Following its humble beginnings in 1927, the Ryder Cup is now huge business in the modern day.
According to New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, the 2025 running at Bethpage State Park could help to generate in excess of $200 million of economic revenue for the area.
While much of that will not directly benefit the Ryder Cup – given there are transport, accommodation and a multitude of external vendors who will cash in – the profits generated by the biennial team event will be substantial nonetheless.
For context, the last time the US hosted a Ryder Cup – at Whistling Straits in 2021 – the PGA of America announced $192 million in total revenue for the year, $143 million of which related to tournament revenue (Ryder Cup, PGA Championship etc).
Those numbers could well be blown out of the water in 2025, though, with competition-day tickets priced as high as $750 and premium hospitality prices going up to $10,000. According to a post on Substack, “the 2025 Ryder Cup is projected to generate $146.4 million from ticket sales alone.”
A view of the first tee grandstand at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In addition, the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone boosted economic activity in Italy by well over $300 million and led to revenue of roughly $144 million with around $12.5 million profit.
So who actually sees the money and directly benefits from the vast sums which are banded about? Well, it depends on whose turn it is to host.
The Ryder Cup, as a complete entity, is evenly split between the United States of America and Europe. More specifically, the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe.
The PGA of America controls 100% of the US share while the European half (Ryder Cup Europe) is split between three bodies – the European Tour Group (60%), the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland (20%) and the Confederation of Professional Golf (20%).
Whoever’s turn it is to stage the Ryder Cup is believed to receive the revenue relating to the broadcast rights, the ticket sales and the merchandise. After that, money from the commercial rights is split between the hosts and the opposition.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
From there, both teams use part of their profits to cover the expenses of the players, caddies and staff involved in subsequent…
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