How much to watch the 2001 Ryder Cup ?

Fans could be charged £300 to watch the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 2001 - even if they turn up for just one of the three days.

The decision to hike up ticket prices, virtually rubber-stamped by the Ryder Cup committee, has brought an angry response.

Irishman Philip Walton, whose last- hole putt secured Europe's 1995 Ryder Cup win in America, said: "That's unfair - it's a money scam."

Paul Crowe, director of golf at the K Club, Co Kildare - host to the 2005 tournament - said: "It would be a shame if the mad keen golfing public in Ireland were denied access because of the price."

But Europe's top man Colin Montgomerie does not believe the cost is too high, although does have reservations about the package.

He said: "Silverstone costs £115. So six days of golf, including three of practice and three of competition, works out at about £50 per day to see the best players in the world. That is not outrageous.

"But something will have to be done for the day-tripper."