Bethpage Black’s history began in 1933, during the Depression era when New York State commissioned public golf courses on Long Island. A.W. Tillinghast, a renowned golf course designer, was hired to develop Bethpage Black for a minimal fee. The course was a hit, offering great value for golfers at $2 on weekdays and $3 on weekends, attracting players from all walks of life for almost a century.
In 2025, the PGA of America announced that tickets for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black would be the most expensive ever at $749.51 per day. This significant price increase was justified by the organizers as reflecting the costs of hosting the event in the New York Metro area and providing top-tier experiences for ticketholders. The decision was also driven by financial interests, as the PGA of America sought to capitalize on the rare opportunity to host a home Ryder Cup every four years.
Critics accused the PGA of America of being greedy for raising ticket prices, highlighting the lack of transparency in how the additional revenue would be used. Players participating in the Ryder Cup do not receive payment, raising questions about the fairness of the financial benefits accrued from the event. The exclusivity created by the high ticket prices contradicted Bethpage’s long-standing tradition of welcoming golfers from all backgrounds, undermining the course’s ethos of inclusivity.
The decision to raise ticket prices for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black raised concerns about the impact on the broader golf community in New York. The move towards a more corporatized and sanitized environment at the event risked alienating fans and detracting from the unique appeal of the Ryder Cup. The PGA of America was urged to consider the implications of catering only to a high-paying clientele and potentially turning away traditional golf enthusiasts.
Despite the backlash, the PGA of America defended its decision to raise ticket prices for the Ryder Cup, emphasizing the event’s status as a Tier 1 sporting spectacle. The organizers believed that the increased prices would contribute to a better overall experience for fans and help fund future initiatives. However, critics argued that the move contradicted the core values of Bethpage Black and signaled a departure from the course’s tradition of affordable, accessible golf.
Ultimately, the conflict over the high ticket prices for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black reflected a larger debate about the commercialization of golf and the tensions between profit motives and the sport’s inclusive heritage. The PGA of America’s decision sparked discussions about the role of money in golf, the responsibilities of event organizers, and the impact of exclusivity on the game’s broader appeal. As golf continues to evolve, the legacy of Bethpage Black as a symbol of golf’s democratic spirit remains a point of contention in the sport’s ongoing narrative.
