Major Championships Coming to New York: Bethpage Black and Oak Hill to Host Three Events

In a significant announcement for golf enthusiasts, the PGA of America has confirmed that two iconic New York golf courses—Bethpage Black and Oak Hill—will host three major championships over the next decade. This decision comes just one week before the highly anticipated Ryder Cup, marking a major milestone for golf in the Empire State.

Upcoming Major Championships

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will take place on the Black Course at Bethpage Black in 2028, while the PGA Championship will return to Bethpage Black for its second time in 2033. Additionally, the PGA Championship is set to be held at Oak Hill, located near Rochester, in 2035. This will be the fifth time Oak Hill has hosted the prestigious tournament.

The Ryder Cup, which begins on September 26, 2025, will be the first time this international team competition has been held in New York in 30 years. Bethpage Black, known for its challenging layout, previously hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, establishing its reputation as a premier golf venue.

A Historic Venue for Women’s Golf

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has been jointly organized by the PGA of America and the LPGA Tour since 2015. This collaboration has significantly elevated the tournament, which is the second-oldest major in women’s golf. The event had previously been held in the Rochester area at Locust Grove and Monroe but has not returned to New York under the current tournament structure since 2015 at Westchester.

Don Rea Jr., the current president of the PGA of America, emphasized the importance of this event returning to such a prestigious course. “Bringing the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to Bethpage Black is a significant milestone and reflects our commitment to staging this event at premier courses in major markets,” he stated.

The Importance of Venue Selection

The selection of venues for major tournaments is critical, as they not only provide a backdrop for the competition but also enhance the experience for players and fans alike. LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler noted, “Venues matter. They elevate our athletes and amplify the moments that define our game.” Since the partnership between the PGA of America and the LPGA, the Women’s PGA Championship has been hosted at eight courses that have previously hosted major tournaments, including Baltusrol in New Jersey and Hazeltine in Minnesota.

Recent PGA Championship Highlights

Brooks Koepka has emerged as a dominant figure in recent PGA Championships held in New York, winning at Bethpage Black in 2019 and at Oak Hill in 2023. The PGA Championship shifted its schedule from August to May starting in 2019, successfully avoiding the frigid weather conditions that can accompany late-summer events. However, the tournament at Oak Hill did experience a frost delay during the first round in 2023.

In addition to these major championships, New York is set to host the U.S. Open next year at Shinnecock Hills. Furthermore, the Western Golf Association will bring the BMW Championship—a key event in the FedEx Cup playoff series—to Liberty National in New Jersey in 2027.

The Future of Golf in New York

The PGA Tour previously ceased operations in the New York metropolitan area in 2021 after losing a title sponsor that had rotated the first postseason event between New York and Boston. However, the return of major championships to this region signals a renewed interest in hosting high-profile golf events.

The Ryder Cup, which is expected to draw large and enthusiastic crowds to Bethpage Black, last took place in New York at Oak Hill in 1995. Since then, Europe has won the Ryder Cup 10 out of the last 14 times, adding to the competitive narrative surrounding this prestigious tournament.

As golf prepares for a decade filled with exciting major events, the anticipation surrounding these championships at Bethpage Black and Oak Hill continues to build. Fans and players alike are eager to witness the drama and excitement that will unfold on these historic courses.

Key Facts

– **KPMG Women’s PGA Championship**: Scheduled for Bethpage Black in 2028.
– **PGA Championship**: Set for Bethpage Black in 2033 and Oak Hill in 2035.
– **Ryder Cup**: Begins on September 26, 2025, at Bethpage Black; last held in New York in 1995.
– **Brooks Koepka**: Winner of the last two PGA Championships held in New York (2019 at Bethpage Black and 2023 at Oak Hill).
– **U.S. Open**: Scheduled for Shinnecock Hills in 2024.
– **BMW Championship**: Coming to Liberty National in New Jersey in 2027.

Source: www.espn.com