Ryder Cup tickets are more expensive than ever. PGA of America explains why

The buzz around the 2025 Ryder Cup, scheduled at New York’s iconic Bethpage Black, is already sky-high—and it’s not even game time yet. Fans are reeling from sticker shock over ticket prices that start at $255 for practice rounds and a jaw-dropping $749 for competition days. You’re not alone if you’re wondering why this year’s tickets cost more than a front-row seat to a Broadway show. Golf enthusiasts across social media have lit up with comments, questioning how the price leap can be justified when prior Ryder Cups hovered in the $200 range.

To shed light on the price hike, Bryan Karns, the championship director for the Ryder Cup, stepped in with some explanations. The PGA of America has spent two years planning for this major event in one of the world’s priciest cities. New York City isn’t cheap, from event staffing to logistics and even the basic cost of food and transport. Karns emphasized that pricing this Cup to fit among other high-profile events, like the NBA Finals or World Series, felt essential. The idea, Karns explains, is that this isn’t just golf; it’s a full-day sports experience that PGA feels deserves a “Tier 1” event price.

One key factor behind the hefty price? The PGA is committed to a transparent checkout process. Unlike many events where you get hit with fees at the end, the Ryder Cup’s price is upfront with no hidden charges. PGA says this transparency builds trust, even if fans have to swallow the full price in one gulp. And while high prices may seem counterproductive to “growing the game” of golf, PGA believes it’s creating a premium experience that reflects the demand.

There’s also a financial angle to all of this. The Ryder Cup generates the revenue needed for the PGA to fund its mission: supporting its 30,000 golf professionals and promoting the game across the U.S. Hosting an epic event that fans will remember means shelling out for more bathrooms, shorter concession lines, and efficient transportation—little things that make a big difference in customer satisfaction. Karns even hinted at some New York City fan experiences in the works to make this Cup unforgettable.

For golf fans and the PGA, it’s a delicate balancing act between market demand and making a sport traditionally seen as exclusive more accessible. PGA hopes the experience will ultimately leave fans feeling it was worth every dollar, compared to the “Disney model,” where you’re paying for a day of memories. Time will tell if golf fans leave Bethpage feeling that level of magic—or if they’ll still be shaking their heads at the price tag………..[read more]

Rising Dough

With ticket prices soaring at the Ryder Cup, do premium events in high-demand markets become more of a business venture than a fan experience? What’s the impact on the sport’s image when prices push away a significant portion of its audience?

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