PGA of America Faces Backlash Over $750 Ryder Cup Day Ticket Prices
The PGA of America is under fire for its high ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Golf fans have expressed outrage, accusing the organization of making the event inaccessible for many. The cost of a single-day ticket for the prestigious competition has been set at nearly $750, sparking heated discussions online.
Skyrocketing Ticket Prices for a Premier Event
For golf enthusiasts eager to attend the 2025 Ryder Cup, tickets are being sold through a Random Selection process, offering fans a chance to purchase coveted entry passes. However, those lucky enough to secure tickets will have to pay a hefty $749.51 for access to any of the three competition days. Even the practice days, usually considered more affordable, come with a price tag starting at $255.27.
The high cost includes the “Ryder Cup+” experience, providing attendees with unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages at all market concessions throughout the event. While this package offers convenience, it hasn’t eased the frustration of many fans. For context, similar access at next year’s PGA Championship first round is priced at a significantly lower $219.
Comparison to Previous Ryder Cup Editions
The sharp rise in ticket prices is particularly striking when compared to the 2023 Ryder Cup held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, Italy. General admission tickets for the practice days in Rome ranged from €50 ($52.97) to €60 ($63.56). Prices for the main event, including Friday and Saturday, were set at €250 ($264.83) and €260 ($275.42) for Sunday’s final showdown.
This considerable price jump for the 2025 edition has left fans and analysts wondering whether the steep cost will deter the loyal fan base that typically attends the Ryder Cup.
Backlash from Fans and Analysts
The PGA of America has faced significant criticism on social media, with many golf fans voicing their displeasure. Kevin Van Valkenburg, a well-known golf journalist, expressed concern that the high prices could impact the atmosphere of the event. He drew comparisons to the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), criticized for its lackluster crowd energy, attributed to high ticket prices. Valkenburg warned that if a similar situation unfolds at Bethpage, it could hurt the event’s overall excitement, particularly if Team Europe capitalizes on the subdued crowd.
“I would like to go on the record now and say that if Europe wins the Ryder Cup at Bethpage because the crowds were turned into a polite snooze fest like LACC by the insane ticket prices, it’s going to go down as a massive own goal,” Valkenburg posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Even those in the golf industry have chimed in on the matter. Claire Rogers from GOLF.com humorously quipped, “I need to sign a LIV deal so I can afford Ryder Cup tickets,” poking fun at the ticket prices while referencing the lucrative LIV Golf tour.
Fans Feel Priced Out
The outrage is not limited to industry insiders. Golf fans have taken to social media platforms, such as X, to share their thoughts. Many are questioning whether the Ryder Cup is even worth attending in person, given the exorbitant cost.
One user expressed their frustration, saying, “What are better things to do with your money than pay this amount for Ryder Cup tickets? Seriously, the Ryder Cup is not good from a spectator’s standpoint. I guess even the Ryder Cup is not immune from inflation.”
Another fan lamented that the event would likely be filled with corporate buyers, as regular fans are unlikely to spend $800 for a ticket. “This is going to be 90% corporate buyers. Nobody normal is paying $800 for a Ryder Cup ticket,” they posted.
Will the High Prices Impact the Event?
The PGA of America has yet to respond to the growing backlash, but the steep ticket prices are likely to remain a contentious topic leading up to the event. The Ryder Cup, one of the most anticipated competitions in the golf world, is held every two years and pits Team USA against Team Europe in a battle for glory. With the event boasting some of the biggest names in men’s golf, fans are eager to witness the iconic rivalry unfold.
However, as prices continue to soar, the PGA risks alienating the very fanbase that has supported the Ryder Cup’s rise to prominence. Whether corporate buyers will fill the stands and whether the energy of the crowd will live up to previous years remain to be seen. For now, fans are left wondering whether attending the Ryder Cup is still within reach—or just another luxury reserved for the elite.
The PGA of America’s decision to charge nearly $750 for a single-day ticket at the 2025 Ryder Cup has sparked widespread outrage among golf fans. With prices significantly higher than previous editions, many fans feel priced out of the event. As the controversy continues to unfold, only time will tell if these prices will impact the atmosphere and fan experience at one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
