On a typical day, this is where the golfers would check in before heading to the first tee.
The Bethpage State Park was found throughout the grounds.
The view of the clubhouse.
My dad strikes a pose next to the over-sized Bethpage Black warning sign.
My dad and I in front of the 2025 Ryder Cup flags.
The main gathering spot for spectators was known as The People’s Plaza.
The People’s Plaza was teeming with activity much ot the day.
There plenty of visages of players found around the Plaza.
The lack of a queuing system at the Ryder Cup Shop was problematic.
The All-Star Match went Team USA’s way.
I had a John McEnroe sighting!
Tommy Fleetwood walks down the hill from the 18th tee.
Rory McIlroy prepares to hit a shot during his practice round.
John Rahm works on his short game on the practice range.
Justin Thomas was the lone American I saw hit a shot during my Wednesday visit.
Viktor Hovland on the practice range.
The view from mid-fairway on No. 18 back at the grandstand surrounding holes No. 1 tee and 18 green.
Don’t we all feel a bit better when there’s an Arnie reference made?
The signage at the No. 17 tee.
Looking toward the No. 14 green.
The view from the tee toward the No. 3 green.
My attempt at an artistic shot of the No. 14 green.
The view behind the No. 15 tee.
These Team Europe fans likely had an enjoyable stay stateside.
The U.S. Army’s Golden Knights drop in with, among other things, the Team USA and Team Europe flags.
Both teams on the stage during the Opening Ceremonies.
Three black hawk helicopters conducted a flyover near the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies.
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Video
Fresh off the bus and ticket scanned.
The activity in The People’s Plaza.
Some Team Europe practice shots.
Tommy Fleetwood et al walking.
My view for the Opening Ceremonies.
Flag delivery courtesy U.S. Army.
Team Europe is introduced to the crowd.
The Team USA introductory video.
Team USA is introduced to the crowd.
Audio
Two-thirds of the a group of friends who spent nearly 45 hours in the Bethpage parking lot in order to play the famed course join me in Conversation.
Fun Facts
Traveling Party – Doug and his father, Jerry
Last Time Visited – Neither had ever been to Bethpage State Park. Doug had previously attended a practice session of the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills (MI) Country Club. Jerry had previously attended a session of the 1987 Ryder Cup at Muirfield Village (OH).
Apropos – During our Wednesday on the grounds at Bethpage Black Golf Course, we didn’t see a single member of Team USA hit a shot on the course. (Doug did see Justin Thomas hit on the driving range.) Based upon the way Team USA was performing the first two days of the Ryder Cup, it now seems fitting that we only saw Team Europe in action, I guess.
All-Inclusive Ticketing for the Win! – I noted this in my blog post about our day on the grounds, but I like the way the PGA of America chose to have all food and non-alcholic beverages included in the ticket price. It made for an easy grab-and-go experience at the concession stands and, especially for the price of the ticket, seemed to be a sound financial decision … at least on the part of we consumers. If you were wondering, the mains were cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, and an Asian salad that was said to be vegetarian-friendly. (I swear I saw a hamburger in one stand, but can’t be sure now.) There were plenty of bottled soft drinks to choose from, chips, soft batch cookies, Fig Newtons, and Rice Krispy Treats.
Running List of States Traveled To/Through (26 total) – Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, & Wyoming
Running List of Countries Traveled To/Through (8 total) – Argentina, Canada (Ontario & Quebec), England, Japan, Korea, Scotland, United States, & Wales
Distance Traveled – 682 miles one way from my home to Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, NY
Cumulative Distance Traveled After 25 Events – 66,900 miles
Up Next: A visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY
