With the Ryder Cup coming this Friday, the staff at Bethpage is working around the clock to prepare the Black Course for the tournament. These preparations come with the usual accommodations: bleachers, viewing areas, concessions, and sponsorship signs. During preparations, the decision was made for the iconic Bethpage warning sign to be moved out of its usual location and into Manhattan. Why was this decision made, and what can fans expect in place of the sign?
The Bethpage Black Warning Sign
Each course that sees a professional event has some iconic feature that becomes a part of its image. Nine times out of ten, it is the clubhouse, like with Oakmont during this year’s Open Tournament, that saw some damage. Others are like the St. Andrews Old Course, a course that is almost as old as the sport itself. For Bethpage Black, it is far simpler. The Black course is one of the most difficult courses there is. There may be moments similar to the US Open earlier this year. Because of the difficulty, it is only recommended for professional players. A perfect venue for a tournament like the Ryder Cup. The sign is small and to the point and reads:
“The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”
Although it is just a warning sign for Bethpage’s most difficult course, it creates a lot of enthusiasm for fans. However, its removal from its normal placement does make a lot of sense
Why Was The Sign Removed?
The warning sign was removed from Bethpage because of the fan enthusiasm and its normal placement. There would be too much foot traffic right under the grandstands, causing too much slowdown as spectators move to and from the seating area. According to Bryan Karns, the Ryder Cup director, in a statement with the New York Post.
“The Ryder Cup will use a brand new [first] tee that’s 40 yards in front of the existing tee. If we had built that grandstand with the existing tee, it would almost go into the clubhouse. [The sign] would’ve been underneath the grandstands. It just wouldn’t have worked out.”
The original sign has been temporarily moved to the Rockefeller Center, where the Ryder Cup is being streamed to fans who can’t make it to the course. There, they can have photo ops with the original sign without concerns of the tournament being disrupted. The Ryder Cup is the most profitable tournament. The organizers are fully expecting the viewing areas to be packed and want to make it as easy as possible for them to move around.
What Fans Can Expect at Bethpage Black
What about the fans who will be at the Ryder Cup, seeing the action in person? The original sign was removed, but it was replaced by larger replicas spread throughout the course. All away from high traffic areas. A lovely little compromise that keeps the photographers spectating the tournament happy, while ensuring that there won’t be any traffic jams around the grandstands caused by impromptu photo shoots. The only thing left to do is the Ryder Cup itself. It’s only a few days away, and everyone is ready for Bethpage Black.
Main Photo Credit: © John David Mercer-Imagn Images
