FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Golf fans have been imagining this week for 12 years, since it was first announced that the Ryder Cup would be played at Bethpage Black. USA vs. Europe. The rare golf event where things have a good chance of getting heated and emotional between players. And now it’s being played in front of the loudest most boisterous golf fans on the planet.
Yes, it’s going to be quite the scene on Friday morning when the first match tees off just after 7 a.m. And if you’re one of the 50,000 fans per day lucky enough to score a pricey ticket to Bethpage, you should be pumped, for good reason.
But you should also should have a plan for navigating the crowds an seeing as much golf as possible, because this is not a typical course nor is a typical golf event.
Here’s what you need to know as a fan and some tips for how to get the most out of your Ryder Cup experience.
Come in with a plan
Even if you have experience watching big-time golf events at Bethpage Black – this will be the fourth major caliber event played at the legendary Long Island public course, joining the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open and the 2019 PGA Championship – be prepared to deal with a golf experience that is completely different.
Obviously, we know it’s a team event, which is different. But it’s not like a normal tournament where there are players spread out on the course throughout the day.
On Friday and Saturday there will never be more than four groups on the course at the same time.
The Friday and Saturday morning matches start at 7:10 a.m. with each group going off 16 minutes later until the last group at 7:58 a.m. In the afternoon, it’s the same setup from 12:25 p.m. to 1:13 p.m. That means all of the golf will be played in a rolling group of three or four holes while the rest sit empty.
That also means trying to watch the golf will be harder than ever, especially if you’re trying to follow a group. We’re not saying it’s impossible to follow, or you’re not going to enjoy yourself. But it’s certainly going to be more of a challenge than normal. But there are ways to use some of Bethpage’s quirks to your advantage.
Not your typical event
The atmosphere is going to be great at Bethpage Black, which has more than enough room to handle the massive daily crowds packed into a few holes. But it is not the easiest or most conventional experience. First, it’s sneakily hilly. If you do a lot of walking, you’re going to feel it. And with wet conditions likely early Friday as forecasted storms move out, make sure you’re wearing shoes with good traction.
If you’re not willing or able to do a lot of walking, don’t cross the road to the main part of the golf course. You’ll still get to see plenty of important golf holes: the opening hole and the last four. And you can do it without straying more than a few hundred yards of the clubhouse. But it will be crowded, especially each session winds down and the entire crowd filters back to that side of the road.
If you do cross the road, keep in mind that this isn’t like most golf courses that return home after nine. If you follow a group through the first nine, you’ll find yourself with a 2-plus mile walk back.
This can be an advantage as a fan. If you’re willing to get there early and walk out the 11th green, you’ll get a great view of the action after a long walk and wait, and a clear view of the ninth green and the tees at No. 10 and 12.
If you get in early and claim a spot at the first tee, enjoy it. That’s an experience you will not soon forget. But if are playing the long game and claiming a spot in the final five holes, remember there’s no guarantee a match will make it all the way to 18 So if you do claim a spot in those bleachers be prepared for some of the matches to finish before. Even 17, which has the best views on the course, from both the tee and green is a risk, beause the view won’t matter if the matches have been decided by the time you get the average match (since 2000) ends on the 16th hole.
We’d recommend finding a place to post up early, near a giant video board, and staying put as long as you can. Yes, if you find a spot on the back-nine that could mean a several hours wait before you see any action. But, of course, if you witness something amazing from your perfect vantage point it could have been well worth the wait.
The best places to watch the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black?
With all that being said, here are the three spots we’d recommend for you to post up at Bethpage for the Ryder Cup.
3. The tee at No. 17
Normally the tee of a long par three would not be the best place to watch a big golf tournament. But this is different, because you get a clear view of the 16th green where several key matches are likely to be decided and a tremendous view of the massive stands and natural amphitheater surrounding the 17th green. There’s usually a memorable moment at 17, and we would be shocked if there wasn’t one this weekend.
2. The grandstand between No. 11 green and No. 12 tee
We’ve always liked this spot because it takes some effort to get out there, but it’s worth the reward. From the grandstands near the 11th green you can see the 12th and 10th tee because you’re directly between both. Plus there’s a video board right there as well. You’ll have a long wait before the golfers arrive, and another long wait if you stick around for the afternoon session. But you’ll get to see the most golf possible on screen and in person.
1. The grandstand behind No. 14
If we had to choose one spot to watch the action it would be in the grandstands behind the fascinating par 3 14th. The hold is short with a huge green, which could require a mid-iron one day and a wedge the next, depending on the hole location. It’s one of the few holes were Brooks Koepka looked rattled on the way to his 2019 win at the PGA Championship. Plus there’s a video board that will let you keep up on all the action, and it’s just across the street from the 17th tee (and likely to be far less popular). If you have binoculars you might even be able to track some of the action across the road after it comes through. In terms of location and the action, you can’t go wrong at 14 green.
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