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The Ryder Cup has become everything golf typically is not.
The slow-moving sport features relentless action from the opening tee shot at 7:10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, and it doesn’t stop (except for darkness) until the United States or Europe gets enough points to win after the singles matches on Sunday afternoon.
Civility gives way to hostility when flags are involved, mostly outside the ropes. Golf really doesn’t have a partisan crowd except at the Ryder Cup, where cheers can be for a good shot or a missed putt. The Ryder Cup is personal.
And yes, there is homefield advantage. Europe has had the upper hand in the Ryder Cup for the last 30 years, but it still has won only four times on U.S. soil. The Americans have seven players on their team who were not even born when the U.S. last won the Ryder Cup in Europe in 1993.
It all unfolds Sept. 26 at Bethpage Black on Long Island in New York, known as the “People’s Course” because it was the first state-owned course to host a U.S. Open.
Where is it being played?
The Ryder Cup is at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, a course that dates to 1936 and is regarded as the strongest taxpayer-owned golf course in the country.
It was refurbished to host the U.S. Open in 2002 (won by Tiger Woods) and in 2009 (won by Lucas Glover). It has twice held a PGA Tour postseason event. And most recently it held the PGA Championship in 2019 (won by Brooks Koepka).
Getting to the Cup
The Bethpage Black Golf Course is out on Long Island and accessible by the Long Island Rail Road. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the MTA would offer up to nine additional trains between Wednesday and Sunday.
Riders can get off at the LIRR Farmingdale Station, where free shuttle buses run by the PGA will transport fans to the golf course. The bus trip takes about 15 minutes.
Officials warned drivers that parking will not be available at Bethpage State Park or at the Farmingdale Station. Anyone who normally parks at that station to access the train should park at nearby Wyandanch Station.
Dozens of retailers in Long Island are getting ready for the Ryder Cup and the thousands of fans that will bring an influx of revenue for their businesses
What to bring
The usual list of prohibited items is listed on the Ryder Cup’s website. Don’t bring any drones, weapons, alcohol or outside food. The full list can be found here.
There are, however, plenty of things that fans could consider packing along, according to organizers. Here’s a list of suggested items to bring:
- Portable, canvas chair with a carry bag
- Jacket and/or layered outerwear piece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable phone charger
- Personal sunscreen
- Nursing mothers may bring necessary equipment on-site. Storage and refrigeration are available at the Medical Stations at Hole 1 fairway and Hole 10 tee.
Is President Donald Trump going to be there?
Trump plans to attend the opening session Sept. 26. He would be the first sitting U.S. president to attend. Former President George H.W. Bush went to the 2008 matches at Valhalla.
Trump was in office for his first term when he dropped in on the final day of the Presidents Cup in 2017 at Liberty National in New Jersey.
Here’s everything to know about the Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most iconic events.
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Doug Ferguson | The Associated Press
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