When the United States Golf Association did not announce a return trip to Bethpage Black after the 2009 U.S. Open, it seemed the course was on the outs with the governing body behind the national open. At the U.S. Open this summer, when Shinnecock got back in the mix for 2018, it looked like the first open Open track was on the bench.
Well, it may be that Bethpage has simply been traded. Sources indicate the PGA of America is looking to bring the PGA Championship or Ryder Cup, perhaps both, to the Long Island course.
The chatter has been going for some time in the metropolitan NYC area and had been a topic on Brian Katrek’s radio show.
Several items further piqued the interest of observers.
Earlier this summer, it was announced The Barlcays would be coming to Bethpage in 2012 and 2016 as part of a new rotation for the first leg of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup playoffs and an extension of the title sponsorship.
Weeks later, the USGA also announced that ’08 PGA Championship host Oakland Hills would be hosting the 2016 U.S. Amateur – a typical precursor to a U.S. Open bid.
Talk intensified in recent weeks of a possible move, but no host site for the PGA Championship in 2019 or beyond was named at Atlanta Athletic Club this week.
Kerry Haigh of the PGA of America did acknowledge in an email that Bethpage has made overtures to host a championship.
“ I can let you know that Bethpage have expressed interest in possibly hosting a PGA of America Championship event,” Haigh told PGT in an email. “We receive interest from a number of facilities each year and then follow up with each site accordingly. We are honored that Bethpage have shown such interest.”
