Bethpage Black to host Ryder Cup
Bethpage Black is known as one of the most difficult public golf courses in the United States, and the Long Island, N.Y. course is now set to play host to two of golf's biggest events.
Already the site of the 2019 PGA Championship, Bethpage Black was named the host course for the 2014 Ryder Cup on Tuesday.
Known for fans lining up in the pre-dawn hours to secure tee times, Bethpage Black is also famous for its rowdy crowds, which has long led U.S. players asking for the course to play host to the Ryder Cup.
"How fitting it is that we will be taking two of golf's premier events to a state that was the site of our first PGA Championship and to a spectacular course whose design was influenced by one of golf's most accomplished architects and a friend of The PGA of America," said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. "It is exciting that both the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup will come to New York, which is home to some of the most passionate and knowledgeable sports fans in the world."
Bethpage Black's first major event was the 2002 U.S. Open, won by Tiger Woods. He will be 48 when the '24 Ryder Cup is staged.
The course, opened in 1936 and designed by A.W. Tillinghast, measures 7,486 yards and plays to a par 71 from the back tees. A sign at the course cautions: "Warning - The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers"
"New York is excited that Bethpage State Park and its spectacular Black Course will be hosting two of golf's most acclaimed events, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. "These major sporting events will provide a tremendous economic boost for Long Island and promote the beautiful Bethpage State Golf Course to the nation and the world. We look forward to welcoming spectators and television viewers worldwide to experience the best golf here in New York."
