Even drivers-by beleaguered by the Bethpage Black traffic this past week could admit that the festivities frenzy was a sight for sore eyes.
Poll anyone you know who turned out, and you’ll have spoken with a satisfied customer. From a financial perspective, Forbes had projected ahead of the Long Island-hosted 2025 Ryder Cup that the golf tournament would generate over $200 million for the Empire State in economic impact.
This inherently made it tough for anyone not attending the event to book a last-minute hotel. Still, tourists and natives alike could delight in just how many delicacies the greater area has at its disposal.
Four-star hotels near Bethpage State Park that benefited from the onslaught of out-of-towners included the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and the Courtyard by Marriott Republic Airport—both in Farmingdale.
One high-profile visitor who flew in and out without booking a stay was Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The state leader was greeted with thankfully-no-longer-slumping, Giancarlo Stantonian “boo-birds” on Wednesday, September 24th, by detractors in the crowd as she was introduced and thanked for her support of the Ryder Cup.
Just like the Snickers campaign that suggested the popular candy bar instantaneously cools the hot-headed, any anti-Hochul attendee suffering from lingering contentions would soon see their fortunes reverse—either the second President Donald J. Trump turned out on Friday, or when they had an Islip-toasted oyster later that same day.
Despite Team Europe prevailing over Team USA 15–13, Trump later responded to trolls on Truth Social with an unconfrontational message for the victor on Monday, September 29th: “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”
Though the tournament is no more, a palpable buzz remains.
Political divisions aside, it can surely be celebrated that the leader of the country came to the neighborhood without a tragic occurrence necessitating their visit. How often can you say that?
“The Ryder Cup is more than a world-class competition,” said Randy Simons—acting commissioner for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation—per Forbes. “It’s a celebration of the people who make it possible.”
“Hosting one of golf’s greatest events highlights how State Parks not only enrich lives but also deliver powerful economic benefits to New York’s communities,” Simons continued, adding that his department was honored to partner with the PGA of America to welcome the world to an “extraordinary stage.”