Bethpage Black To Host PGA Championship, Ryder Cup
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Ryder Cup and PGA Championship are coming to Bethpage Black.
The PGA of America announced Tuesday that Bethpage Black will host the rowdiest event in golf in 2024. The public course at a Long Island state park has developed a well-earned reputation for loud and boisterous fans, having played host to two U.S. Open championships in 2002 and 2009. Last year, the Barclays was held there as part of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Bethpage will also host the 2019 PGA Championship.
Bethpage Black To Host PGA Championship, Ryder Cup
PGA of America President Ted Bishop says players have asked for years about playing the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
He said he was watching Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler during a practice round at the 2010 Ryder Cup, when Bethpage Black came up. Bishop says Fowler mused, "Can you imagine what a great home field advantage and how intimidating a Bethpage Black Ryder Cup would be?"
"This venue, this course, this city is going to take the Ryder Cup to a place that it's never been before," Bishop said.
Bethpage Black To Host PGA Championship, Ryder Cup
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was at Bethpage to join PGA of America officials for the announcement. He said New York looks forward to having spectators and television viewers worldwide experience the best golf in the state.
"This is exciting," Cuomo said. "New York State loves golf, we have a great history when it comes to golf."
PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua called the news a "dream come true."
"As a New Yorker, I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of today's announcement," Bevacqua said. "New York is part of the fabric of the history of The PGA of America, from our founding in New York City in 1916, to hosting multiple championships and having four great PGA Sections within the state. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo's commitment to hosting these great events at Bethpage and we look forward to working with both local and state officials to add an unforgettable chapter in golf history at Bethpage."
The events are expected to provide a significant economic boost to the state.
"It's roughly a $2 billion economic impact to the State of New York," said Bevacqua. "Roughly $1.6 billion of wages, it employs over 56,000 people."
Bethpage Black first held a big tournament at the 2002 U.S. Open won by Tiger Woods. Woods will be 48 when the Ryder Cup is held at Bethpage Black.
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