PGA of America Announces Major Championships in New York Through 2035
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Ryder Cup, set to commence on September 26 at Bethpage Black, the PGA of America has unveiled an exciting lineup of major championships scheduled to take place in New York through 2035. This announcement marks a significant moment for golf enthusiasts, as it brings the prestigious KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the PGA Championship back to the Empire State.
A Historic Return to Major Golf Events
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be hosted at the renowned Black Course at Bethpage Black in 2028, a venue that has become synonymous with high-stakes golf. This championship, which has been jointly organized by the PGA of America and the LPGA Tour since 2015, represents a revitalization of women’s golf, having undergone a significant upgrade to its status as the second-oldest major in the women’s game. The last time this tournament was held in New York was in 2015 at Westchester, making this return particularly noteworthy.
In addition to the Women’s PGA, the PGA Championship will also return to Bethpage Black in 2033, following its successful hosting in 2019. Furthermore, the PGA Championship is set to make its fifth appearance at Oak Hill near Rochester in 2035, solidifying New York’s reputation as a premier destination for major golf events.
The Ryder Cup: A Long-Awaited Event
The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, has not been held in New York since 1995, when it took place at Oak Hill. The upcoming event at Bethpage Black is expected to draw large crowds, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of past tournaments. Historically, Europe has dominated the Ryder Cup, winning 10 of the last 14 contests, and the stakes are high as the teams prepare to compete once again.
Bethpage Black is no stranger to major tournaments; it previously hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. Known for its challenging layout and demanding conditions, the course has earned a reputation as one of the toughest public courses in the United States. The anticipation surrounding the Ryder Cup is palpable, as fans eagerly await the chance to witness top-tier golf in a storied setting.
Elevating Women’s Golf
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is a testament to the PGA of America’s commitment to elevating women’s golf. Don Rea Jr., the current president of the PGA of America, emphasized the significance of bringing this championship to Bethpage Black. “Bringing the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to Bethpage Black is a significant milestone and reflects our commitment to staging this event at premier courses in major markets,” he stated.
Since the collaboration between the PGA of America and the LPGA, the Women’s PGA has been hosted at eight courses that have previously held major tournaments. Notable venues include Baltusrol in New Jersey, Olympia Fields in Illinois, Hazeltine in Minnesota, and Congressional in Maryland. This trend underscores the importance of prestigious venues in enhancing the visibility and stature of women’s golf.
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler echoed this sentiment, stating, “Venues matter. They elevate our athletes and amplify the moments that define our game.” The choice of Bethpage Black for the Women’s PGA Championship is a clear indication of the PGA’s dedication to showcasing women’s golf on a grand stage.
Recent Trends in Major Championships
The PGA Championship has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a shift in its scheduling. Since 2019, the tournament has moved from August to May, allowing it to avoid the frigid weather conditions that can plague New York courses. The 2019 championship at Bethpage Black and the 2023 event at Oak Hill both benefited from this scheduling change, although the latter did experience a frost delay during the first round.
New York’s golf scene is set to flourish in the coming years, with the U.S. Open scheduled for Shinnecock Hills in 2026 and the BMW Championship, a key event in the FedEx Cup playoffs, slated for Liberty National in New Jersey in 2027. These events further solidify New York’s status as a hub for major golf tournaments.
The Future of Golf in New York
The PGA Tour’s absence from the New York metropolitan area since 2021, following the loss of a title sponsor, has left a void in the local golf landscape. However, the recent announcements from the PGA of America signal a renewed commitment to bringing major golf events back to the region. The Ryder Cup, Women’s PGA Championship, and PGA Championship are all set to create a vibrant atmosphere for golf fans and players alike.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, the excitement surrounding these upcoming events is palpable. The combination of a storied venue like Bethpage Black and the return of major championships to New York promises to create unforgettable moments in the world of golf.
Conclusion
The PGA of America’s announcement of major championships in New York through 2035 marks a pivotal moment for golf in the region. With the Ryder Cup set to return to New York after three decades, and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and PGA Championship scheduled for Bethpage Black and Oak Hill, respectively, the future of golf in the Empire State looks bright. As fans prepare for these monumental events, the stage is set for a new era of golf in New York, one that honors its rich history while looking forward to exciting possibilities.
