Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black: A New Experience

The well-known “warning” sign at Ryder Cup’s Bethpage Black has been taken down, which seems pretty fitting.

This year, the course is seeing softer conditions, thanks to recent rain. The professionals are finding it to be a bit easier than what they’ve dealt with at nearby courses lately. “This isn’t the typical Bethpage Black,” noted Harris English. “I think we’re going to see more birdies than we usually do during the PGA and US Open.”

Bethpage earned its reputation as one of the world’s most challenging courses way back in 2002, when Tiger Woods was the only player to finish under par at the US Open.

In the past, the notorious knee-high fescue has presented a significant challenge during events like the 2009 US Open and the 2019 PGA Championship. But this time, the rough has been trimmed to a height more manageable for the players, adjusted for Team USA’s preferences.

“In 2019, the course was a beast,” Bryson DeChambeau said. “The rough was really punishing then. This week, it’s a bit kinder, so it’ll be interesting to see how we play in these conditions.”

English, participating in his second Ryder Cup, feels a special connection to the event being held on home soil—a sentiment shared by many American athletes. He recalled a previous tournament in July where his caddy, Eric Larson, couldn’t join him due to issues with a travel visa stemming from an old drug conviction. Larson served over a decade in prison. English expressed deep appreciation for Larson, saying, “He’s the best guy in the world. It means a lot to me that he’s here to share this. He’s faced some really tough times.”

Sepp Straka, who identifies as both Austrian and American, has lived in the States since he was 14. With mixed feelings, he’s optimistic that the Bethpage Black crowd will be more welcoming to him than some of his teammates. “I don’t think a lot of the crowd knows who I am,” Straka said. “I think that could work to my advantage.”

Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland make quite the pair, showcasing one of the strongest combinations in the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. However, Åberg admits he never really knows what to expect when hitting the course with his fellow Scandinavian. “He’s a funny guy, always leading the conversation in unexpected directions,” Åberg remarked. “He’s particularly interested in UFOs, which I’m yet to delve into.”

Hovland himself enjoys exploring the mysteries of the universe. “It’s kind of a refreshing break from golf,” he explained. “The more I get into it, the more questions come up. It’s fascinating to challenge your beliefs and stretch your mind.”