Ryder Cup disrupted by thunderstorms as opening ceremony moved up and security tightens
Weather forces schedule shift at Bethpage Black ahead of USA-Europe showdown; officials stress continued pairings announcements and ticketing adjustments amid high security and a presidential visit.
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was disrupted by forecasts of thunderstorms on Thursday, prompting organizers to move the opening ceremony up 24 hours. The United States, led by Keegan Bradley, will face Europe, captained by Luke Donald, over three days on Long Island as the weather outlook threatens to complicate play.
The PGA of America confirmed that the curtain-raiser has been relocated to Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET because of the forecast of inclement weather on Thursday. The event remains the prelude to the three days of matches, with Bradley and Donald still slated to announce their opening-match pairings at 4 p.m. Thursday, the moment the teams typically learn their early lineups. In addition, Ryder Cup+ ticket holders for Thursday will now be admitted on both Wednesday and Thursday as organizers adapt to the compressed schedule.
Officials say the weather forecast still carries the risk of wind, rain and possible thunderstorms affecting Bethpage Black on Thursday with a renewed chance of rain on Friday morning. While the ceremony has been moved, the competition itself remains scheduled to begin Friday morning, and organizers will monitor conditions closely for potential further adjustments to the schedule as the forecast evolves.
Security has become a central theme of the event given the high-profile attendance planned for the weekend. The security operation at Bethpage Black is described as one of the largest ever mounted for a sporting event, on par with a major championship or Super Bowl in scale. Drones, bomb-disposal dogs and extensive chemical, biological and radiological units are among the measures in place as part of a comprehensive plan to protect players, spectators and officials. Major Stephen Udice, who leads Ryder Cup security, told the BBC that authorities are preparing for the worst while trying to maintain a smooth experience for those at the course.
If anything, Udice said, the likelihood of someone attempting to use an event like this to make a statement is only increased given the high-profile nature of the weekend and the broader political climate surrounding the event. The security apparatus includes layered checks and an on-site command center designed to respond to evolving threats in real time, a setup officials say is necessary to manage the complex blend of sports, politics and large crowds expected at Bethpage.
Beyond the weather and security considerations, the event’s logistical frame remains intact for the moment: the competition will unfold across Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the traditional mixture of foursomes, fourball and singles matches. Organizers stress that any further changes will be communicated promptly as the forecast is updated. For fans, the shift to a Wednesday curtain-raiser offers a chance to attend the opening festivities without the earlier Thursday weather risk, while keeping the heart of the Ryder Cup intact—the battle for a 2025 trophy on a storied Long Island venue.