If the Ryder Cup buzz has you itching to swing a club on Long Island but Bethpage Black is off-limits, set your sights on Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. With three public 18-hole courses, a driving range, and easy access to great restaurants, it’s the perfect day-long itinerary to channel that Team USA energy without the ticket scramble.
7:30 AM — Arrival & Warm-Up
Beat the rush and roll into Eisenhower Park early. Give yourself 30 minutes to stretch, roll a few putts, and get your tempo right at the practice green. If you’re new to the park, swing by the pro shop to confirm your tee time, grab balls, sunscreen, and a yardage book. Ryder Cup mindset: calm, confident, routine-driven.
Pro tip: Book morning tee times well in advance, especially in late summer and early fall, as Ryder Cup fever hits.
8:00 AM — Tee Off: Choose Your Course
Eisenhower Park offers three distinct 18-hole experiences, Red, White, and Blue, each with its own personality. Pick based on your mood and playing partners:
- Red Course: Classic parkland layout with strategic bunkering and mature trees. Demands accuracy off the tee and a steady short game.
- White Course: Friendly fairways and forgiving approaches are ideal for mixed-ability groups or if you’re easing back into the game.
- Blue Course: Quietly challenging with subtle doglegs and green complexes that reward smart misses.
Whichever you choose, think match-play strategy: favor angles over hero shots, and keep your pace brisk.
12:30 PM — Lunch Near the Park
You’ve earned it. East Meadow, Westbury, Carle Place, and Garden City have plenty of solid options:
- Waterzooi (Garden City): Belgian bistro known for mussels, frites, and hearty post-round fare. Great beer list if your group is celebrating.
- The Union (East Meadow/Eisenhower Park): The Union, where global eats, local freshness, and seasonal flair unite.
- The Shed (Westbury): Scratch-made comfort fare serving brunch, lunch, and dinner plus great drinks!
- The Capital Grille (Garden City): Power-lunch steaks and a polished vibe if you’re mixing golf with client time.
2:00 PM — Range Session or Short-Course Focus
Back to the park for a smart afternoon tune-up. Instead of another 18, build a Ryder Cup-style practice circuit:
- Fairway woods & hybrids (20 minutes): Simulate long par-4 approaches—two balls per “hole,” pick a target, and commit to a pre-shot routine.
- Wedge ladder (20 minutes): 40/60/80 yards into a designated landing zone. Keep score based on proximity to the target and try to beat your best.
- Up-and-down challenge (20 minutes): Drop three balls around the green—tight lie, bunker, light rough—and play out for par. Track your % saves.
- Pressure putts (15 minutes): Ten putts inside six feet. Reset if you miss. This is how you win the last hole on Sunday.
Short, focused, and more valuable than grinding full swings until your hands quit.
3:30 PM — Nine-Hole Twilight (Optional)
If daylight and energy allow, sneak in a twilight nine on a different course than your morning round. Aim for target golf: one club less off the tee, center-green approaches, two-putt pace. Treat it like a closing session with your foursome—low-stress, high-fun.
Pro tip: Twilight slots go fast on clear fall days. Check availability as you’re wrapping lunch.
5:45 PM — Post-Round Drinks & Bites
Cap the day within a quick radius:
- The Greene Turtle (East Meadow): Casual sports bar vibe with wings, sliders, and cold drafts. Great for catching Ryder Cup highlights.
- Garden Social (East Meadow): Craft beers, elevated bar bites, and an outdoor beer garden when the weather’s right.
- Salisbury Tavern (Westbury): A popular neighborhood bar offering a fun atmosphere with a solid lineup of bar food and drinks. Perfect for a casual hangout, post-golf chill session.
Why Eisenhower Park Golf Courses During Ryder Cup Season?
- Accessible & public: You can’t tee it up on Bethpage Black during the event, but Eisenhower Park gives you multiple public options that still feel “big-stage” with tree-lined fairways and classic parkland vibes.
- Practice-friendly: Plenty of space to sharpen exactly what you see on TV—course management, wedge control, and pressure putting.
- Food within minutes: From celebratory steaks to easy shared plates, you won’t waste time searching post-round.
What to Book & Bring
- Tee times: Morning 18 + optional twilight nine if you want the full-send.
- Practice plan: Jot down your wedge distances and a putting game to avoid aimless range time.
- Essentials: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, a couple of extra gloves (humidity happens), and a light layer for evening breezes.
The Ryder Cup celebrates razor-sharp precision, confidence under fire, and the thrilling swing of momentum. You don’t need a pro’s swing or a reservation at Bethpage Black to channel that energy. Start your own story right here on Long Island: head to Eisenhower Park, run through some purposeful reps, and wrap it up with a satisfying local meal. You’ll walk away with a sharper short game.
Want to keep the Ryder Cup momentum going? Head to the Ryder Cup Watch Party at Eisenhower Park!
Catch all the live action on a giant screen at Eisenhower Park’s Kite Field right in the Heart of East Meadow with your neighbors and fellow golf fans.
- When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday (September 26–28), from 12 PM to 6 PM each day
- Where: The spacious Kite Field, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
- Why go: Completely free, open to all, and no ticket required. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle into the grass, and soak in the Ryder Cup atmosphere just miles from Bethpage Black. Plus, get your hands on exclusive Ryder Cup merch!
