The PGA of America has defended ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup after fans slammed the "disgusting" asking price.
Fans hoping to witness a single day of the action at Bethpage Black in New York next year will have to pay an eye-watering $750, with practice day tickets also costing between $255-423. Tournament tickets for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome cost around $260.
Fans were left reeling this week when the ticket prices were published, with many quick to vent their anger on social media. But Bryan Karns, the PGA of America's championship director, defended the cost of tickets, insisting they are priced appropriately compared to other marquee events.
"We view ourselves as a tier-one event that's on par with a World Series, or with an NBA Finals Game 7," Karns told SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. "That was a part of it. So when we look at pricing, we're able to tap into data from all these different venues.
"We're able to see, 'What do people pay?’ So that really drove this, too. Again, our position in this landscape -- where do we see ourselves? I think that's the reality.
"There are people who have the Ryder Cup on their bucket list in the same way that someone would have a Yankees opening game World Series on their bucket list. Ultimately, we felt like that's where we are. The demand is at an all-time high for this event, so we wanted to make sure we priced it appropriately."
Karns' comments are unlikely to appease fans who will view the cost of attending the event as exploitative. "DISGUSTING," one fan wrote on X when the prices were announced. Another added: "Yea I’ll be watching from my couch! It will be an amazing atmosphere at Bethpage, but yeah, so will the couch."
A third wrote: "The sad part is that they will sell every ticket and continue to pay the players in free clothing, a hotel room and a couple of meals. 25,000 daily attendance equates to over $80 million in gate revenue alone."
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The event will tee off on Sept. 26, 2025 as Luke Donald's European team defends the title it won in impressive style in Rome. But they are sure to face a rejuvenated American team, which will be led by Keegan Bradley.
Even with 11 months to go, there is huge hype ahead of the event with two star-studded teams set to go toe to toe just outside of New York City, with an intimidating atmosphere expected. The PGA of America, though, has risked pricing out many regular fans, and it can only hope its decision does not detract from the spectacle.
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