Cameron Young made history at Bethpage Black before his professional career even began, and now the Westchester product will look to do so again on the treacherous Long Island public course as a member of the American squad at the 2025 Ryder Cup next month.
The 28-year-old Young, who attended Fordham Prep before playing collegiately at Wake Forest, was named as one of four first-timers on Team USA by captain Keegan Bradley on Wednesday.
Young became the first amateur to capture the Met PGA N.Y. State Open on the Black track in 2017, tying a then-course record by shooting a 64 in the final round.
“Obviously, playing for your country is very special, and for me, the U.S. is home, but New York is really home for me,” said Young, who grew up in Briarcliff Manor. “So going back up there to somewhere that I love, I can’t wait to get up there.
“This year, making any one of these teams is such a mark of achievement. It’s a goal when you set out the year. But to me, this Ryder Cup in particular, in New York, at Bethpage, is so special to me. I’ve been picturing the moment that I can possibly get a call to play on the team for a very, very long time.”
Young has enjoyed his best year as a pro with seven top-10 finishes, including his first PGA Tour victory earlier this month with a six-stroke win at the Wyndham to finish fourth in the FedEx Cup standings.
“Cam has been one of the most consistent players on the Tour the last four or five years,” Bradley said. “He broke through with that amazing win at the Wyndham Championship, and he’s been fighting so hard.
“Watching him that Sunday with that big lead play like that was incredible. And Cameron is a New Yorker. … We’re very proud to have a New Yorker on our team and represent his country at Bethpage Black.”
Young grew up with golf in his blood; his father, David, is the former pro at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor.
Asked whether he or his father is more excited by his selection, Young replied: “Oh, man. It would be hard to pick.”
“I think he puts in just as many hours to my golf as I do. He’s with me every step of the way,” Young added. “With his connection both to the area up there and to the PGA of America, this is something that has been on both of our radars for a long time, and to get the opportunity to represent my country and play in a Ryder Cup is something that both of us have dreamed of for so long.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to both of us, and we’re both certainly very excited.”
Bradley’s other captain’s picks were Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns. They will join previous qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley and Harris English on the team.
The 2025 Ryder Cup against defending champion Europe will be held at Bethpage Black from Sept. 26-28.
Read the full article here
