Farmingdale's famed Bethpage Black, long considered one of America's best public golf courses, will have another high-profile moment at the center of the golf world when it hosts the PGA Championship, the PGA of America announced Tuesday.
Bethpage Black has already hosted a pair of US Opens (2009, '02) and most recently the Barclays Tournament in August 2012.
Now the course in the heart of Bethpage State Park will get another major championship when the 101st PGA Championship arrives in 2019.
In another coup for Long Island, the 45th Ryder Cup — a biennial competition featuring the best golfers from Europe and the U.S. — will be held in Farmingdale in 2024, the PGA said.
“These events will have a tremendous positive impact on Long Island's economy, bringing in hundreds of thousands of golf fans from around the world and generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses,” said Sen. Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre.
“I am thrilled to announce that New York State will once again host two of golf's most prestigious events – the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup – right here at Bethpage State Park on the spectacular Black Course,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Farmingdale, Bethpage State Park and the famous Black Course gave the PGA Tour a great reception for the FedEx Cup playoffs a year ago. Nick Watney held off Sergio Garcia to win The Barclays Tournament in August 2012.
Now those greens will add even more history — to say nothing of their financial impact on the local economy. Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano estimated Barclays brought $34 million to the area.
“It is an honor and a privilege to welcome both the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup here at beautiful, historic Bethpage State Park,” Assemb. Charles Lavine, D-Glen Cove, said. “Hosting such events will allow us to showcase all that Long Island has to offer, champion professional golfers and global spectators, while also bringing a significant tourism boost to our community.”
