Why not a Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black? When was the last time New York
had a Ryder Cup? Great course for the players and spectators. New York
is probably America's most international city. Weather is superb in New York in September. Transportation and lodging is ample for what
would likely be the largest Cup attendance ever.
Perfect!
Lucius Riccio
New York City
Lou, we should evaluate this idea as soon as Bethpage dries out from the 2009 U.S. Open. It's almost there, so let's begin. You're right; it's a beautiful time of year in New York and the chance of a deluge like last June's is slim. More important, the World Cup has proved that New York City has the requisite number of bars and pubs with appropriate US and European loyalties. The only downside I can see that it's football season, when all of New York becomes obsessed with either the Jets or the Giants. Can golf compete for fan and sponsor enthusiasm? What's more, one wonders whether the State Parks Department would welcome another period of play stoppage and painstaking preparation in addition to its occasional Opens, or whether it might feel that aligning with the PGA of America for this project might jeopardize its status with the USGA. It hasn't hurt Oak Hills, Oakland Hills or Winged Foot, though, and I suspect you know more about those politics than we ever could. If you think it could happen, it probably can.
Hey, Bethpage playing fast and firm in the fall for the best players in the game--how much fun would that be! Count us in.
