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The world’s best golfers aren’t the only ones looking to score big when the Ryder Cup hits Bethpage Black in September.
With hundreds of thousands of tickets sold and fans from nearly 50 countries heading to Long Island, local homeowners are hoping to cash in on the Cup craze by teeing up their houses for rent.
“It was a number that definitely made it worth it,” said Plainview’s Matt Lenner. “My daughter is having her Bat Mitzvah this year and my son just started college, so this extra cash is nice.”
Lenner has already rented his house through a hospitality company.
The rules are simple: one person per bedroom and absolutely no parties.
He admitted his wife was originally against the decision, but quickly changed her mind because, as Lenner put it, “money talks.”
“I have cameras outside so I know what’s going on,” he said. “We’re allowed to lock the basement, so we’re putting all of our valuables down there. What’s the worst that can happen? I have to buy new linens, or even a new bed?”
While Lenner didn’t reveal exactly how much he’s making, a quick glance at Airbnb.com tells the story.
A five-night rental of a four-bedroom house in Farmingdale within walking distance of the course is listed for $25,278.
Another three-bedroom Farmingdale home with a fireplace, full backyard, and a 10-minute walk to the event is going for $34,236.
The Lenners haven’t figured out yet where they’ll stay during that week, but told Greater Long Island they have a few friends and family options.
Meanwhile, another Plainview family — the Bogatys — are heading to Florida.
They’ve already found a renter for their home.
“We aren’t golf fans, so that’s why I don’t mind leaving,” said Sarah Bogaty. “We were never going to the Ryder Cup anyway, so it’s not like we’re missing out by not being here.”
Like the Lenners, the Bogatys say the extra cash couldn’t come at a better time.
“My son is a freshman in college and we had been thinking about redoing the basement,” she said. “This will certainly help.”
Bethpage Black will host the Ryder Cup for the first time Sept. 23-28. The event — often described as golf’s World Series colliding with the Super Bowl — is considered the biggest sporting event ever to come to Long Island.
And getting a hotel room remotely close to the course is near-impossible.
According to Discover Long Island, which promotes Long Island tourism, more than 12,000 hotel rooms have already been booked throughout the region for the Ryder Cup — and that’s considered to be a conservative estimate.
“Our region is seeing unprecedented demand for Ryder Cup week, with many hotels not only sold out close to the course, but rooms booked all the way out East with room rates reflective of this global event’s prestige,” said Discover Long Island’s chief operating officer, Sharon Wyman.
“Seeing rooms booked east of Bethpage is tremendous for Suffolk County, as it opens the door for visitors to explore and experience everything our destination has to offer beyond the tournament this September,” she added.
Top: Plainview’s Matt Lenner didn’t want to disclose how much his home is fetching for the Ryder Cup, but it was enough to send him and his wife packing for a few days. (Credit: Andrew Rappaport.)
