New York governor fails to change prices for 2025 Ryder Cup, despite event taking place in Bethpage
Ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup continue to make waves in the golf world. The PGA of America recently announced that tickets for the competition will cost $750, which has even reached the office of the state's governor, Kathy Hochul.
However, Hochul's office has already responded by stating that there is nothing the administration can do to change the prices set by the PGA of America. A spokesman told the New York Post:
"New York State is excited to welcome golf fans to Bethpage State Park for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The PGA of America is a private organization and the State does not have the ability to change ticket prices for their tournament."
This response from the Governor's office was preceded by several requests from other politicians who felt that Hochul should take action.
One of them was State Senator Anthony Palumbo, who said the following (according to the New York Post):
"Perhaps the governor should engage in some discussions with the PGA to make it possible for individuals other than corporate executives to experience the Ryder Cup in person. It’s disappointing that the PGA thinks gouging fans with exorbitant ticket pricing is somehow representative of the Ryder Cup traditions."
The PGA of America is the governing body of the Ryder Cup on the American side. According to the event's official website, the prices set for the official days of competition include access to the facility as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages.
New York's Bethpage Black to host 2025 Ryder Cup
The venue for the 2025 Ryder Cup will be the Bethpage Black Course, located in Bethpage State Park on Long Island, New York. It is one of the finest public courses in the United States and has hosted several major events.
The course was established in 1936. It currently measures 7,468 yards and is par 71. With a rating of 77.5 and a slope of 155, the course is recognised as one of the most difficult in the country, according to a list published by Golf Digest in 2020.
Bethpage Black was the site of the 2002 U.S. Open, where Tiger Woods won his second title of the event and eighth major of his career. Woods defeated his main rival at the time, Phil Mickelson, by three shots.
The US Open returned to Bethpage Black in 2009 with the triumph of Lucas Glover. This victory was notable because Glover had qualified through the sectional qualifying rounds, making him one of the few winners in the history of the event to go from sectional qualifying to the title.
The New York course also hosted the 2019 PGA Championship, which was won by Brooks Koepka. It was the second title of the event and fourth major win for Koepka, who beat Dustin Johnson by two shots.
Another event held at the New York course was the now known as FedEx St. Jude Championship, which was played there in 2012 and 2016.