September 15, 2025
The Ryder Cup has always been one of the most electric events in sports, combining golf’s precision and strategy with the raucous energy of an international team competition. When the event returns to the United States in 2025 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, expectations were already sky-high. What few fans expected, though, was just how expensive it would be to witness golf’s most passionate rivalry in person.
When tickets were released earlier this summer, they immediately sent shockwaves through the golf community. The PGA of America introduced a new ticket model called “Ryder Cup+”, which includes grounds access along with unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages. While this sounds like a nice perk, the price tags attached to these tickets were jaw-dropping. Practice day tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday came in at $255, Thursday—which includes the Junior Ryder Cup and Opening Ceremony—jumped to $424, and competition-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each topped out at an eye-watering $749.51, including fees.
To put those numbers in perspective, competition-day pricing has nearly doubled since 2021, when Whistling Straits hosted the event, and is almost triple the cost of last year’s event at Marco Simone in Rome. The jump has left many long-time Ryder Cup followers stunned. Social media quickly lit up with reactions from fans calling the pricing “insane,” while others worried that the high costs would change the character of the event, keeping out the everyday golf fans who traditionally give the Ryder Cup its famous rowdy atmosphere.
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Weekly Pass & Day-by-Day Prices
On TicketIQ, a Weekly Pass, which includes access to all six days of the Ryder Cup, currently starts at around $7,442, with average prices near $8,016, and the most premium options reaching $8,769.
- Here’s how prices break down for individual days:
- Tuesday (Practice Day): starting around $182
- Wednesday (Practice Day): starting around $216
- Thursday (Opening Ceremony + Junior Ryder Cup): starting around $500
- Friday (Day 1 of Competition): starting around $1,559
- Saturday (Day 2 of Competition): starting around $1,735
- Sunday (Final Day, Singles Matches): starting around $1,098
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Why Prices Are So High
The PGA of America has been clear in its defense of these prices. Officials describe the Ryder Cup as a “Tier-One” global sporting event, on par with a Super Bowl or Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Bethpage’s location in the New York metro area, with its affluent fan base and immense demand, also plays a major role. Combine that with the once-in-a-lifetime nature of attending a Ryder Cup, and the organization believes that the premium pricing is justified.
Even with widespread criticism online, tickets sold out through official channels almost immediately, forcing fans who missed the lottery to turn to the resale market—where prices continue to climb. The sheer speed of this sellout underscores a simple truth: no matter how high the prices go, demand for the Ryder Cup remains unstoppable.
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How to Get to Bethpage Black
Attending the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black isn’t just about scoring a ticket—it’s about navigating Long Island’s challenging transportation logistics during one of the year’s busiest sporting events.
Driving & Parking:
Bethpage State Park is located about 30 miles east of Manhattan. While it’s drivable from NYC, there is no on-site parking for general spectators during the Ryder Cup. Instead, fans must use designated park-and-ride lots with continuous shuttle service to the course. These lots will likely be located near major highways like the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Northern State Parkway. Plan to purchase a parking and shuttle pass in advance, as these will sell out quickly.
Public Transportation:
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the most convenient public transit option. The Farmingdale LIRR station is just a few miles from the course and will be a key hub for Ryder Cup spectators. From Penn Station in Manhattan, the ride takes about an hour. During tournament week, the LIRR typically adds extra trains to handle the crowds. Shuttle buses will run from Farmingdale station directly to the main entrance.
Rideshare & Drop-off Zones:
For those using Uber or Lyft, there will be designated drop-off/pick-up zones near the park-and-ride areas. Rideshares won’t be allowed to access the main entrance, so expect to transfer to a shuttle bus for the final leg.
Tips for Smooth Travel:
- Arrive early, especially on Friday and Saturday, to avoid gridlock.
- Consider staying overnight on Long Island rather than commuting from Manhattan each day.
- Build in extra time if using public transit, as Ryder Cup crowds are expected to be massive.
- Check the official Ryder Cup site for updated transportation maps and shuttle schedules as the event approaches.
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TicketIQ’s Advantage
With competition-day tickets climbing well into four figures—and the added sting of marketplace fees on other platforms—TicketIQ’s fee-free pricing makes a huge difference. What you see is what you pay, allowing fans to avoid an extra 15-20% in hidden charges.
Even if a competition day is out of reach, practice days on Tuesday and Wednesday remain the most affordable entry points. They offer a chance to experience the Ryder Cup atmosphere, get up close to the players, and explore the course without breaking the bank.
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The Bottom Line
The 2025 Ryder Cup is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in history—not only for what happens on the course but also for the conversation around its unprecedented ticket prices. While many fans have voiced frustration at being priced out, the event’s intense demand has proven unshakable.
For those determined to be there, planning ahead is essential. From securing tickets at the best possible price on TicketIQ to mapping out transportation well before September, preparation will be key to making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event at Bethpage Black.
