Ryder Cup Opens; $160M Economic Boost Expected

The 2025 Ryder Cup opened at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., the first time the course has hosted the event, with practice rounds underway and tens of thousands of fans expected. Nassau County projects up to $160 million in economic activity from the tournament, and organizers reported increased charity payouts of about $300,000. Wednesday’s opening ceremony set a combative tone as European captain Luke Donald stressed pride over money and U.S. captain Keegan Bradley accidentally misidentified Justin Leonard in a Brookline 1999 anecdote. More than 5,000 fans at the ceremony chanted “U-S-A!”, booed the Europeans and moments when both captains thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, and President Donald Trump was expected to attend Friday’s opening session. Bethpage Black’s vast bunkers and punishing conditions have long made it one of golf’s toughest courses as matches get underway Friday; Donald is the first European to captain back-to-back Ryder Cups since Bernard Gallacher.