Ryder Cup 2025: The Course and Its Challenge

The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s greatest traditions- a battle of pride, nerves, and pure shot-making between Team USA and Team Europe. In 2025, the legendary competition heads to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, a course famous for testing even the most skilled players. Known for its difficulty and its iconic warning sign (“The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers”), Bethpage is the perfect stage for the Ryder Cup’s high drama.

The Course at a Glance

• Location: Bethpage State Park, Long Island, NY

• Par: 71

• Yardage: Over 7,400 yards

• Designer: A.W. Tillinghast (renovated by Rees Jones)

Bethpage Black isn’t just long- it’s brutally honest. Wide in places but punishingly tight in others, it forces players to balance aggression with control. A single mistake can turn a birdie chance into a scramble for bogey.

Key Challenges Players Will Face

1. The Rough

Bethpage Black is notorious for its deep, thick rough. Missing fairways means fighting to just get back in play, which could tilt the momentum in match play. Precision off the tee will be critical.

2. Length & Endurance

At over 7,400 yards, the course demands length, stamina, and smart club selection. Players can’t just grip it and rip it- long hitters will have to manage risk carefully, especially with tricky doglegs.

3. The Greens

Bethpage’s greens are firm, fast, and often elevated. Approaches need pinpoint accuracy to hold the surface, and putts will be fast and unforgiving. Expect clutch putting to decide key matches.

4. Crowd Factor

New York golf fans are famously loud, passionate, and unapologetically biased. The atmosphere will be electric, and players will need thick skin to thrive under that intensity.

What It Means for the Ryder Cup

Team USA will look to capitalize on the “home crowd” boost, but Bethpage Black levels the playing field with its unforgiving design. Europe’s steady, tactical style has often thrived under tough course conditions. Match play drama combined with Bethpage’s difficulty means 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling Ryder Cups in history.

Final Thoughts

Bethpage Black is a course that doesn’t give away anything. Every hole demands respect, strategy, and nerve. For the Ryder Cup, that means fans can expect fierce battles, unforgettable shots, and maybe a few broken hearts along the way.

At EZ Golf Shop, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how the world’s best tackle one of golf’s toughest tests. And who knows- you might even pick up a few course management lessons for your own weekend rounds.