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The Ryder Cup will be played on American soil this September – more specifically, at Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island, the storied site of the PGA Championship in 2019, U.S. Open (2002 and 2009) and The Barclays (2012 and 2016). Noted for its narrow fairways, high rough, deep bunkers and small greens, Bethpage Black is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world, and a great spot to celebrate the U.S. Ryder Cup Team and American pride in general.
“The Ryder Cup is obviously very important, a great fall event in golf that we tie our retailing component into,” says Ian Ziska, PGA of America Head Professional at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, a facility that donates its profits to the Folds of Honor Foundation on behalf of the families of fallen and disabled U.S. armed service members.
“We certainly try during Ryder Cup years, especially when it’s in this country, to tie into that celebration of the United States Team and events with certain elements of gear. We fully capitalize on what vendors are offering, especially in a year like this one.”
Ziska’s shop is all about red, white and blue apparel – from lines like Flag & Anthem and Ahead at a more moderate price point to Polo Ralph Lauren, official outfitter of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, whose fall 2025 line features a selection of polos, shorts and hoodies in patriotic colors.
“Whenever there’s a Ryder Cup year, we definitely see an advantage for our shop and it ties into celebrating America every day,” Ziska says. “The Ryder Cup is all about unifying the country and celebrating the team that’s going to go out there and play for us, and that’s pretty cool. It’s interesting how that event moves the needle in a lot of ways.”
Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland, is embracing the excitement and team spirit of September’s Ryder Cup by featuring a wide selection of red, white and blue apparel and accessories in the golf shop, all featuring the Woodmont logo. According to Director of Retail Cathy Amelink, AGM, the exclusive collection allows members to show their patriotic pride and support for the U.S. Team, while maintaining a strong connection to the club.
“While we fully celebrate the Ryder Cup atmosphere, we remain committed to offering only Woodmont-branded merchandise, ensuring a cohesive and club-focused shopping experience,” she says. “From stylish polos and outerwear, to hats and accessories, our carefully curated selection provides members with high-quality, performance-driven apparel that embodies both national pride and club loyalty.”
The spirit of Americana is alive and well even in non-Ryder Cup years at Woodmont. The club’s annual Red, White & Boom event, held the week before Independence Day, brings July 4th to life with a highly anticipated celebration that transforms the golf shop into a festive showcase of red, white and blue merchandise, including hats, accessories and apparel for men, women and juniors.
“To ensure our members can proudly display their patriotic spirit both on and off the course, we curate a special collection of stylish polos and performance wear, as well as fun and functional accessories to make it easy for everyone to gear up in celebration of this national holiday,” Amelink says. “Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a subtle nod to the occasion, our carefully selected inventory ensures that every member can find something to showcase their American pride.”
Kristen Everard, AGM, Director of Retail at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, put together one of her most successful patriotic displays last year, featuring brands like Kinona, SanSoleil, VimHue, Lilibridge, Yeti, Sun Mountain, Stitch and Imperial.
“I proudly work at a patriotic club, so bringing in anything red, white and blue is a big part of what I consider in my buy,” she says. “There is always something patriotic in inventory; we just bring it together for a display around the appropriate holidays.”
Mark Pfingston, PGA of America Head Professional at The Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur, Colorado, also makes a big investment in red, white and blue gear each year from brands like johnnie-O, Donald Ross, TravisMathew, adidas, Straight Down, Levelwear and Branded Bills. He moves it around the shop, and whatever doesn’t sell is merchandised back into other collections as they arrive.
