As highlighted across the past month in The Cut, the ASTMA's weekly industry newsletter, Royal Melbourne Golf Club greenkeeper Hugh Ryan is currently interning at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York which shortly plays host to the 45th Ryder Cup between the USA and Europe. Its famous Black Course will be the stage for this year’s tournament, with the US seeking to reclaim the iconic trophy on home soil after relinquishing it in Italy two years ago. With the tournament teeing off this Friday (26 September), the crew hit 'Advance Week' last week at full pace. Read on below for Ryan's latest update...

"Advance Week is here… and so are the 4.30am starts! The early kick-off each day has been enforced this past week which has been absolutely gruelling. The Bethpage crew have done over 85 hours this week and next week (tournament week) will easily see us notch 90-plus. With the majority of the team not having had a day off for close to two months, we are doing our best to remain upbeat and switched on for the biggest tournament in world golf this year.

"On Monday and Tuesday (15 and 16 September) the European team, led by captain Luke Donald, were on site for their first practice rounds. So far, all commentary has been positive about the course as we look to tune up all the smaller features over the coming days.

"Rope lines are now being set up throughout the course along with sponsor signage and tournament tee signs. We have carried out plenty of string trimming along tree lines to help with spectator movement and viewing throughout high rough sections. Hand-weeding in bunkers and rough has been ongoing for the last few weeks.

"We would like to thank Toro for their ongoing support throughout the lead up and during the tournament. They have provided the crew with a fleet of carts, electric hand mowers for greens, rough mowers, fairway mowers and electric backpack blowers. This will greatly assist our preparation with close to 100 volunteers set to join us across tournament week.

"The weather is looking positive for the next few days although a little bit of rain in the forecast could be handy to ease some of the handwatering pressure during tournament week and help us to provide the ideal surfaces that Bethpage Black is renowned for.

"And finally, as our preparations out on the course continued, the crew were given a further boost when it was announced by the PGA of America earlier in the week that Bethpage Black will play host to the 2033 PGA Championship (it last hosted it in 2019) as well as the 2028 KPMG Women's PGA Championship for the first time. It’s all happening!

"I hope you are enjoying these insights into preparations for the 2025 Ryder Cup. For more photos and videos, check out and follow @hughsworldofturf  on Instagram." – Hugh Ryan

Photos (from top down): View from the 1st tee to the narrow fairway; looking towards the par three 14th green from the tee; and looking towards the 6th green. Photos: Hugh Ryan