Bethpage Black is one of the world’s most difficult golf courses, and that was proven when it last hosted a major championship back in 2019.
The 2019 PGA Championship was played at New York’s famed course, and it proved to be too much for some of the world’s best players. Only six shot under par in the major, won by Brooks Koepka.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were one-over at the end of Sunday and nine shots off the lead, but they still finished T8 in the tournament.
Bethpage Black is back on the big stage six years later, as it is the host for the 2025 Ryder Cup. That could be a worry for much of the 2025 field, which didn’t shower itself in glory in 2019.
In fact, only one player who is ready to tee off in New York shot under par in that tournament.
Patrick Cantlay was the only 2025 Ryder Cup player to shoot under par at Bethpage Black
Patrick Cantlay was the only player in this year’s Ryder Cup cast to shoot under par at the 2019 PGA Championship. He finished two under and T3 in one of his greatest ever major performances.
Cantlay impressed with his consistency throughout the tournament, maintaining a steady score as others dropped like a stone around him. He shot a one-under 69 in his opening round, then recorded scores of 70, 68, and 71 to finish in windy conditions.
The American’s ability to maintain accuracy and distance off the tee throughout the weekend was key to his success at Bethpage Black. Rarely did he find himself in the long, thick rough or hitting out of the gigantic bunkers which define the course.
He set up multiple birdie opportunities with his elite approach play, where others were struggling to simply make greens in regulation.
The result, which remains tied for his best major championship finish, gave Cantlay the confidence needed to compete with the sport’s best players. Two weeks later, he clinched his second PGA Tour victory at the Memorial Tournament.
Cantlay is an excellent Ryder performer for Team USA. He has a 5-2-1 record in his two appearances and is undefeated in singles matches, beating Justin Rose and Lowry. And he takes the advantage of being the only player in the field with positive Bethpage Black experience into the tournament.
Two 2025 Ryder Cup major winners missed the cut last time they played Bethpage Black
While nearly every player in the field struggled at Bethpage, two major winners who are playing in the 2025 Ryder Cup missed the cut. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau both didn’t make the weekend.
The LIV Golf duo, who have four majors between them, needed to score 144 to make the cut. Rahm came close with 145, and DeChambeau 146 to send him home early.
A lot has been made of DeChambeau’s long-driving being ideally suited to Bethpage Black. Much of Team USA’s hopes rest on his shoulders as one of the two best American players.
Meanwhile, Rahm was LIV’s individual champion and went undefeated in Rome on Europe’s way to a dominant victory. He’s a key player for Luke Donald’s side.
McIlroy said Bethpage Black is easier because the rough has been cut down for this tournament, but some positive experiences at the venue would have gone a long way for these two superstars.
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