Modern Security at the Ryder Cup

They’re really stepping it up!

On Friday at the Ryder Cup, officers showcased an all-terrain patrol vehicle—think an upgraded emergency golf cart, complete with chrome wheels and sirens. It can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour to manage what could be a lively crowd as American and European rivals face off.

“There’s a significant advantage to having this golf cart. It’s quite modern; it even comes with a video screen. So, it’s really impressive,” an officer noted.

This cutting-edge vehicle boasts robust ATV-style tires, perfect for navigating the greens and muddy patches at the Bethpage Black Golf Course, where 12 teams from the U.S. and Europe are competing.

According to the police, this speedy cart lets them cover ground much faster than a regular car, which is crucial for security, crime prevention, or health-related emergencies.

“It will enable officers to respond more swiftly,” said Astacio. “There’s a helipad across the park, and while a helicopter would take about 20 minutes to land by car, it could take just about six minutes in this cart.”

The state park police member who initiated the project, Kurt, was the first to use it. He had previously solicited the help of Long Island lawyer Todd Miller, who is an avid golfer.

“They were on the brink of purchasing a golf cart for the Ryder Cup when the idea struck me,” Miller said. “I’m just glad it’s come together well.”

“When they got it from my garage, it was pretty basic, but they did an incredible job accessorizing it,” he added.

As the day unfolded, fans traveling from near and far seemed to maintain a positive atmosphere, as officials mentioned.

“The fans have been really pleasant. They’re well-behaved,” Astacio remarked ahead of the opening round.

“If the tournament heats up, I think it will be somewhat contained, based on how the practice rounds have gone so far,” he specified.

Astacio’s remarks came after Team Europe faced some jeers from American fans. They had been preparing for the event with virtual reality headsets, making waves as they entered the arena.

However, Mie Stricoffs, a former volunteer, shared that the American fans acted like gracious international ambassadors on the opening ceremony and practice day.

“I don’t foresee any problems,” Stricoff remarked, adding that she managed to keep the crowd hushed on the third hole.

Stricoff, a Long Island golf pro familiar with Bethpage from the 2019 PGA Championship, noted that the crowd’s demeanor often reflects the event’s tone, even during tense moments.

“It’s more about the noise level. I don’t believe we’ll hear things like whistles or see beer cans thrown,” she added.

Despite the challenging atmosphere, Stricoffs expressed hope that American fans would inject some festive energy into the event.

“It should feel like a party,” she said.

Also, reports indicated that there were no unruly incidents within Bethpage State Park, which is set to serve as the event’s transit hub.

“The environment has been fantastic,” a visitor shared after noticing a well-behaved crowd near the course. “People are enjoying the experience of golf and the nightlife, but there won’t be any trouble here.”

David Fagen, president of the Long Island State Park Police and Charity Association, has had experience overseeing events in Bethpage before, including the 2019 PGA Championship.

Even he seemed surprised by the crowd’s behavior.

“After 25 years in this field, I’ve never witnessed a crowd that has been this polite and well-mannered,” he stated.

“So far, fans have embraced New York… and the police have also received many ‘Thank you for your service’ messages,” he concluded.