This week, the spotlight turns to New York as the Ryder Cup returns. Over three days, 24 of the world’s best golfers will face off at Bethpage Black, bringing not only elite competition but also the promise of economic windfall for the host city and its surrounding communities.
The narrative is familiar: packed hotels, millions in visitor spending, and global TV exposure. But as with many major sporting events, the reality is more complex. Does the Ryder Cup truly deliver the economic boom that’s promised every two years?
Rome 2023: Big Numbers, Subtle Questions
Organisers of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome claimed the event generated over €250 million for the city.
- Around €100 million was attributed to tourist spending.
- More than 270,000 fans attended.
- 40% of visitors came from outside Italy.
On paper, this looks transformative. Yet Italian economists raised concerns about the substitution effect — suggesting many fans would have travelled to Italy anyway, just adjusting their trips to align with Ryder Cup week. This raises doubts about how much of that €250m figure was truly “new” economic activity.
Wales 2010: When the Data and the Streets Disagree
The Welsh Government invested £50 million in public money to host the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Officials later reported an £82 million economic boost plus £50 million in global media exposure value.
But on the ground, the story wasn’t as rosy. Newport’s restaurants reported declines in business due to traffic restrictions and heavy security. While the official data painted success, many local businesses felt excluded from the supposed economic lift.
Scotland 2014 and France 2018: Record Claims, Mixed Legacies
The 2014 edition at Gleneagles was heralded as a major success. An official study pegged the impact at £106 million, with nearly two-thirds of fans travelling from abroad. VisitScotland even called it a “once-in-a-generation shop window.”
France took note and promised even more. The 2018 Ryder Cup near Paris generated claims of €235 million in economic benefit, with 270,000 fans in attendance. Organisers pledged hundreds of new public golf courses as part of the event’s legacy. But many of those projects never materialised, leaving behind questions about inflated forecasts and the true cost of delivery. Public guarantees alone reportedly ran to €40 million.
Looking Ahead: Bethpage Black 2025
As the Ryder Cup descends on Long Island, officials are projecting $150–200 million in local spending. Hotels are already close to capacity, and corporate hospitality — some packages priced at $10,000 or more — has sold out quickly.
But as with past editions, questions remain:
- How much of that spending is genuinely new to the region?
- Who ultimately benefits — local businesses, or the governing bodies and organisers?
- And given the scale of public investment required to host, does the value justify the cost?
The Verdict: A Prestigious Showcase, But Not a Silver Bullet
The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly a cultural and sporting phenomenon. For one week, Rome, Newport, or Bethpage becomes the centre of the sporting world. The event delivers prestige, visibility, and unforgettable moments.
Yet, the economic story is less straightforward. Governments often spend tens of millions to secure hosting rights, while a significant share of profits flows to golf’s governing organisations. Local businesses may benefit — or, in some cases, be squeezed by restrictions. And the players themselves, despite being the stars of the show, see little of the revenue directly.
The Ryder Cup brings scale and spectacle. But whether it truly delivers on its economic promise depends on where you sit — in the boardrooms of organisers, or on the high street of the host town.
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IMAGE: Ryder Cup
