Suffolk’s own Elaine Faith Ryder-Thompson has returned to familiar ground at Bethpage Black, where the PGA of America has chosen her to create the official commemorative poster for the 45th Ryder Cup.
The unveiling of Ryder-Thompson’s artwork took place at the Bethpage Pro Shop, led by Suffolk County Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron and Farmingdale State College President Robert Prezant, where Thompson once studied. The poster, which captures the storied Black Course, was printed locally by Official Offset Corp. in Amityville.
Ryder-Thompson, whose maiden name is Ryder, said she was deeply honored when the PGA invited her on April 11 to take on the project. With the same name as Ryder Cup founder Samuel Ryder, she noted she intends to research a possible family connection.
This is not her first time painting Bethpage Black. Her earliest golf artwork of the legendary course dates back to 2002, and she has since produced a number of paintings for USGA championships on Long Island, the metropolitan New York area, and for the PGA. Her portfolio also includes works of U.S. presidents, the Statue of Liberty, Irish themes, Pope Francis, and pet portraits. She even painted the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Golf fans can purchase the poster framed or unframed through Ryder-Thompson’s gallery in Bohemia or directly at the Bethpage Pro Shop through September 6. From September 19 to 22, posters will also be available at the Ryder Cup Shops merchandise tent at Bethpage, where no ticket is required for entry. During this time, Thompson will be on hand to personally sign copies. From September 23 to 28, ticketed spectators can meet the artist and obtain signed posters inside the official Ryder Cup Shops.
Posters can be previewed at www.elainethompsonarts.com, though orders are made directly through her Bohemia gallery at 516-380-7715 or etcreation@optonline.net. More of her work can be viewed at www.thompsonart.us.