5 things to know before you go to the Ryder Cup

Minnesota is rolling out the green this week for the 41st Ryder Cup at Chaska's Hazeltine National Golf Club. More than 250,000 spectators are expected over the course of the tournament.

For those who can't tell a birdie from a bunker, the Ryder Cup is a team competition pitting Europe against the Americans in a series of matches over three days. It alternates every two years between U.S. and European courses.

The U.S. holds the edge with 25 wins, but Europe has bested the Americans in the last three tournaments.

From banned items to transportation, here are a few things to know about going to the Ryder Cup.

1) Looking for tickets?

Organizers held a ticket lottery last year, so if you missed out on that, then your best bet now is to check Craigslist or a ticket exchange like PrimeSport.

2) Transportation

If you were planning on walking, biking or being dropped off at Hazeltine, you'll have to scrap that idea. No spectators will be allowed to do any of those things.

Instead, a free shuttle will be available from Canterbury Park in Shakopee.

Public transportation is also available via SouthWest Transit or Metro Transit.

3) Quiet, please! Or not

One other thing to prepare for is the noise and the cheering. This isn't your typical golf tournament, in which silence is an absolute must. Since it's a team competition, spectators make their allegiances known. Some players even encourage it.

But that doesn't mean etiquette is thrown completely out the door. Booing and heckling is frowned upon. Try it and you could get kicked out. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Also: All cell phones and mobile devices must be set to silent or vibrate modes. Incoming and outgoing calls may only be made or received in designated "phone zones."

4) Sign here?

Autographs? Fuhgeddaboudit.

Organizers are asking spectators not to ask for autographs throughout Ryder Cup week.

Can you settle for a selfie? Probably not. Photography and taking video is allowed in all areas during practice rounds Tuesday through Thursday. But during competition rounds Friday through Sunday, that's banned anywhere within 100 yards of competition — or when requested by players, caddies, volunteers, security, staff, your parents, etc.

5) Leave the selfie stick at home

It's true — selfie sticks aren't allowed. Neither are backpacks.

Also on the do-not-bring list? Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit). Drones. Banners. Signs. Over-sized chairs with wide arm rests — hey, don't get too comfortable out there.

As for stools, buckets and ladders? That's a no, no and no.