Ryder Cup a moment in sports spotlight

Bethpage Black is one of Long Island's jewels. The tough Bethpage State Park golf course this weekend becomes the first public golf course to host the distinguished Ryder Cup — a celebrated and spirited competition between the United States and Europe that's played every other year. The U.S. Open was played there in 2002 and 2009, and the PGA Championship in 2019.

Quite a moment for the state, for the course and for Long Island.

The Ryder Cup brings an enormous international spotlight to the region. Just the infamous "Warning" sign at Bethpage Black, which reminds golfers that it's "An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers," has gotten a lot of attention this week.

This weekend, 12 Europeans and 12 Americans, the most highly skilled golfers, will come to Bethpage to play what is considered one of the toughest courses in the world. And Long Island is ready for it. Stadium seating, concessions and hospitality tents are ready to go. The Long Island Rail Road is offering extra shuttle service. The needed infrastructure is in place. The crowds are excited. And the stars of the golfing world are ready to shine.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for Long Island. According to the Long Island Association Research Institute, the Ryder Cup is expected to result in $160 million in economic activity in the region, and the creation of about 1,000 part time and full time jobs. Some of that comes from construction spending associated with the temporary facilities that have been built. But the event also boosts area hotels, restaurants and shops, as visitors and workers alike spend their money here. About 250,000 spectators are expected, the bulk of whom will come from outside the area. 

But even at this remarkable moment, the Ryder Cup didn't get off to an illustrious start. During the opening ceremony Wednesday, held a day earlier because of weather concerns, attendees heckled Gov. Kathy Hochul, and then left their garbage strewn across the park — an unnecessarily rough way to kick off the weekend.

Apparently, such fan behavior isn't a surprise to the European golfers heading to Bethpage. According to published reports, they've been preparing for the potential noise and chaos of a Bethpage crowd — quite a different atmosphere from the typical proper quiet associated with most golf tournaments. It's attributed in part to tailgating and alcohol consumption.

It's worth remembering that even before the Ryder Cup got underway, Hochul announced Bethpage Black would also be hosting the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in 2028 and the PGA Championship in 2033. And with President Donald Trump expected to attend some of the competition Friday, and with Long Island still in the limelight, this is a time to show off the best of who we are, to respect each other, and to revere the land known as the People's Country Club. 

Players know the Black course as being absolutely brutal. The fans shouldn't be.