Golf lovers rejoice!
The Ryder Cup, a biennial golf tournament between the best men’s players in the U.S. and European men’s teams, comes to Long Island this fall. About 25,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s competition, from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, at the Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale in Nassau County.
The American team will be seeking to win the title this year after the Europeans clinched it in 2023 in Rome.
But, what if you can’t score Ryder Cup tickets? No problem — grab this chance to soak up the Ryder Cup atmosphere at a local watch party in Eisenhower Park.
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Sept. 26–28), 12 PM – 6 PM each day
Where: The spacious Kite Field at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow
Why go: It’s free, open-to-all, and no tickets needed. Bring a chair or blanket, watch live on big screens, and feel the excitement just miles from Bethpage Black.
Relax on the grass with neighbors and golf fans alike—experience the Ryder Cup energy in the heart of Nassau County!
So, whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or tagging along with one, there’s plenty to do beyond the greens. From historical sites and museums to gourmet chocolate shops and Gatsby-era mansions, there’s no shortage of ways to round out your trip.
Here are some can’t-miss attractions to check out while you’re in town.
What to Do:
Great Gatsby-Inspired Tours: No trip to Long Island is complete without a “Great Gatsby” tour. The classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, leaps off the pages and comes to life at the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. Take a tour through the Coe Hall Historic House Museum, a Gatsby-era, 65-room, Tudor mansion, within the 400-acre park in Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Sagamore Hill: History buffs won’t want to miss a trip to Sagamore Hill, the beloved summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt. The 26th president of the United States stayed in the Oyster Bay, N.Y. home from 1885 until his death in 1919. The 83-acre estate features trails, including one that leads to a Cold Spring Harbor beach and tidal salt marsh.
Visit Museum Row: Just 15 miles from the Ryder Cup, lies Nassau County’s Museum Row in Garden City, N.Y. The whole family can explore aviation history at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, let the kids do live science experiments at the Long Island Children’s Museum, and then check out vintage firefighting equipment at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. Spend a fun-filled afternoon—or a whole day—learning more about local history.
Shopping: Indulge in some retail therapy at some of the area’s best local shops. Check out Back in Time, which sells vintage furniture, home décor, and freshly baked goods, in Farmingdale. While you’re in Farmingdale, pop into the Chocolate Duck, which offers homemade cakes and gourmet chocolates. And pick up some goodies at Scrubz Body. The shop sells skincare products like its namesake scrubs, lotions, and creams.
Tee Off: Inspired by the Ryder Cup? Tee off at the Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course. Local officials recently invested millions of dollars to upgrade this 18-hole course on 121 acres, including water hazards and bunkers. The course also features a 29-stall driving range, a putting green, and The Mansion (a clubhouse grille) — then keep the momentum going and check out more public golf courses in Nassau County, including Eisenhower Park!
Where to Eat:
There isn’t any shortage of places to get a great meal near the Ryder Cup—just make sure to make reservations early.
The Villager Farmingdale: Order a burger and fries and one of the two dozen, seasonal beers at this casual restaurant with an outdoor patio.
Pearl Kitchen: This sleek establishment, in Old Bethpage, is known for its seafood, cocktails, and live music. Don’t leave without ordering the oysters.
Press 195: This casual restaurant offers a wide selection of pressed sandwiches, heroes, and dipping sauces for fries. You won’t want to miss the Maple Syrup Basil Pesto on the #13, a caprese sandwich.
Where to Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Long Island Farmingdale: Stay close to the action at the Hampton Inn & Suites. The hotel offers free breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, and a fitness center.
Hilton Garden Inn Melville: Just 10 minutes away from the Bethpage Black Golf Course (without traffic) is the Hilton Garden Inn in Plainview, N.Y. Guests enjoy free parking, pet-friendly rooms, and a fitness center. There is also a restaurant on site.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Long Island-Melville: Your stay at this Plainview hotel includes free breakfast, in-room kitchens, and Wednesday night socials. Guests can also enjoy the pet-friendly rooms, fitness center, and indoor pool.
