Ryder Cup prices spark fury as New York beer and ticket costs draw backlash

Golf fans have criticised the Ryder Cup’s beverage pricing at Bethpage Black in New York, where prices for beer and other refreshments have drawn social-media backlash ahead of this week’s competition.

Europe, captained by Luke Donald, features stars such as Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm, while the United States team is led by Scottie Scheffler and includes Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau. The price list for drinks at the venue drew attention the moment fans were allowed in for practice rounds earlier this week, with the price list listing a 19-ounce Premier Beer at $19, a 16-ounce beer at $16 and a Bud Light at $16. A 25-ounce Michelob Ultra costs $18, with a 16-ounce version priced at $15.

Fans on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, reacted with outrage, dubbing the costs 'horrendous' and 'disgusting' and questioning why such pricing is needed at a marquee event. One post read, "Are the prices meant to deter drinking? $15 for a Bud Light??? Also, how much is the sales tax? Grateful to be sober, if only for financial reasons!" Another commented, "That's insane. Give the people reasonable prices cmon man...." A third noted, "As ridiculous as that is, it is on par with most sporting events I attend." A fourth said, "Something's gotta happen with these tournament alcohol prices. You shouldn't have to spend $320 on alcohol to get drunk."

Prices for tickets and hospitality have already been a talking point. For practice days alone, tickets have been listed at around $255.57; Wednesday’s package reportedly climbed to about $423.64 (£324.60), and competitive action for Friday, Saturday and Sunday was priced at about $749.51 (£574.29). The price surge follows controversy over ticket costs for the Ryder Cup in 2023 in Rome. General admission to Marco Simone ranged from $53 to $277 depending on the day of the match. The competitive action in New York gets underway on Friday, with Europe aiming to defend the Cup on American soil.