A Suffolk County artist has become a star on one of golf’s biggest stages. Elaine Ryder-Thompson, the official artist of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, was congratulated by tournament officials and local dignitaries after her fine art prints sold out during the international event.
Ryder-Thompson, who lives and works in Bohemia, was personally assisted at the Ryder Cup by Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron. “Steve has been attending all my artist receptions for many years,” she said. “I was thrilled that he volunteered to help me for a full day—he was one of my best staffers!”
Flotteron praised her achievement, calling it “a proud moment for Suffolk County to see a local artist represent Long Island before a worldwide audience.” McCaffrey added that Ryder-Thompson “embodies the creative spirit that makes our community shine.”
Her official Ryder Cup poster—commissioned by the PGA of America—captures the storied Black Course at Bethpage, where she first painted in 2002. The commemorative print was produced locally by Official Offset Corp. in Amityville, continuing a Long Island connection that runs through all stages of the project.
All fine art prints sold out at the Ryder Cup merchandise tent, but fans can still purchase them at shop.rydercup.com or through her website, elainethompsonarts.com.
Ryder-Thompson, whose maiden name is Ryder, said she’s exploring whether she’s related to Samuel Ryder, founder of the historic competition. “It feels like destiny brought me here,” she said. “To have my art represent such a legendary event, right here on Long Island, is a dream come true.”
The Bohemia artist has also earned national attention for her presidential series, including her new work, Trump—The Party of Lincoln, which joins her acclaimed portraits of George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.