The PGA of America has been forced to defend its decision to charge $750 for a single day ticket to the 2025 Ryder Cup after fans were left outraged by the prices
The PGA of America has defended the ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup, despite fans criticising the “disgusting” asking price.
Supporters eager to experience a single day of the action at Bethpage Black in New York next year will have to fork out a staggering $750, with practice day tickets also ranging between $255-423. Tournament tickets for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome were priced around $260.
This week, fans were left shocked when the ticket prices were revealed, with many expressing their outrage on social media. However, Bryan Karns, the PGA of America’s championship director, justified the cost of tickets, asserting they are appropriately priced compared to other high-profile events.
“We view ourselves as a tier-one event that’s on par with a World Series, or with an NBA Finals Game 7,” Karns explained on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. “That was a part of it. So when we look at pricing, we’re able to tap into data from all these different venues.”
“We’re able to see, ‘What do people pay? ‘ So that really drove this, too. Again, our position in this landscape — where do we see ourselves? I think that’s the reality.
“There are people who have the Ryder Cup on their bucket list in the same way that someone would have a Yankees opening game World Series on their bucket list. Ultimately, we felt like that’s where we are. The demand is at an all-time high for this event, so we wanted to make sure we priced it appropriately.”
Karns’ remarks may not sit well with supporters who see the ticket prices for the event as a bit steep. “DISGUSTING,” blasted one fan on social media after the costs were revealed. Another chimed in: “Yea I’ll be watching from my couch! It will be an amazing atmosphere at Bethpage, but yeah, so will the couch.”
A third lamented: “The sad part is that they will sell every ticket and continue to pay the players in free clothing, a hotel room and a couple of meals. 25,000 daily attendance equates to over $80 million in gate revenue alone.”
Set to commence on Sept. 26, 2025, Luke Donald’s European squad will be out to defend their title won in Rome in a dazzling display. However, they’re up against what’s expected to be a spirited American side, captained by Keegan Bradley.
With still 11 months before the event, anticipation is already sky-high with two powerhouse teams ready to battle it out near New York City, promising an electric atmosphere. Yet, the PGA of America’s pricing strategy might just sideline many of the usual fans, leaving them hoping this move doesn’t overshadow the event itself.
