Bethpage Black is the ultimate public golf pilgrimage, a brutal, iconic beast at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York (just 30 miles from NYC). Originally built in the 1930s by Joseph H. Burbeck with A.W. Tillinghast input. Famous for its “WARNING” sign at the first tee: “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers”, which you should ignore. Being highly skilled at golf is subjective. One man’s 102 is another man’s 70. But be aware it features tree-lined, thick rough, lightning-fast bentgrass greens, deep bunkers, and relentless length make it a true test. Bethpage black has hosted U.S. Opens (2002, 2009), a PGA Championship (2019), multiple Barclays, and the 2025 Ryder Cup. It’s raw, unforgiving, and one of the most affordable elite experiences in golf.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: Tillinghast/Burbeck origins, Rees Jones restoration, par 71, 7,468 yards max
  • Brutal public layout: Narrow tree-lined fairways, punishing rough, elevated greens, strategic bunkering, and no mercy on mishits
  • Seasonal play: April-November (weather permitting); peak summer/fall for firm conditions and prime tee times
  • Affordable legend: Weekend rates ~$160 (out-of-state), weekdays lower; NYS residents even cheaper, one of the best value elite courses anywhere
  • Major pedigree: U.S. Open (2002 Tiger win, 2009 Lucas Glover), 2019 PGA (Brooks Koepka), 2025 Ryder Cup host. Pure history

No one will ever forget the shame brought on the United States during the 2025 Ryder Cup. I personally called the White House trying to get golf banned until further notice, my pleas fell on deaf ears. Though the shame of 2025 will never be forgotten, neither will the pristine beauty of Bethpage Black.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds with bragging rights, post-golf beers at the clubhouse, reliving major moments, and that “we survived Black” energy. Easy NYC access for a quick escape
  • Families: Inspiring for aspiring golfers; challenging for all levels (multiple tees help); non-golfers enjoy the park’s biking, picnics, or nearby beaches

Top Standout Features

The Famous Warning Sign & Overall Brutality

That iconic sign sets the tone, long carries, thick rough that eats balls, lightning-fast greens with severe slopes, and no bailout areas. It’s “extremely difficult” but fair if you’re dialed in. Rewards precision and punishes everything else.

Signature Holes & Major Drama

Holes like the long par-4 4th (tight drive, elevated green), par-5 15th (risk-reward), and the grueling finishing stretch deliver tension. The course played host to epic battles. Tiger’s 2002 comeback, Koepka’s 2019 dominance, and feels like major golf every time.

Public Mecca Vibe

A true “country club for the people”, massive demand means tee times sell out fast (book months ahead), but the energy from everyday golfers grinding it out is electric. Park setting adds charm with walking paths and history.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Bethpage State Park itself: No on-site lodging, but nearby Long Island hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott) or NYC stays for easy access
  • Clubhouse & facilities: Full pro shop, restaurant, practice areas; tee times via foreupsoftware or bethpagegolfcourse.com
  • Packages: Often bundled with other Bethpage courses (Red, Blue, etc.) for multi-day trips

All Key Bethpage Black Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Tillinghast/Burbeck design (Rees Jones reno)
  • Narrow fairways, thick rough, fast greens
  • Major championship host (U.S. Open, PGA, Ryder Cup)
  • Iconic warning sign & “extremely difficult” reputation
  • Affordable elite public access

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via bethpagegolfcourse.com, releases months ahead and vanish quick; consider weekday or twilight for better odds
  • Fly into JFK or LaGuardia (45-60 min drive); or Long Island MacArthur (ISP) closer
  • Pair golf with NYC/Long Island classics: bagels, pizza, beaches (Jones Beach nearby), or a Mets/Yankees game
  • Walk if you can (carts available); bring extra balls, rough is brutal; forward tees if not ready for full tips; embrace the challenge, surviving Black is a badge of honor

Time to face the Black, chase birdies on one of golf’s toughest public tracks, and reset with major-level vibes. Bethpage Black is the challenge you’ve been looking for,

The Caddy Shanks Team