High-speed emergency golf cart unveiled for Ryder Cup security patrol on Long Island

A high-speed emergency golf cart has been unveiled for security patrols at the Ryder Cup on Long Island, designed to speed responses across Bethpage Black’s greens and rough. The all-terrain vehicle can reach up to 30 mph, and it features chrome wheels, a siren and a video screen, enabling rapid response to security, medical or other emergencies during the three-day international competition between 12-player teams from the United States and Europe.

Officials said the new cart is built to zip across grass and mud rather than stick to roads, helping officers reach incidents more quickly than a conventional patrol car parked on the perimeter. New York State Parks Police Major Anthony Astacio described the unit as a modernization that could shorten response times significantly. “It’s going to help the police render aid quicker — for any reason,” Astacio said. “We have a helipad on the other side of the park for helicopter landings to get over there probably would be 20 minutes by car. It took me probably about six minutes in the cart.”

The cart is the first of its kind for state park police. It was born from a collaboration between Todd Miller, a Long Island golfer and local attorney, and his business partner, Gregory Caggiano. Miller said they were initially looking to purchase a golf cart for the Ryder Cup when the idea for a high-performance security vehicle took shape. “They were actually looking to purchase a golf cart for the Ryder Cup, and that’s when the lightbulb went off in my head,” Miller explained. “I’m glad it’s going off without a hitch.” He added that the transformation from a plain mower-toy into a feature-rich security cart was a team effort: “It was plain Jane when they got it from my garage, they did a really nice job adding in all the bells and whistles.”

As fans started to arrive, security officials said the early days had been calm. About 55,000 spectators were expected for the opening rounds, and officials and volunteers described the atmosphere as largely positive. NYS Park Police officer David Fhagen, who also serves as president of the Long Island State Park Police Benevolent Association, noted a contrast with past major events. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve never seen a crowd this well behaved and polite,” he said. “So far, the fans are really giving a proper New York welcome…the police as well. We’re getting lots of ‘thank you for your service’ compliments.”

Ahead of the tournament’s opening day, Europe’s team had braced for boisterous cheering from American fans, attempting to prime themselves for the hostile but spirited atmosphere. In contrast, volunteers and local businesses reported a festive, party-like energy around Bethpage State Park. Mie Stricoff, a volunteer marshal who has previously worked the PGA Championship at Bethpage, highlighted the expected dynamic. “I don’t expect problems,” Stricoff said from her post at the third hole. “I think it’s just going to be loud voices. Like a party-type atmosphere.” She also pointed to the generally orderly crowd behavior she’s seen in the days leading up to the start.

The Ryder Cup’s security focus comes as organizers emphasize safety amid a high-profile, international sporting showpiece. In addition to the new high-speed cart, officials have deployed additional patrols and coordination with emergency services to ensure rapid response if needed. Local authorities also highlighted that, thus far, neighborhood disturbances have been minimal, with vendors and visitors alike contributing to a controlled environment around the course.

Bethpage Black has long hosted major events, but this Ryder Cup marks a particular test for security infrastructure and crowd management in a densely populated area. The new cart’s ability to traverse rough terrain quickly—whether to reach a medical incident on a steep hillside, a security concern near a concession stand, or a crowd-control point on the fairway—illustrates how law enforcement is adapting to modern, fast-moving event dynamics. While officials caution that the tournament’s success will depend on ongoing vigilance, the early signs point toward a well-managed start with an emphasis on efficiency and public-safety readiness.

As competition unfolds across three days, organizers and police say the combination of advanced equipment, experienced personnel and a cooperative crowd will be pivotal to maintaining safety without dampening the celebratory atmosphere that characterizes the Ryder Cup on Long Island.