Now they’re the perfect pairing, a match made in heaven and the golf club is the perfect pitch for the biggest occasion, so read on as I tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.
As thoughts turn this week to Bethpage State Park in Long Island our own roll back.
To when the US Open was held here and we were in town and one Lucas Glover took home the trophy.
My Irish-American cousin Eddie got his hands on a prize far bigger though than any golf bauble then, his beautiful new wife Sandy.
Proud Americans that they are, Eddie, Sandy, and their two future little Solheim Golfers will, of course, be cheering on the Yanks, as they should.
Long Island gateway
Long Island for me was my gateway into America as a teenager visiting the Oo Es of Eh for the first time.
And being treated like a lord by Eddie and my Irish-American rellies.
For most visitors to New York, of course, the closest they will get to Long Island is when they touch down at JFK Airport in Queens.
But the Island, as it is affectionately known, has its own attractions.
Which, if you can, you should visit on your New York trip.
The well-heeled, of course, put the Hamptons, on the far end of the Island, on the map.
Long before F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby and the Golden Age and Donald ‘Jay Trump’.
And, of course, tourists still flock to the tip.
For a peak of how the rich and famous might live and visit the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.
Which many of us will associate with the Dominic West TV blockbuster The Affair.
The Island’s Fab Four
Long Island boasts four regions.
The North Shore is known for its opulent estates and harbourside villages.
Then there is the South Shore where racegoers gather at Belmont Park.
And partygoers converge on the UBS Arena, Jones Beach boardwalk for their kicking concerts.
The North Fork’s farmland and vineyards are the destination for foodies.
While, cycling and swimming friendly South Fork – The Hamptons and Montauk is where you can bag those celebrity sightings as some trophy fishing of your own.
Now whatever your pleasure, beaches, vineyards, museums, waterparks for the kids.
Or shopping at Americana Manhasset’s Miracle Mile.
The Island is a New York 19th hole you need to hang around for.
And on the tee
And on the golfing theme, you’ll notice too that Bethpage being a State Park means that you can play it too.
So just a few tips on how to tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.
And you’ll just have to get out and see it all for yourself.
Which, if you’re like me and coming from the Old World.
Then avail of pre-clearance through Ireland with Aer Lingus.
With sample fares for next month which we found from €659.36.
