Ryder Cup opening ceremony, celebrity match kick things off at Bethpage Black
Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage Black held a star-studded opening ceremony on Wednesday.
Holding the ceremony a day early due to concerns about Thursday's weather, organizers pulled off a grand welcome to kick off one of golf's biggest international events.
From Hollywood stars to local professional sports legends, the crowd was packed with familiar faces and thousands of excited fans.
Fans revel in Celebrity All-Star Match
Celebrities on hand included singers Noah Kahn, Miranda Lambert, and Kane Brown, as well as chef Bobby Flay. A number of them competed in this year's 10-hole Celebrity All-Star Match, which was won by Team USA.
"You get to see that they're regular people just like we are, and they're not that good at golf," said Roger Fazio of Rhode Island.
"It's just nice to be in their presence and see their enthusiasm," added Carol Tribus of Ballston Spa, New York.
- Read more: Ryder Cup 2025 prompts Long Island residents near Bethpage Black to rent out driveways and homes
Two retired New York Giants, Eli Manning and Michael Strahan, also took some time to sign autographs.
Funny man Colin Jost also competed, as did tennis great John McEnroe, who traded in his racket for a golf club.
"The guy has been out there forever and the fact that he is able to do this, and walk this course, is amazing," said Nick Basil of Islip, New York.
On the European side, Brooklyn Beckham and Catherine Zeta-Jones brought international star power to the fairways. Fans followed their every move and cheered just as loud for those from Hollywood as they did the pros.
Bethpage Black regulars amazed by course's transformation
For many locals, it was extra special to see such global sports event hosted inside Bethpage State Park.
"We play here on the regular, so it's cool to see it like this. It's actually hard to recognize it set up like this, but it's pretty cool," Islip resident Steve Bider said.
The energy and excitement was palpable.
"I love the game. I love the competition," said Nick Risom of Rowayton, Connecticut.
"Very excited to see all the pros up close," said Cameron Wallace of Delaware.
"Fun, vibrant, there's thousands of people here to watch and cheer on," added Julie Eichenseer of Chicago.
As for the professional golf stars from the U.S. and Europe, they spent Wednesday practicing. The actual competition starts Friday morning.
With no parking available, Gov. Kathy Hochul said there will be extra Long Island Rail Road service to accommodate fans heading to Bethpage Black. Up to nine additional eastbound trains will head to Farmingdale, where PGA shuttle buses will take fans to the course.
