Ryder Cup fans may have had to splash out a fortune for coveted tickets to the battle at Bethpage this week but they’ll be relieved to know that they won’t have to spend a dime on food. Drink on the other hand is another issue.
Golf fans were left furious when tickets for the biennial bust up went on sale in November last year, selling for jaw-dropping prices up to $749.51 (£574.29).
But included in that eye watering figure is unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages, allowing spectators to claw back some of their extortionate entrance fee – albeit a minute fraction.
At the concession stands and food markets across the iconic Bethpage Black course, fans can help themselves to non-alcoholic drinks, main meals and snacks.
The menu offers classic American-style food, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches, served up at servings stations around the markets for fans to grab and go.
However, it’s not good news for those wanting to indulge in a beer, glass of wine or even a cocktail.
The Ryder Cup is now just days away with the tournament beginning in New York on Friday
Fans have already started flocking to Bethpage Black to watch the players’ practice rounds
Alcoholic beverages, while on offer at the many bars or ‘pouring stations’ across the tournament, come at a cost – a steep one.
16-oz Michelob Ultras cost $15 before tax, while fans wanting a Bud Light or a Premium Beer will have to fork out an extra dollar, Daily Mail Sport can confirm.
For the more hardcore drinkers, the a 19-ounce Premier Beer is priced at $19 and a 25-ounce Michelob Ultra costs $18.
A glass of Chardonnay is priced at $14, while a champagne will set spectators back a staggering $22.
A range of cocktails, including the aptly named ‘Mulligan’ and ‘Cherry Fairway Fizz’, cost between $17.50 and $19.50.
Captained by Luke Donald, the Europe team – featuring Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm amongst others – are bidding to become only the fifth side in history to beat the Americans on their own patch.
It won’t be easy however with Scottie Scheffler, Xander Scheuffele and Bryson DeChambeau part of an impressive USA team.
The golf therefore is bound to entertain, but what’s not been so thrilling for punters so far is the prices they’re being asked to fork out for a beer. The hefty prices sparked outrage from fans on social media, who dubbed the cost of food and drink at the event as ‘horrendous’.
‘Are the prices meant to deter drinking? $!5 for a BUD LIGHT??? Also, how much is the sales tax? Grateful to be sober, if only for financial reasons! LOL’, one posted.
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The hefty prices of alcoholic drinks at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black have been revealed
Fans dubbed the prices ‘horrendous’ and ‘disgusting’ after they were asked to fork out north of $250 for a ticket
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Another complained: ‘That’s insane. Give the people reasonable prices cmon man….’
One more noted: ‘As ridiculous as that is, it is on par with most sporting events I attend.’
‘Something’s gotta happen with these tournament alcohol prices. You shouldn’t have to spend $320 on alcohol to get drunk.’
While the Ryder Cup’s menu is in keeping with the steep prices of the New York sporting scene, with the likes of Yankee Stadium and MetLife Stadium – the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets – charging similar eye watering fees, it’s a stark contrast to The Masters.
Food and drink is one area where the exclusive, mysterious Augusta National prefers to keep it simple.
There are 27 items on offer, none of which costs more than $6. Some have increased in price, including cookies and peanuts (up $0.25 on last year). But, in total, the entire menu would still cost a patron just $77.
It comes after fans were left appalled by an increase in ticket prices for the Ryder Cup late last year.
For practice days alone, fans were forced to fork out a staggering $255.57 for a ticket, $423.64 (£324.60) for Wednesday, and a heart-stopping $749.51 (£574.29) for actual competitive action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The competitive action in New York gets underway on Friday.