In response to criticism over the sky-high prices for 2025 Ryder Cup tickets, the PGA of America has announced a surprise “People’s Perk” program – giving away 3,000 free tickets to New Yorkers, bringing the spirit of the pinnacle of sporting events closer to the local community.
Amidst the public storm over the $750 price tag for a Ryder Cup ticket, the world’s most prestigious team tournament in golf, the PGA of America has taken a surprising step: giving away 3,000 free tickets to New York residents. The program, called “People’s Perk,” is seen as a gift of gratitude for the enthusiasm and long-standing commitment of the golf community at the host venue – the legendary Bethpage Black course.
Over the next few months, golfers who play at Bethpage and select public courses around Long Island and the New York metropolitan area may be surprised by a special gift: a pair of Ryder Cup tickets for all six days of competition. Representatives from the PGA of America and guests of honor will make unannounced appearances to personally hand out the tickets to the lucky winners.
In addition to golfers, local community groups and frontline workers will also be given tickets. Specifically, there will be 500 tickets for each day, including three days of practice and three days of competition, for a total of 3,000 tickets, to spread the spirit of solidarity and pride in the sport.
“People’s Perk is our way of paying tribute to the incredible passion and dedication of the New York golf community,” said Don Rea Jr., President of the PGA of America. “There’s nothing better than experiencing the incredible Ryder Cup atmosphere on home soil with the locals.”
Ryder Cup tickets are already as rare as Masters tickets. According to the PGA of America, more than 500,000 people entered the draw for tickets, selling out the three official days of competition in a short time. Despite the controversial ticket prices, organizers insist that the Ryder Cup is a “Tier One” sporting event, a must-have experience for many people – and the price is right.
However, with this move to give away tickets, the PGA of America has cleverly calmed public opinion, while strengthening its connection with the local community, who not only love golf but are also the ones who contribute to the vitality of this world-class sporting event.
