The upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September next year has caused a stir due to the eye-watering ticket prices. A Ryder Cup+ ticket will cost almost $750 for one day, including access to the grounds, seating areas, shop, as well as unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks. This marks a significant increase from the previous match in 2023, where tickets were priced at $277. Concerns have been raised that genuine golf fans may be priced out of attending, potentially impacting the home team’s advantage of having raucous crowd support.
In a surprising discovery, a ticket order form from the 1979 Ryder Cup has emerged, revealing that fans could watch stars like Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros for just $10 a day. Adjusted for inflation, this would only be around $43 today. The 1979 Ryder Cup saw Billy Casper’s American team defeat John Jacobs’ Europeans 17-11, with iconic players like Nicklaus and Trevino already established as legends in the sport.
Faldo and Ballesteros were emerging stars at the 1979 Ryder Cup, with Ballesteros having recently won his first Major title at The Open. The event also featured future Ryder Cup captains like Tom Kite, Lanny Wadkins, Bernard Gallacher, Tony Jacklin, and Mark James. The stark difference in ticket prices between the 1979 event and the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has sparked conversations about accessibility and affordability for golf fans.
Aside from ticket prices, the issue of whether Ryder Cup players should be paid for their participation has also come to the forefront. Reports indicate that US players will be paid $400,000 each for their involvement in the 2025 event. This has raised discussions about the professionalization of the Ryder Cup and how it impacts the spirit of the competition. The influx of money into the sport has undoubtedly changed the landscape of golf events, leading to higher costs for fans and players alike.
The hefty price of attending the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has made headlines, with many questioning the accessibility of the sport for dedicated golf enthusiasts. The tradition of the Ryder Cup, dating back to 1927, has evolved over the years, with the event now attracting a global audience and significant commercial interest. As golf continues to grow as a popular sport worldwide, the debate over ticket prices and player compensation will likely persist, challenging the balance between commercial success and the core spirit of the game.
