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Public championship parkland course · Bethpage State Park, Bethpage, New York

Bethpage Black

Bethpage Black is one of America’s most demanding public courses: long, hilly, narrow and heavily bunkered. Plan around an early tee time, a patient strategy and extra recovery time after the round. New York City makes it easy to build a two- or three-night golf trip around the course.

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Bethpage Black
Photo: Martin McCrory

KNOW THE COURSE

What to know

THE COURSE

What makes it special

Designed by A.W. Tillinghast, Bethpage Black is a championship-style public course in Bethpage State Park. It hosted the 2002 U.S. Open and 2019 PGA Championship.

HOW TO PLAY

Choose position over hero shots

Favor the fairway, accept conservative targets and leave yourself manageable approaches. The rough, elevation changes and deep bunkers make recovery expensive.

  • Play one tee shorter than your ego suggests if distance is not a strength.
  • Aim for the widest side of fairways, not always directly at the flag.
  • Take enough club on uphill approaches and avoid short-siding yourself.
  • Treat par as a strong score; bogey avoidance matters more than chasing birdies.
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GETTING A TEE TIME

Plan well ahead

Bethpage uses a reservation system, and demand is high. Check the official Bethpage booking rules before your trip because booking windows, identification requirements and same-day procedures can change.

BEST SEASON

Spring and fall are ideal

Milder temperatures make the walk more enjoyable, while summer can bring heat and humidity. Reserve flexibility for weather because wind and wet conditions make the course considerably tougher.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

A practical three-night trip

Use Farmingdale for convenience or stay in New York City for a broader trip.

  • Night 1: Arrive, check in and keep the evening relaxed.
  • Day 2: Play Bethpage Black early; recover with an easy meal afterward.
  • Day 3: Play Bethpage Red or another nearby course, depending on access.
  • Day 4: Depart, or add New York City sightseeing before flying home.
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WHERE TO STAY

Farmingdale or New York City

Farmingdale keeps the early start simple and reduces traffic stress. New York City offers better dining and sightseeing, but the drive to the course requires a larger time buffer.

TRANSPORTATION

Allow plenty of road time

A rental car or rideshare is useful, especially if you are playing multiple Long Island courses. Traffic around New York can be unpredictable, so avoid tight connections.

AFTER THE ROUND

Keep the evening easy

Bethpage is a full physical test, so plan a relaxed meal rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. Save major New York dining and attractions for a non-golf day.

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