

“Luckily they were able to re-book with Ryder Cup Europe – the only official way to book – but we are determined other companies are not similarly trapped because the consequences are dire.

“There are a number of pirate operators who claim they have genuine tickets, which simply is not the case.

“Ryder Cup have a record of every single ticket purchased and all tickets are non-transferable.

“They may also claim that they will apply for tickets on your behalf, but as all tickets will have photo ID this time around this also is a fraudulent claim.

“Pirate operators also claim they are running shuttles to the course, which is impossible.

“Throughout the week we have a series of road closures and restrictions that only allow shuttles from Ryder Cup Travel Services, the official provider of transport to the event, through the security cordon around the site.

“The last thing we want to do is to disappoint companies, their clients and true fans by turning them away. But these companies leave us no option.

“Anyone who believes they may have been duped should contact us now.”