From Phil Young:
The announcement that Bethpage Black will be hosting the 2019 PGA and the 2024 Ryder Cup is wonderful news. I noticed some comments and questions about the relationship between the USGA & Bethpage already and thought that I'd answer them. Kevin D. surmised, "What is far more interesting to me is - has Bethpage taken itself out of the US Open rota?" The answer is an emphatic NO! The USGA took Bethpage out of it and it was only after the relationship had been cut off that Bethpage took the call from the PGA. I have absolute first-hand knowledge of this as when parties at the USGA learned that they were speaking to both Barclay's and the PGA I was asked to approach Bethpage on their behalf.
The entire episode will be detailed in a new history of Bethpage that was delayed pending the announcement of the PGA & Ryder Cup at Bethpage. It should be out late next spring.
If anyone has specific questions feel free to email me at my website, www.goldenageresearch.com and I'll gladly answer them as I may. Phil Young
Joe, et.al.,
It's easy (and accurate) for Phil to portray NY State (owners of Bethpage) as the benign and slighted party in this, however no one knows better than Pete Bevaqua and the folks at the PGA that ANY involvement with them precludes them from short-to-medium term involvement with the USGA for an Open.
Bethpage wants/needs and deserves to make considerable $$ from any relationship with professional golf and the PGA's promise of a PGA and two future RCs will help fill their coffers. It will also allow them to better justify spending more $$ on the park complex...thus a win/win for the NY golfing public.
I will be the first to state that I expect the next "NEW" NYC Metro area course to break into the US Open rota will be Ferry Point. Don't be surprised to read shortly about the very strong quality and potential of Ferry Point to host major events. It'll only be a matter of time.