For many single women in the New York area, romance is no longer living on a screen — it’s walking the fairways.
Instead of endlessly swiping through dating apps, a growing number of women are turning their attention to one very unexpected place: the Ryder Cup. The legendary golf tournament, which brings together 12 American players to face off against 12 European competitors, is being held this weekend at Bethpage Black on Long Island — and it’s quickly earning a reputation as the ultimate real-life dating pool.
The buzz really took off after comedian and actress Heather McMahan encouraged women to ditch dating apps altogether and make the trip to Bethpage. On her podcast, she urged listeners to hop on the Long Island Railroad, grab a day pass, and head straight for the crowds.
According to her, the tournament isn’t just about golf — it’s about options. Lots of them. She pointed out that the Ryder Cup attracts fans from all over the world, including plenty of European visitors. In her words, it’s the perfect place to meet a charming Swede, a stylish Norwegian, or an Irish guy who can passionately debate Rory McIlroy’s short game. A clip from her show quickly went viral, reinforcing the idea that love might just be waiting near the 18th hole.
And with over a quarter of a million spectators expected over three days, the odds aren’t exactly terrible.
Colleen Griparich, a 36-year-old single woman from New Jersey, decided to check out one of the preview days and was immediately stunned by what she saw.
The moment she arrived, she started texting friends and video-calling her mom to show them the scene. Everywhere she looked, there were men — hundreds of them at once. What surprised her even more was how approachable and put-together they seemed.
To her, the golf shirts didn’t hurt. “Who doesn’t look good in a golf shirt?” she joked. Between the polished style and the ticket prices — competition passes start in the hundreds and include food and drinks — she figured many of the attendees were not only attractive, but also fairly established.
Another New Yorker, Nathaly Del Carmen, took things a step further and bought tickets for multiple days. She went in with a game plan: look cute without trying too hard, stay near lounges and refreshment areas, and strike up conversations there rather than on the course, where silence is sacred.
Meanwhile, some women are being even more direct. Comedian and event planner Nina Barnett floated the idea of wearing an “I’m single” hat to the tournament — half joking, half very serious.
Adding to the intrigue is the visibility of famous golf partners and influencers who often turn major tournaments into unofficial fashion shows and networking events. With so many stylish spectators and high-profile relationships in the spotlight, it’s easy to see how the Ryder Cup is being rebranded as both a sporting event and a social one.
Griparich, who only attended preview days, still plans to keep herself nearby all weekend — for strategic reasons. Since dating apps are location-based, being close to Bethpage means her potential matches might suddenly include hundreds of golf-loving men.
For her, the plan feels foolproof.
“This is exactly where I should be,” she said. “I love golf. And I love men.”
On a weekend built around competition, teamwork, and big crowds, some women are finding that the real prize isn’t on the leaderboard — it’s standing right next to them, holding a drink, and cheering for the same putt.
