The PGA of America recently announced the ticket prices for spectators for the upcoming Ryder Cup, which received criticism for being too high. The cost to attend the matches at Bethpage Black next September is $750 per day, including unlimited free food and soft drinks. This price is nearly three times higher than what was charged by the European Tour for the Ryder Cup in Italy last year.
In addition to the high spectator ticket prices, the PGA of America also received backlash for charging volunteers a fee of $392 to work at the 2025 Ryder Cup. While on-course marshals may see this price as reasonable, other volunteers working in different areas of the site where they cannot watch the action will also have to pay the same fee. The fee includes a tournament pass for the week, a uniform, drawstring bag, a commemorative Ryder Cup pin, and free food during work shifts.
Despite the high costs for both spectators and volunteers, the 2025 Ryder Cup is expected to be a sell-out event. The PGA of America has been accused of price gouging and exploitation for the significant increase in fees for both groups. Other top-level golf events, such as the US Open and PGA Championship, also charge volunteers an upfront fee, but the price hike for the Ryder Cup has generated significant controversy.
Tournament director Bryan Karns defended the decision to increase prices for both spectators and volunteers, stating that they analyzed data from various sports events to determine appropriate pricing. He emphasized the high demand for the Ryder Cup, comparing it to other major sporting events like the Yankees opening game of the World Series, which attracts people with it on their bucket list. The decision to increase prices was based on the perceived value and demand for the event.
The PGA of America’s pricing strategy for the 2025 Ryder Cup reflects a trend of rising ticket costs for top-level sporting events. While some may view the prices as excessive, others are willing to pay for the experience of attending a prestigious event like the Ryder Cup. Ultimately, the organization believes that pricing the event appropriately is necessary to meet the high demand and maintain the event’s reputation as a must-see sporting spectacle.
