As highlighted across the past two editions of The Cut, Royal Melbourne Golf Club greenkeeper Hugh Ryan is currently interning at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York which later this month hosts 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 in a fortnight's time, preparations are really starting to ramp up. Read on below for Ryan's third update... 

"Well, after last week talking about recording only 1.8 inches of rain for August, which is below Bethpage’s usual average of four inches, the weather gods decided to drop two inches on us last Saturday night and Sunday morning (6 and 7 September) leaving behind only a few wash outs (pictured above) in bunkers but lots of ground water.

On Sunday we were not able to cut or roll any surfaces which meant Monday produced high clipping yields from the surfaces with all greens getting a single cut and the fairways receiving a double cut in one direction (tee to green). However, the rain did come in handy given all short cut surfaces received a light topdress/dusting last Thursday (pictured top is sand being brushed into the 18th fairway). The sand has settled in well now and will be the last one before the tournament.

"Bunker work has continued over the last week with packing on the faces nearing completion. Normally two inches of rain would leave some deep wash outs but that is not the case on the Black Course at Bethpage. Across a six year period from 2011, all greenside bunkers and select fairway bunkers were rebuilt in house with Better Billy Bunker installed. Better Billy Bunker is made from at least two inches of gravel and blue stone mixed together to form the base which is sealed with epoxy to create an immovable body in the bunkers which is perfect for drainage. It also holds structure around the bunker resulting in minimal damage from rain. With approx. 4-6 inches of sand in the bunkers it only takes a short amount of time with a rake or Sand Pro to fix the damage. 

"As of this past Monday (8 September), Bethpage’s Red and Blue courses closed meaning there is now no more golf across the property (the Black, Green and Yellow courses had closed earlier on 18 August). This is extremely convenient for all not only the construction and the safety of golfers but also for the crews on the other courses to get some seeding and aeration done as well as some rest for high traffic areas. Golf demand is extremely high at Bethpage with many people wanting to walk around the facility. The courses need to be kept to a high standard so that when public golf returns in October after the tournament has concluded we will be ready to produce the best surfaces on all courses.

"Tournament infrastructure continues to grow at a rapid rate with a grandstand now being built over the back tees on the par three 17th hole and 25 big screen viewing boards being erected throughout the property. Over 950 portable toilets and 70-plus executive restroom trailers are also being positioned. Seven miles of chain link fencing has been installed along with 23 miles of red mesh which will cover all fencing and tournament buildings which will help to create a sea of red. Tables, chairs and fridges are being placed at the numerous food and beverage stalls as the countdown to the tournament continues.

"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."

Story and photos by Hugh Ryan