The prestigious Ryder Cup, set for a dramatic showdown at Bethpage Black in 2025, is already facing an unpredictable opponent: the weather. New long-range forecasts are sounding alarms that the event's carefully planned schedule could be thrown into disarray by powerful Atlantic storm systems.
Experts are warning that the autumn timing of the matches, scheduled from September 26-28, coincides perfectly with the peak season for intense coastal storms along the Eastern Seaboard. The infamous Bethpage Black course, known for its brutal difficulty in perfect conditions, could become an almost unplayable beast if hit by heavy rain and strong winds.
A Scheduling Gamble
The decision to hold the Ryder Cup in late September was a significant shift. Traditionally a late-summer event, the move was designed to avoid clashes with the American football season and to capture a prime television audience. However, this new data suggests organisers may have walked into a meteorological trap.
New York in late September can be glorious, but historical weather patterns indicate a sharp increase in the likelihood of significant rainfall and disruptive weather fronts rolling in from the ocean. The potential for delays, suspended play, and a mud-soaked spectacle is now a very real concern for captains Luke Donald and his yet-to-be-named US counterpart.
Contingency Plans in the Works
While the PGA of America has remained publicly confident, sources suggest tournament officials are already scrutinising contingency plans. These could include:
- Extended playing hours: Starting matches earlier in the day or utilising longer daylight hours to make up for lost time.
- Condensed formats: In a worst-case scenario, the traditional match play schedule could be altered to ensure a result is achieved.
- Monday finish: A last-resort option to complete the matches if entire days are washed out.
The famed 'Bethpage State Park' warning sign – "The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers" – may need a temporary addendum warning of extreme weather.
The Legacy of 2023 and European Hopes
European Captain Luke Donald, who masterminded a stunning victory on Italian soil in 2023, will be hoping for a fair fight. The last thing his team needs when facing a hostile American crowd is to also battle the elements on a course already heavily favouring the US team's power-hitting style.
With the eyes of the golfing world set to descend on New York, all parties will be praying the weather gods show more mercy than the course is known to offer. The 2025 Ryder Cup promises high drama, but organisers will be keen to ensure it's the golfers, and not the forecast, that provide the biggest shocks.
