Players arriving at Bethpage Black for Friday’s Ryder Cup will notice something missing: the iconic sign warning golfers of the course’s brutal difficulty has been temporarily removed.
The famous plaque, positioned near the first tee, usually reads: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”
But with 24 of the world’s best about to compete, organisers clearly felt no such reminder was necessary.
The decision to take down the sign adds to the sense of occasion as Europe and the United States prepare to renew hostilities in New York.
The notoriously demanding public course, which has hosted two US Opens and a PGA Championship, is expected to provide a stern test across three days of competition.
European captain Luke Donald will be hoping history repeats itself after Keegan Bradley’s decision to open with alternate-shot foursomes rather than fourballs — the same move that paid off spectacularly for Donald in Rome two years ago.
Players arriving at Bethpage Black for Friday’s Ryder Cup will notice something missing: the iconic sign warning golfers of the course’s brutal difficulty has been temporarily removed
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Europe swept the opening session 4-0 at Marco Simone in 2023, setting up a commanding lead that proved decisive.
Donald, 47, could even choose to pair up the same four duos who “cleaned up” in that morning session, including the likes of Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm, all of whom thrived under the pressure.
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Team Europe celebrate winning the Ryder Cup back in 2023
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Bradley, however, can point to precedent on home soil.
Team USA used foursomes to devastating effect at Whistling Straits in 2021, winning the two morning sessions by a combined score of 6-2 before romping to a record-breaking 19-9 victory.
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Foursomes have traditionally favoured the hosts. Europe have dropped just half a point from 12 available on the opening day across 2014, 2018 and 2023, while the Americans famously whitewashed the Friday foursomes 4-0 at Hazeltine in 2016.
The format is often seen as a tone-setter for the weekend, rewarding discipline and familiarity among pairings.
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The Black Course is regarded as one of the toughest layouts in the United States, known for its length, thick rough and punishing bunkers.
Crowds are expected to be boisterous, adding another layer of difficulty for Europe as they look to defend the trophy away from home for the first time since 2012.
With the stage set, the opening foursomes will carry huge weight in determining momentum. Donald will hope his side can silence the New York galleries early, while Bradley will be counting on his team to replicate the dominance of Whistling Straits.
Either way, no one will need a sign to remind them how difficult Bethpage Black can be.