GBR Wednesday | $750 Tickets and Sold-Out Suites: Welcome to the Most Exclusive Ryder Cup Yet
Every Tuesday (Wednesday) and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Latest Summary of What's Happening in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good morning, GBR community,
Another busy week ahead in the world of golf.
We have a busy Wednesday edition this week, covering stories such as KONETiQ’s new partnership deal with the National Golf Federation and the eight different winners of the PGA Tour’s 2025 Signature Events. For those who can’t stand chipping with a wedge, a new chipper has just been announced by Odyssey.
Our major story today delves into the Ryder Cup’s economic background as we mark the passing of less than 100 days until the first tee shot in the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. After his victory at The Travelers Championship, Keegan Bradley looks set to emulate Arnold Palmer in 1963 as captain and player.
We have our usual mix of covering the top stories in the following sectors:
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
For Paid Subscribers
Enjoy, and we’ll catch up again on Friday.
1. INDUSTRY
KONETiQ AND NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO TRANSFORM GOLF MARKETING
Digital marketing firm KONETiQ has partnered with the National Golf Foundation (NGF) in a new collaboration aimed at redefining how golf businesses reach and engage the sport’s 47 million U.S. participants. Combining NGF’s data with KONETiQ’s digital media capabilities, the partnership enables hyper-targeted campaigns across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime, offering brands and course operators unparalleled access to a high-income, high-spending golf audience. The alliance promises custom audience creation and data-driven solutions that span retail, tourism, and automotive sectors. Backed by prior success stories—including a 200% performance gain for a state tourism bureau and a significant traffic boost for Polestar showrooms—the partnership signals a new era of precision marketing within and beyond the golf industry.
The partnership is designed to benefit a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including golf resorts, equipment manufacturers, and non-endemic brands seeking access to the affluent and engaged golf consumer base. NGF’s proprietary data includes granular insights into player behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. At the same time, KONETiQ’s platform enables dynamic ad delivery and real-time optimization across streaming, social, and connected TV channels. This integration enables marketers to surpass traditional demographic targeting and connect with golfers based on their actual behavior and intent. As part of the agreement, NGF members will gain priority access to KONETiQ’s campaign tools and consultation services, enabling them to refine messaging and maximize ROI across a rapidly evolving digital media landscape. The initiative underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth within the golf ecosystem. Further details of the partnership between KONETiQ and the National Golf Federation can be found in KONETiQ’s press release here.
GOLFNOW ADDS GOLF BALLS AND RENTAL CLUBS TO ONLINE TEE-TIME CHECKOUT
GolfNow has expanded its booking-engine technology to allow golfers to pre-purchase golf balls and rental clubs during the tee-time checkout process, providing courses with a new avenue to boost revenue before players arrive. Joining range balls as pre-round add-ons, the new features streamline the customer experience while tapping into high-demand items, particularly golf balls, which, according to the National Golf Foundation, remain the top driver of equipment sales with a 7% year-over-year increase. Golfers, who lose an average of one to four balls per round, now have the option to stock up in advance, a move that has already proven beneficial at courses like Beckett Ridge Golf Club in Ohio. GolfNow’s Todd Triplett emphasized the growing importance of mobile convenience, noting that courses not leveraging such tools risk missing out on both sales and improved customer satisfaction. An app-based version of the feature is currently in development. More information is available at GolfNow.
FORESIGHT SPORTS AND PUTTVIEW PARTNER TO DELIVER FULLY INTEGRATED SIMULATOR PUTTING EXPERIENCE
Foresight Sports has announced a groundbreaking partnership with PuttView, integrating their industry-leading golf simulator and putting technologies to deliver the first fully immersive tee-to-green indoor golf experience. Addressing one of simulator golf’s longest-standing limitations—realistic putting—the collaboration enables players to engage with projected putting data on a physical, sloped green, accurately replicating on-course conditions. The new PuttView Simulator Series is now available and fully compatible with Foresight’s SIM IN A BOX setups, starting at $19,980, with complete packages beginning at $45,499. This innovation enables golfers to transition seamlessly from driving to putting, whether practicing at home or training in professional facilities, marking an advancement in the realism and utility of simulator golf. More details of how PuttView and Foresight Sports simulators can be found here.
TRUGOLF LINKS TO OPEN FLAGSHIP INDOOR GOLF AND DINING VENUE IN CHERRY HILL
TruGolf Links is set to launch its first flagship indoor golf and dining venue at the Plaza at Cherry Hill by year’s end, bringing high-end golf simulators, an upscale bar, and a full-service restaurant to a 6,045-square-foot space within the shopping center. The move marks the debut of TruGolf’s new experiential concept, combining immersive golf technology with elevated hospitality, and is part of a broader regional expansion led by local entrepreneur Nicholas Reimondo, who plans to open 40 additional locations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Cherry Hill venue will feature five premium simulators and aims to serve as a dynamic community destination for golfers, families, and corporate groups alike. The announcement aligns with property owner Urban Edge Properties’ ongoing efforts to revitalize the Plaza. More details of TruGolf’s flagship venue at Cherry Hill can be found in Kimberly Redmond’s article for NJBiz.com.
GOLF PRO PAYMENTS AND TEECONTROL LAUNCH INTEGRATED PLATFORM FOR U.S. GOLF CLUBS
Golf Pro Payments, the company behind the Golf Pro POS system, has announced a strategic partnership with Teecontrol, the online tee-sheet leader, to deliver a fully integrated operations solution for U.S. golf clubs. The collaboration connects tee-time bookings directly to point-of-sale activity, enabling real-time check-ins, unified member profiles, and streamlined retail and F&B transactions—all within a single platform. Early adopters have reported 20% faster check-in times, increased upselling opportunities, and improved member satisfaction. “This is about helping golf pros focus less on admin and more on delivering great service,” said Golf Pro Payments founder Andrew Reeves, PGA. Now available across the U.S., the joint system equips clubs with powerful tools to improve efficiency and elevate the golfer experience. A demo for the new system can be requested here.
SALGADOS GOLF CLUB THRIVES UNDER TROON WITH €3.2M RENOVATION AND SURGE IN PERFORMANCE
Salgados Golf Club, situated in the Algarve, Portugal, is celebrating a strong first year under the management of global golf operator Troon, marked by a €3.2 million refurbishment that has transformed the venue’s sustainability and playing conditions. Key upgrades include a state-of-the-art Rain Bird irrigation system that replaced a 30-year-old network, significantly improving water efficiency and enhancing the natural landscape. Operationally, the club has seen a €200,000 revenue boost, a 47% surge in direct bookings, and cost savings through strategic partnerships such as the Callaway Preferred Rental Agreement. The course’s revival, paired with the appointment of experienced Troon executives and the rebranding of four on-site Highgate Portugal resorts into the Marriott portfolio, has firmly positioned Salgados as one of the region’s rising golf destinations. Troon and Highgate Portugal attribute their rapid progress to their shared commitment to excellence and a long-term vision for enhancing both the golfer's and guest's experiences. More details on the success of Salgados Golf Club can be found in Troon’s press release here.
2. CIRCUITS
SIGNATURE EVENTS PRODUCE ELITE WINNERS DESPITE EXPANDED ACCESS ON PGA TOUR
The PGA Tour’s revamped access structure for its $20 million signature events—now offering spots to the top 10 in FedEx Cup standings and the top five performers in events between—has opened more doors for rising players. Still, the outcomes remain firmly in the hands of golf’s elite. Keegan Bradley became the eighth different winner from eight signature events with his victory at the Travelers Championship. While his No. 21 world ranking was the lowest among winners this year, all eight champions now rank within the top 12 globally. Only Russell Henley (No. 14) and Sepp Straka (No. 17) joined Bradley in winning from outside the top 10, reinforcing the dominance of the sport’s upper echelon despite broader entry points.
Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Hideki Matsuyama are the only players to win at least one signature event in each of the past two seasons, with Scheffler taking four of the eight in 2024, including a successful title defense at the Memorial. McIlroy praised the format’s ability to unite the game’s best at top-tier venues, but noted the compressed nature of the season. “It feels like we’ve only got started,” McIlroy said, after the final signature event concluded in June. With three majors, two $20 million playoff events, and the $25 million FedEx Cup finale still on the horizon, the Tour’s elite continue to battle for record-setting stakes in a season that’s far from over. Doug Ferguson’s report for AP can be viewed here.
MAJESTICKS GC AND TRACKMAN LAUNCH GLOBAL FAN COMPETITION 'MAJESTICKS VS THE WORLD'
LIV Golf team Majesticks GC and Trackman have unveiled “Majesticks vs The World,” a global ‘closest to the pin’ competition giving amateur golfers the chance to take on Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, and Sam Horsfield on the iconic 6th hole at Real Club Valderrama. Running from June 23 to July 9, 2025, the free-to-enter challenge invites participants aged 13 and up to hit four shots using Trackman simulators or ranges, with the best shot measured against those from Majesticks players during LIV Golf Andalucía’s opening round on July 11. Prizes include Castore discounts, exclusive gear, and the chance to win a round with a Majesticks pro. Top scorers across the simulator, range, and junior categories will be rewarded, while any participant who beats a Majesticks player's mark is entered into the grand prize draw. Further details on the competition and how to enter can be found here.
JAMES PIOT BECOMES FIRST FORMER LIV PLAYER TO RECEIVE PGA TOUR SPONSOR’S EXEMPTION
James Piot, the 2021 U.S. Amateur champion and one of LIV Golf’s original signees, has made history as the first former LIV player to receive a sponsor’s exemption into a PGA Tour event, securing a spot in this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. The Michigan native, who reportedly signed a $6 million deal with LIV in 2022 but failed to make a competitive impact before being relegated to the Asian Tour, had been sidelined for much of 2024 due to shoulder surgery. With no LIV appearances since 2023, Piot was eligible to return under PGA Tour rules, and a series of late withdrawals opened the door for his long-awaited home-state debut. “It’s a dream come true,” said Piot, who was preparing to compete in a Monday qualifier when he got the call. Tournament official Mark Hollis confirmed Piot had been on the event’s radar from the start, adding, “It was one of the happiest calls I’ve made.” Joel Beall’s full article for Golf Digest can be read here.
NEW AWARD HONORS FRANCO CHIMENTI AND YOUNG TALENT AT ITALIAN OPEN
A new annual award honoring the legacy of the late Franco Chimenti, former President of the Italian Golf Federation, will debut at this week’s Italian Open at Argentario Golf Club. The Memorial Franco Chimenti Award will recognize the top-performing player born on or after January 1, 2000, who makes the cut and completes the tournament, with a trophy and €25,000 cash prize on offer. If the winner holds amateur status, the prize money will be held until they turn professional. Established by the Franco Chimenti Foundation in collaboration with the Italian Golf Federation and the DP World Tour, the award aims to support rising stars in professional golf. It will be presented annually at Italy’s national open. The 82nd edition of the Italian Open also marks the tournament’s return to Tuscany for the first time in over four decades, with defending champion Marcel Siem looking to repeat his 2023 playoff victory. More details of the Franco Chimenti award and the qualifying criteria ahead of this week’s Italian Open can be found here.
CLUB CAR EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH DP WORLD TOUR AND RYDER CUP THROUGH 2027
Club Car has renewed its long-standing partnership with the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup, committing to remain an Official Supplier of the Tour and a Worldwide Supplier to golf’s premier team event through the end of the 2027 season. The collaboration, which began in 1999, ensures that Club Car’s fleet of Tempo and Carryall vehicles will continue to play a vital role in tournament logistics, from rules enforcement to broadcast support, worldwide. The company will also maintain its elevated status as a Worldwide Supplier for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. Club Car has supported the Ryder Cup for 16 consecutive editions. Executives from both organizations praised the renewal as a reflection of shared commitment to operational excellence and innovation on golf’s biggest stages. More details on the extended partnership can be found here.
3. EQUIPMENT
ODYSSEY UNVEILS NEW CHIPPER DESIGNED TO BOOST SHORT-GAME CONFIDENCE
Odyssey has introduced its latest chipper, calling it the most advanced model the brand has ever produced, specifically designed for golfers seeking to simplify shots around the green. Featuring a confidence-inspiring hybrid-style head and a Step Sole Design borrowed from fairway woods, the new chipper is engineered to improve turf interaction and promote cleaner contact from various lies. A polymer insert on the face offers a soft feel reminiscent of a putter, while added grooves ensure consistent spin. With 37 degrees of loft, a longer grip for hand-position versatility, and options tailored for both men and women, the club will be available at retail on July 27 for $179.99 (£134.99, €154.99). Pre-orders for the Odyssey Chipper can be placed here.
4. For Paid Subscribers: THE $150 MILLION MATCH: THE ECONOMICS BEHIND HOSTING THE RYDER CUP
There was a dramatic ending to last weekend’s Travelers Championship.
Keegan Bradley dramatically pipped Tommy Fleetwood on the last hole at TPC River Highlands by making a closing birdie to edge the Englishman, who three-putted for bogey on the final green.
Bradley not only racked up his eighth victory on the PGA Tour and he currently resides at number seven in the official world rankings.
A more interesting topic for discussion around Bradley is that his win on Sunday strengthens his position to be on the Ryder Cup team, which will face the Europeans in less than 100 days at Bethpage Black.
Who’s the captain who has to make the decision? Keegan Bradley.
It would certainly be crazy to think at this stage that Bradley could be the first player and captain of a Ryder Cup team since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Bradley’s position adds another talking point to a match that has already generated numerous headlines already.
At GBR, we’re keen to get under the economic skin of the biannual match; it’s a commercial juggernaut with an economic footprint stretching well beyond the ropes.
So, let’s dive in and crunch the numbers.
A CROWD WORTH COUNTING: ATTENDANCE & TOURISM REVENUE
The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome attracted over 270,000 spectators and generated a reported €262 million (~$284 million) in total economic activity. That included more than 318,000 commercial bed nights and €72 million in non-accommodation spend. Roughly 20% of international visitors extended their stay, underscoring the event’s broader impact on tourism.
At Bethpage, forecasts suggest 225,000 to 250,000 spectators will attend. Discover Long Island, the region’s tourism body, has already confirmed that over 12,000 hotel rooms are booked for the event week and projects a regional economic impact of more than $150 million.
This would represent a significant boost for Long Island and New York State, both of which are still recovering from the pandemic's impact on their tourism infrastructure.
INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC INVESTMENT: BUILDING A STAGE FOR GLOBAL SPORT
Hosting the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black demands more than pristine fairways—it requires a comprehensive transformation of the venue and surrounding infrastructure. New York State has taken the lead, making the event both a sporting spectacle and a civic powerhouse.
Major State Investment & Coordination
Economic rationale: NYS Parks estimates the event will generate nearly $150 million in economic impact across Long Island and the broader metro region.
Cross-agency effort: Departments ranging from Parks and DOT to State Police and Homeland Security are collaborating to deliver upgrades, covering hospitality zones, media hubs, traffic control, crowd management, and emergency services.
Budget scale: Financial allocations for infrastructure are substantial—industry insiders estimate over €100 million per venue, including more than €50 million dedicated to technology enhancements.
Expect Disruption & a Lasting Legacy
Hospitality & Fan Zones: Anticipate tented pavilion upgrades, permanent-style concessions, directional signage, and enhanced utilities to support up to 50,000 daily visitors.
Transportation access: Key entry points, including the Bethpage State Parkway, will undergo capacity and signage improvements, while temporary services (shuttles, park-and-ride options) will ease congestion.
Long-term benefit: Beyond the week of competition, state structures—from roads to digital infrastructure—will serve future events and increase park visitation year-round.
Return on Investment
While exact figures are confidential, the estimated $150 million economic impact suggests that the upgrades will pay dividends through increased visitor spending, tourism, and future event hosting.
Comparisons with Rome illustrate how investment in hospitality platforms and transportation often yields long-term gains in local capacity and global recognition.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP: THE COMMERCIAL ENGINE BEHIND THE CUP
Sponsorship and partner investment are the financial engines fueling the Ryder Cup’s scale and spectacle. 2025’s edition is set to capitalize on two significant themes: global partnerships and regional activation.
Global Partners & Financial Stakes
DP World renewed as a worldwide Partner through 2027, providing logistics and global visibility across European and American streams.
SAP, announced as the official technology partner, brings cloud analytics, engagement tools, and data to the Ryder Cup ecosystem sportcal.com.
These elite partnerships, capped at eight global sponsors including Rolex, BMW, Citi, Aon, and Capgemini, collectively contribute between $7–10 million each per event.
Sponsorship Value & Growth
According to GlobalData, Ryder Cup sponsorship revenue surged 153% from 2018 to 2023, driven by brand hunger for global outward-facing sports platforms.
The estimated total for global sponsorships in 2025 is around €80–€100 million, with funds shared equally between the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe, reinforcing financial parity and mutual growth.
Strategic Advantages for Sponsors
DP World: Delivers logistical services while gaining multinational brand visibility across supply chain touchpoints at the event hub and on-course signage.
SAP: Positions as a tech innovator—engaging with 50,000 daily attendees and millions in broadcasts through data-rich storytelling, smart signage, and hospitality tech.
Global partners: Enjoy worldwide media integration through NBC’s broadcast package (in place through 2030), on-site branding, hospitality suites, and client experience opportunities.
PREMIUM PRICING: TICKETS AND BACKLASH
Prices for the 2025 edition are the highest in Ryder Cup history:
Practice days: ~$255
Thursday (opening ceremony + junior matches): ~$424
Competition days (Fri–Sun): ~$750/day (source)
While the PGA defends the pricing as being in line with other major sports events, criticism has mounted. Local New York politicians, including State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid, have publicly called for “community access” initiatives, such as discounted passes or fan zones, to avoid pricing out regional supporters.