The PGA of America has defended its ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, after fans reacted with anger to the costs. Single-day tournament tickets will cost $750, with practice day tickets ranging from $255 to $423. By comparison, tickets for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome were around $260.
Bryan Karns, the PGA of America's championship director, justified the pricing by comparing the event to other major sporting occasions. 'We view ourselves as a tier-one event that's on par with a World Series, or with an NBA Finals Game 7,' he said on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. He added that the organisation used data from various venues to determine what people pay, noting that demand for the Ryder Cup is 'at an all-time high'.
Fans took to social media to criticise the prices, with one describing them as 'disgusting'. Another wrote: 'Yea I'll be watching from my couch! It will be an amazing atmosphere at Bethpage, but yeah, so will the couch.' A third commenter pointed out that daily attendance of 25,000 would generate over $80 million in gate revenue alone, questioning how players are compensated.
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled to start on 26 September at Bethpage Black. Luke Donald will captain the European team, which is defending the title won in Rome, while Keegan Bradley leads Team USA. Despite the pricing controversy, anticipation for the event remains high, with organisers expecting an electric atmosphere near New York City.
