EVENTS

2019 PGA Championship spectator guide: Know before you go

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2019 PGA Championship spectator guide: Know before you go

It has been nearly 80 years since the PGA Championship was last played on Long Island.

Although the state of New York has hosted a record 12 PGA Championships, the 2019 event will be Bethpage Black’s first.

Before the strongest field in golf arrives, review the information below to make the most of your Championship experience.

Download the 2019 PGA Championship app

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General Spectator Information

Since 1994, the PGA Championship has featured the most Top 100-ranked players in its field and has recorded eight of the top 10-point events (as calculated by the Official World Golf Rankings) in history. The 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, featured 99 of the top 100 world-ranked players, matching the record set in 2012 at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

The total field in 2019 will be a maximum of 156 players and the entry deadline for exempt players was Friday, April 12. The rest of the field was to be finalized on Monday, May 6.

Local Area

Make the most of your PGA experience and discover Long Island: home of The Hamptons, world-renowned Wine Country, Fire Island and more. For information on transportation, lodging, beaches, golf courses, shopping, spas, historic sites and entertainment, visit discoverlongisland.com/pga.

Experience all that New York City has to offer while you’re in town for the 2019 PGA Championship! Check out nycgo.com for official visitor information regarding where to stay, eat, drink and play throughout the five boroughs.

Bethpage Black

Located in Farmingdale, N.Y., Bethpage State Park is home to five 18-hole public golf courses, including the world-renowned Black Course.

US OPENS AND MORE: The most memorable moments from Bethpage Black's history

Admission Policy

There will be no daily re-admission to the grounds of Bethpage State Park. If you leave the grounds, you must have an unscanned ticket to return to the 2019 PGA Championship. Once the bottom of the ticket has been scanned, it will no longer provide admission to the Championship. The only exception is when the Weather Warning signs have been posted. Security personnel will not allow admission to the 2019 PGA Championship for individuals without appropriate credentials.

There shall be no refunds, rain checks, exchanges or replacement of tickets if at least five (5) cumulative hours of play are held on the day specified on this ticket. If there are fewer than five (5) cumulative hours of play on the day specified on this ticket, PTC and the PGA reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to provide ticket holder with one of the following: (i) a full refund, (ii) a partial refund, or (iii) the opportunity to attend a rescheduled event or exchange this ticket for a comparable ticket to a different day in the Championship. To the extent that a ticket provides entrance into an upgraded spectator facility that is not otherwise available to the general Championship attendees, any refund or ticket exchange shall be limited to the portion of the ticket that provides access to the grounds, unless the upgraded spectator facility that is not otherwise available to the general Championship attendees was not available on the originally scheduled date for at least three (3) hours.

SEE THE STARS: Purchase tickets for the PGA Championship

Photos and Autographs

Tony Finau signs for fans during the 2018 PGA Championship.

Cameras are only allowed onsite at Bethpage State Park during Practice Rounds, Monday through Wednesday, and are not permitted onsite during Championship Rounds, Thursday through Sunday. Autographs may be requested and given at the contestants’ convenience, at the Practice Range and Putting Green, during Practice Rounds only. Please consult the Mobile Device Policy for guidelines regarding mobile device photo, audio and video capturing while on course.

Junior Admissions

As part of the 2019 PGA Championship’s mission to grow interest and participation in the game of golf, juniors 17 years of age and younger will be admitted into the Championship grounds for FREE when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Each ticketed adult will be permitted four junior grounds admissions per day at no additional charge. Junior grounds tickets may be picked up onsite at the Admissions Office located at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of admission. Junior tickets cannot be obtained in advance and will be available regardless of a sell-out. Junior tickets do not access hospitality venues.

A daily upgrade charge of $30 will apply for youth access to the Wanamaker Club presented by Michelob ULTRA and can be purchased at the Admissions Office or Club venue.

Mobile Device Policy

Mobile devices must be kept in Golf Mode Setting at all times at the 2019 PGA Championship:

  • Set device to silent or vibrate, including but not limited to, ringer, notifications, and alerts. Camera flash turned off.
  • Incoming and outgoing calls may only be made or received farther than 100 yards away from competition.
  • Text, email, social posting and other data use is allowed on the golf course at any location providing players are not in position and about to play their shots.
  • Mobile device photography, as well as audio and video capturing, is allowed in all areas during Practice Rounds (Monday-Wednesday).
  • During Championship Rounds (Thursday-Sunday), photography, audio and video recording is prohibited anywhere within 100 yards of competition or when requested by players, caddies, marshals, volunteers, security or Championship staff and officials.

Inclement Weather

Please observe the Leader Boards and Video Boards for the Weather Warning signs which will appear when inclement weather is approaching the 2019 PGA Championship site. When the signs appear, spectators are advised to take precautions and seek shelter PRIOR to play being suspended. If the sirens sound, seek shelter immediately.

In the event of inclement weather, please remember to avoid the following:

  • Grandstands
  • Telephone Poles
  • Golf Carts
  • Bodies of Water
  • Metal Fences
  • Open Fields
  • Hilltops and High Places
  • Tall and/or Isolated Tree

Conduct and Etiquette

Attendees are requested to display traditional customs of etiquette, decorum and behavior, and to obey all Championship policies including, but not limited to, those provided on each ticket, all posted signs and any instructions of Championship Marshals and Officials. Inappropriate behaviors and/or failure to comply with standards/policies may lead to ejection from the Championship and/or cancellation of admission tickets, without refund.

Although cheering and positive gallery responses to great play are encouraged, unsolicited and consistent calls from the gallery toward players and others are prohibited.

For the safety of everyone and in keeping with policy established at major sporting events, running is considered to be unacceptable behavior.

Please stay behind the gallery ropes and cooperate with instructions given by Championship Marshals.

Please kneel or sit if you are in the front row and remain still throughout each shot.

Anyone acting in a manner that is deemed to be abusive, derogatory, rude or aggressive may be subject to removal from the Championship premises and may be prohibited from returning to the 2019 PGA Championship or attending any future PGA Championship event.

Items to Leave Home

The items listed below are strictly prohibited on the grounds of Bethpage State Park. All items are subject to search upon entering the 2019 PGA Championship.

These bags not allowed on the grounds

  • Prohibited bags will NOT be accepted or stored on-site.
  • Backpacks of any size and drawstring bags
  • Bags larger than 10” x 10” x 10” in their natural state, with the exception of folding chair bags (chair must be removed from bag at security checkpoint)
  • Bags larger than 10” x 10” x 10” sold in The Championship Shops will be tagged as prohibited for re-admission due to size regulations

These personal items not allowed on the grounds

  • Personal electronics such as computers, laptops, or tablets
  • Drones, hoverboards, laser pointers, whistles/ noisemakers or selfie sticks
  • Golf clubs or bicycles (bicycles must be left in racks outside Main Spectator Entrance)
  • All oversized chairs with wide armrests (portable, folding canvas chairs will be permitted with carry bags searched prior to entry)
  • Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit), including pocket knives
  • Buckets, ladders, milk crates, or stools

These food & beverages not allowed on the grounds

  • Coolers
  • Food (except in limited quantities for medical, dietary, or infant purposes)
  • Alcohol
  • Beverages (one unopened, sealed bottle of water per spectator is permitted)
  • Promotional & other items
  • Banners, posters, or signs
  • Any materials with unauthorized advertising or promotion
  • Any items Deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Championship security at their sole discretion

Please leave all prohibited items at home or in your vehicle as they will not be permitted at the 2019 PGA Championship.

Prepare for Your Day

  • Average May temperatures in Farmingdale, New York range from a high of 68 degrees to a low of 51 degrees.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Bring an extra layer to keep comfortable throughout the day.
  • Please leave all prohibited items, including ALL backpacks and any bags larger than 10” x 10” x 10”, at home or in your vehicle, as they will not be permitted on course or stored at the Championship.
  • Northwell Health Medical Response Teams and first-aid stations will be onsite at the Championship. Specific locations will be listed in the Championship course map and pairings guide.

Schedule of events

Gate Hours

MAY 13 – 15, 2019

Monday – Wednesday:  6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

MAY 16 – 17, 2019

Thursday – Friday.:  6:15 AM – 8:00 PM

MAY 18 – 19, 2019

Saturday – Sunday:  7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Public Shuttle Hours

MAY 13 – 15, 2019

Monday – Wednesday:n6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

MAY 16 – 17, 2019

Thursday – Friday: 6:15 AM – 8:00 PM

MAY 18 – 19, 2019

Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Practice Rounds

During the Practice Rounds, players are invited to play at their discretion. No advance starting times are available for the Practice Rounds. Practice Rounds groupings will be displayed course-wide on the Video Boards.

Monday – Wednesday Playing Times: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM *

* On Wednesday, May 15th, the 1st tee will close at 3:00 PM.

Longest Drive Contest

Hole 16 Tee

Tuesday, May 14: .8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Championship Rounds

Starting times as listed are considered approximate, and are based on the assumption that there are no delays, inclement weather, etc.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, MAY 16 & 17

Starting on Holes #1 & #10 (groups of three)

Starting times: 6:45 AM – 2:25 PM *

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 18 & 19

All players starting on Hole #1 (groups of two)

Starting times: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM *

* Subject to change

Trophy Presentation

Brooks Koepka hoists the Wanamaker Trophy in 2018 at Bellerive.

The Wanamaker Trophy Presentation Ceremony will take place on the 18th Green immediately following the end of play on Sunday, May 19. In the event of a tie for first place after 72 holes, there will be a three-hole aggregate score playoff on Holes 1, 17 and 18. If the score remains tied at the conclusion of the play-off, a hole-by-hole playoff will take place until the tie is broken. The hole-by-hole playoff will begin on Hole 18, and if still tied, move to 1, 17 and 18 repeated. The Wanamaker Trophy Presentation Ceremony will occur immediately following the play-off.

Television coverage

All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Live Coverage,TNT: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Live Coverage,TNT: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Live Coverage,TNT: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Live Coverage, CBS: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Live Coverage,TNT: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Live Coverage, CBS: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The 2019 PGA Championship will stream live on PGA.com. It will include featured groups throughout the event.

Transportation

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

Spectators traveling via the Long Island Rail Road should ride to the Farmingdale Train Station (Ronkonkoma Branch), where complimentary bus shuttle service will be provided to and from the Main Spectator Entrance at Bethpage State Park.

To accommodate increased ridership, expanded train service will be provided in both directions during 2019 PGA Championship week. Please monitor p.ga/guide or visit mta.info/lirr for Championship specific train schedules.

Train tickets can be purchased in advance from any LIRR ticket machine, ticket office or the MTA eTix app.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

UBER/Rideshare

Spectators electing to utilize UBER, taxi and/or other rideshare services must be picked up and dropped off at the 2019 PGA Championship’s UBER/Rideshare lot located at 235 Pinelawn Road in Melville, New York.

For an efficient UBER/Rideshare experience, simply enter "PGA Championship" or “235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747” as the destination in your Rideshare app of choice and your driver will take you to the designated UBER/Rideshare lot. We've confirmed the addition of PGA Championship as a destination within UBER's app.

Complimentary bus shuttle service will be provided to and from the Main Spectator Entrance at Bethpage State Park.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

PGA Public Parking

Off-site PGA Public Parking will be free and located at Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793.

Complimentary bus shuttle service will be provided to and from the Main Spectator Entrance at Bethpage State Park.

There will be no overnight parking in any PGA Public Parking Lots, and any vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense. PGA Tournament Corporation is not responsible for damage to your vehicle, or items lost or stolen from your vehicle.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

Accessible Parking

Designated accessible parking for those requiring lift-equipped transportation to the course will be provided. Please call The Convention Store at (877) 472-7275 for more information. The front rows of the general public parking lots will be reserved for spectators not requiring lift-equipped transportation but who have physically challenged hang tags for their vehicles.

Wheelchairs will not be available for rent, but spectators may bring wheelchairs with them to the 2019 PGA Championship.

Wheelchair accessible viewing areas will be located at the 1st Tee and Practice Range.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

Walk or Bike

For spectators who live within walking distance of the 2019 PGA Championship, a dedicated walk-in gate will be available just across from the Puritan Lane/Quaker Meeting House Road intersection. There will be no other walk-in gates available at the 2019 PGA Championship.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

Helo Service

An onsite landing zone will be available for spectators wishing to arrive at the Championship via chartered helicopter. Those interested in booking flights can do so through one of the PGA Championship’s helicopter providers, BLADE (flyblade.com) or ZIP Aviation (zipaviation.com).

THERE IS NO PUBLIC PARKING OR SPECTATOR DROP-OFF AROUND BETHPAGE STATE PARK OR THE FARMINGDALE TRAIN STATION. All spectator drop-offs must be completed at the UBER/Rideshare Lot, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747. Quaker Meeting House and Round Swamp Roads will be closed May 13-19 and surrounding neighborhoods will have strict access restrictions.

On-site experiences

The PGA Shops

The PGA Shop at Whistling Straits.

The 60,000 square-foot PGA Shops merchandise venue is located near the Main Spectator Entrance along the spectator walkway. This merchandise shopping experience offers men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and headwear from major brands including Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Cutter & Buck, Under Armour, FootJoy, Peter Millar, Vineyard Vines, 47 Brand, New Era, and many more! The PGA Shops also offers a major selection of exclusive accessories, gifts and memorabilia.

While in The PGA Shops, please take advantage of the following PGA Partner activations to enhance your shopping experience:

OMEGA

As an Official Patron of the PGA of America, OMEGA wants golf fans like you to enjoy the 2019 PGA Championship in true OMEGA fashion: with a touch of luxury, a lot of style and a sense of fun. We invite you to enjoy an exhibition of OMEGA Speedmaster watches showcasing the history of OMEGA’s relationship with NASA and explore the watches OMEGA Ambassadors Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood are wearing this week.

CADILLAC

As the Official Vehicle of the 2019 PGA Championship, stop by the entrance of The PGA Shops to view and experience the brand-new Cadillac line.

PEPSI

As you’re checking out, make sure you grab one of the many Pepsi products available for purchase in The PGA Shops.

RALPH LAUREN

As the Official Outfitter of the 2019 PGA Championship, stop by The PGA Shops to “Create Your Own” Polo Ralph Lauren water bottle and souvenir tote printed with exclusive designs onsite.

PGA Shops Grand Opening

The PGA Shops will be open to the public Friday, May 10th through Sunday, May 12th prior to the 2019 PGA Championship. No tickets or credentials are required to attend this event. The Wanamaker trophy will be available for pictures during the Grand Opening.

Parking is complimentary and located at the Bethpage State Park Picnic Grounds (Lot C). Vehicles should access off Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (NY 135), Exit 8. Please follow road signage, traffic control officers, and parking attendants to lot.

Complimentary shuttles will transport attendees to and from the 2019 PGA Championship Main Spectator Entrance.

Please note, there will be no onsite parking at Bethpage State Park Golf Course for the Grand Opening.

THE PGA SHOP HOURS

GRAND OPENING – No ticket required

Friday, May 10: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, May 11: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday, May 12: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

SHUTTLE TIMES

Friday, May 10: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Saturday, May 11: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Sunday, May 12: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

For additional information about the 2019 PGA Championship, visit p.ga/guide.

The PGA Shop Hours

GRAND OPENING – No ticket required

Friday, May 10: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, May 11: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday, May 12: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

Monday – Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Thursday – Friday: 6:15 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wanamaker Club

The Wanamaker Club presented by Michelob ULTRA is a climate-controlled entertainment venue located right of the 1st Fairway. The club features a sports bar type atmosphere with numerous flat screen televisions, upgraded food & beverage, expansive seating and executive restrooms.

Upgrades into the Wanamaker Club will be sold onsite at the Admission Sales Office near the Main Spectator Entrance and at the Wanamaker Club entrance closest to the 1st tee ONLY. Wanamaker Club upgrades may not be purchased in advance of the Championship.

Upgrade Pricing

Junior Upgrade Ticket (17 & under) - $30 + applicable tax, Monday – Sunday

Adult Upgrade Ticket - $30 + applicable tax, Monday – Wednesday

Adult Upgrade Ticket - $75 + applicable tax, Thursday – Sunday

Upgrade tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to sell-out.

New York State Experience

New York State Parks and I LOVE NY invite you to learn what makes the Black Course exceptional and take a picture with a replica of its iconic Warning sign. Discover more signature courses and world class travel attractions throughout New York’s 11 golf and family-friendly vacation regions to help plan your next New York State getaway. Complete your 2019 PGA Championship experience by testing your knowledge of golf and the Empire State for a chance to play Bethpage State Park’s renowned Black Course this season.

Taste New York

Visit the Taste NY Concession, located at Hole 14, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a New York-themed food menu as well as craft beer and wine from across the State of New York.

Fan Zone

As you make your way through the 2019 PGA Championship Fan Zone, be sure to stop by the National Car Rental “Go Like A Pro” Lesson Zone and the PGA Swing Analysis Presented by Charles Schwab, where local PGA Teaching Professionals can provide a customized evaluation of your swing and help you tune up your game! Don’t miss the family of Cadillac vehicles in the Fan Zone and The PGA Shops for special fan contests and giveaways.

Chase Sapphire Cardmember Club

Chase Sapphire cardmembers will enjoy exclusive benefits, including complimentary beverages, upgraded food available for purchase, cash bar, comfortable seating and views of the 15th Fairway. Chase Sapphire cardmembers may bring one guest and simply show their card for access. Capacity may be limited.

Merchandise Express

Located at the Main Spectator Entrance along the spectator walkway, this shop is ideal for quick purchases and last-minute gifts as you exit.

On Course Menu

A wide selection of exciting and delicious food and beverage options are available to attendees of the 2019 PGA Championship. Below are a few created specifically for you, our Big Apple guests.

Start your morning at Café 101 with a piping hot cup of Starbucks and a fresh NY Bagel.

The Taste of NY Concession, located at Hole 14, features locally sourced ingredients and a New York-themed food menu as well as local craft beer and wine. Staying healthy? A selection of salads, veggie wraps and sandwiches are available throughout the course, with fresh fruit.

Like the tried and true classics? Grilled chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages and our famous BBQ sandwich are available at many locations.

Beer! A wide variety of imports, domestic and craft options available, including different size options offered course-wide.

Great tasting cocktails and wine are presented at most locations. To plan your dining experience, please consult the onsite course map or pairings sheet for menu items available by their location on course.

Will Call

There will be no public Will Call service at the 2019 PGA Championship. Please arrange to distribute tickets and related items prior to arriving at Bethpage State Park, as they will not be stored for collection by other individuals onsite. The Admissions Office, located at the Main Spectator Entrance, will distribute complimentary junior and military daily grounds admission tickets, and complimentary tickets for allied associations.

2019 Championship Program

Official Programs are available for purchase in The PGA Shops. The cost for each program is $10.00.

Methods of Payment

The following methods of payment are accepted onsite at the 2019 PGA Championship, identified by location:

Admission Office: American Express, MasterCard, VISA & U.S. dollars

The PGA Shops: American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card and U.S. dollars

Concession and Beverage Stands: American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card and U.S. dollars

Personal checks are NOT accepted at the 2019 PGA Championship.