THE 1800 volunteers needed to help Scotland provide a global stage for the Ryder Cup golfing elite have been selected from a record number of applications, despite being asked to pay £75 for the privilege.
About 17,500 people from 27 countries wanted to welcome players from Europe and the US to the event at Gleneagles, Perthshire, in September next year.
Half of those selected yesterday to be safety marshals, buggy drivers and sales assistants are from Scotland.
Ryder Cup Europe received the largest number of entries for a volunteer programme in the tournament's history, despite disbelief they would have to pay £75 to cover food, drink, a uniform, and the guarantee of at least half a day on course during each day of the competition.
The levy was criticised by unions and Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson, who said the fee was potentially restrictive.
European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley said: "I am delighted to welcome each and every one of the 1800 people who have volunteered."
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