Golf’s beloved Ryder Cup has hit a snag and we think you’re going to be as surprised as we are.  The 2025 event at Bethpage Black is generating buzz for all the wrong reasons – outrageous ticket prices. Fans are fuming after daily badge prices went viral, revealing staggering costs: $750 per person for competition days and $255 for practice days, plus hefty fees.

UK Golf Guy’s experience echoes the frustration, “I received an email from the PGA of America today telling me I could now buy tickets for the Ryder Cup. When I follow the link the tickets on the official site are from a resale site and from $1,320. You can’t even buy the $750 tickets!” Comparisons to other golf events only fuel the fire. Last year’s Ryder Cup in Italy had tickets ranging from $52 to $275, while Masters badges cost $140 per tournament day. The US Open at Oakmont will charge $60 to $200, and the Open Championship at Royal Troon averaged around $100.

Even the PGA Championship, run by the same organization, costs $219 for tournament days, including food and drink. The drastic price disparity has fans questioning whether the Ryder Cup has lost sight of its loyal followers. The PGA of America’s resale site decision, with prices soaring above $1,300, pours salt in the wound. Fans feel disillusioned and disconnected, opting to watch from afar rather than break the bank.

But this isn’t the first time the PGA Tour has been accused of gouging fans for extra ticket prices.

The 2022 PGA Championship controversy

The PGA of America’s pricing strategy for the 2025 Ryder Cup has left fans fuming, but this isn’t their first rodeo with outrageous costs. Remember “Beergate” at the 2022 PGA Championship? That viral photo of concession prices had everyone scratching their heads: $15 for a beer, $18 for Michelob Ultra, and $19 for Stella Artois. Even wine wasn’t spared, at $13 a pop. And don’t even get started on seltzers and cocktails – a whopping $19.

Champion Justin Thomas wasn’t afraid to speak out against the prices, but PGA officials defended them, comparing them to stadium and arena prices. Come on, guys! Those prices are more suitable for a fancy space bar than a golf tournament. “Beergate” sparked widespread outrage, with many calling it blatant price gouging. Fast forward to the Ryder Cup ticket controversy, and fans are wondering if the PGA has learned its lesson. Have they prioritized profits over people?

As the debate rages on, one thing’s clear: the PGA’s pricing strategy has lost sight of its core audience and the spirit of the game. Will they reassess and make changes, or will fans continue to feel taken advantage of? Only time will tell.