Ryder Cup Set To Be Cash Cow for Bethpage Locals Who Are Renting Out Homes—and Even Driveways—to Visiting Fans

The 2025 Ryder Cup, set for Sept. 26-28 at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, NY, is already making waves in the local housing and rental market. The biennial competition is expected to draw about 250,000 visitors to Long Island for a weekend of world-class golf, and residents are finding creative ways to cash in on the demand.

“This is much bigger than the U.S. Open and PGA [Championship]. I will open my driveway up. People will rent it for the day. They can walk. We are close enough. It should be fun,” Farmingdale resident Ken Amato told CBS News.

The outlet reports that retirees Alfonso and Giusephina Saccone said they plan to capitalize on the influx of visitors—hoping to get $100 per day for their driveway.

Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand says driveway rentals are allowed, but homeowners must follow village rules if they want to go further, according to CBS News. “You will be fined, however, if you start parking on lawns,” he said, adding that renting out homes requires a village fire inspection. “We will get you a safety permit.”

Some Long Island residents are hoping to make "upwards of $30,000 for renting out their homes," according to Newsday.

On Airbnb, the only rental remaining in Farmingdale is a one bedroom apartment listed for more than $3,000 for two nights. A few towns over, visitors can find apartments for much less, including a home for $799 for two nights but it's 20 minutes from the golf course, not including traffic and finding parking.

According to the Ryder Cup website, spectators are encouraged to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Farmingdale Station, where free shuttles will run to and from Bethpage State Park, where the course is located. The LIRR will expand service during Ryder Cup week, with tickets available in advance at any station or through the MTA TrainTime app.

Ride-share users, meanwhile, will be directed to the event’s official lot, with Uber even offering a flat-fare shuttle to Manhattan every 10 minutes during peak hours.

Ryder Cup demand in Long Island

A Facebook page dedicated to the Ryder Cup 2025 has locals and visitors sharing tips on attending the event—including where to park or stay.

For homeowners, the interest underscores just how hot Farmingdale’s housing market has become. Just 35 miles from Manhattan, the village of 8,450 residents combines suburban comfort with easy access to the city.

Known for its strong schools, lively dining and coffee scene, and balance of young professionals and retirees, Farmingdale has long been one of Long Island’s most desirable communities, according to Niche, a ranking and review platform.

In August 2025, the median listing home price in Farmingdale climbed to $709,500, a jump of 18.2% year over year, according to Realtor.com® data.

Homes were listed at a median of $422 per square foot, reflecting the area’s rising demand and value. The median home sold price hit $791,000, underscoring Farmingdale’s competitive market and strong buyer interest, according to Realtor.com data.

Cashing in

Renting out homes during huge sporting events is nothing new. While some residents may scoff at out-of-towners taking over their hometowns, others are ready to cash in.

For The Masters in Augusta, GA, a little-known provision in the federal tax code—often called the Augusta Rule or Masters Rule—allows homeowners to rent out their personal residence for up to 14 days each year without paying a cent in income tax on the earnings.

At this year's PGA U.S. Open, homeowners near Oakmont Country Club cashed in on the fact that they live near the location. Many of them turned their lawns and driveways into temporary parking lots for spectators flocking to Pennsylvania, often charging $20 to $80 per spot.