The 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is fast approaching, and with practice rounds underway, excitement is at a fever pitch. Organizers are bracing for up to 40,000 fans each day, and the scale of logistics, security, and atmosphere control reflects both the prestige and the challenge of hosting golf’s most intense competition.
Logistics and Crowd Management
With no on-site parking, thousands of fans will be funneled through official shuttles from hubs such as Jones Beach and Farmingdale Station. Gates open at 7 a.m., with delays expected due to strict security checks. Locals warn of “parking chaos,” with residents renting driveways and hotels already sold out. Fans are encouraged to download the event app for real-time updates.
Viewing highlights include grandstands and the Northwell Health Walk, offering prime vantage points. Organizers have also prepared weather contingency plans, including evacuation routes.
Security Measures
Eighteen months of planning have gone into ensuring safety. New York State Police lead operations with hundreds of officers, drones, K-9 units, and surveillance. Nassau County Police manage traffic and enforce parking bans. Clear-bag entry rules, weapons prohibitions, and reinforced presence around the venue underline the effort to guarantee a safe experience despite the famously rowdy New York atmosphere.
Atmosphere and Noise
Bethpage Black is notorious for its boisterous crowds, and organizers are leaning into it. A high-volume sound system has been installed for announcements and music, while U.S. fans are expected to use noise as a weapon. To prepare, Rory McIlroy and Team Europe train with VR headsets simulating heckling—a method Rahm at first dismissed but now accepts.
Sponsors and Partnerships
Worldwide partners include Aon, BMW, Capgemini, Citi, DP World, Rolex, and SAP. Enterprise Mobility joins as a Worldwide Supplier through 2027, while local sponsors such as Heritage Landscape Supply Group, PBI-Gordon Corporation, and Discover Long Island contribute to course conditioning and promotion. Beyond funding, sponsors enhance the event with VIP packages and hospitality areas.
Broadcasting Schedule
Fans worldwide can follow every shot.
In the U.S., NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, and Peacock provide full coverage: practice sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday’s Opening Ceremony, and three full match days. Singles tee off Sunday at 12:02 p.m. ET.
In Germany, Sky Sports Golf/Main Event airs all practice sessions, the Celebrity Match, and three days of play until midnight local time.
Celebrity Match
The Celebrity All-Star Match on Wednesday adds a lighter twist. Representing Team USA are Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, and John McEnroe—two Giants legends and a tennis icon. Europe counters with Brooklyn Beckham, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Pau Gasol.
Injuries and Player Readiness
Both squads are relatively healthy. Xander Schauffele battled rib issues but is cleared to play. while speculation lingers about whether an injury cost a European player, possibly Hatton or Hovland, a spot.
Humor and Anecdotes
Fans add their flavor: “Make Golf Great Again” caps, prank tee times featuring Tom Brady, and protest chants that turned into cheers. McIlroy himself laughed off a fan’s T-shirt with his silhouette: “That’s me!”
Conclusion
With sponsors secured, security tightened, and practice rounds underway, the stage is set for a fiery showdown. Bethpage Black’s reputation, combined with the Ryder Cup’s unique tension, ensures this edition will test golf’s elite and deliver unforgettable theater.
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