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

 

The state that boasts being the home of the most U.S. presidents also is the home of one of America’s greatest courses. Firestone Country Club is a legendary golf mecca in Akron, Ohio. Home to 54 holes of championship golf across three iconic courses, steeped in PGA Tour history with the famous “Monster” South Course that has tested the game’s greatest players. Tucked away in lush, rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and that classic Midwest charm, it’s now accessible via exclusive stay-and-play packages. Perfect for reliving tournament drama, chasing birdies on hallowed ground, and enjoying upscale resort perks.

Quick Facts

  • Three championship 18-hole courses: South (RTJ Sr. redesign, “The Monster”), North (water features galore), Fazio (links-style openness, formerly West)
  • Tournament pedigree: Hosted multiple PGA Championships, World Golf Championships, and current home of the Kaulig Companies Championship (Senior PGA event)
  • Year-round appeal: Prime spring/fall play; summer for long days; mild Ohio weather with great conditions
  • Stay-and-play access: Non-member packages make it possible. Luxury villas/rooms, priority tees, dining, and more
  • Top-ranked: South Course often #1 public-access in Ohio (Golfweek/Golf Digest lists), national top-100 playable status

If you’ve noticed that the Firestone Country Club logo uses the same font as the tire and rubber company of the same name, that’s because they were founded by the same man. Harvey Firestone: a man we salute for his phenomenal taste in golf, and also his tires.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-course days (play all three, replay options), post-round steaks or beers reminiscing about Tiger’s wins or Arnold’s “Monster” nickname, and easy Akron-area hangs
  • Families: Upscale accommodations with views, pools/spa vibes, casino nearby; more forgiving North/Fazio for varied skill levels

Top Standout Courses

South Course (Robert Trent Jones Sr. Redesign)

The legend, nicknamed “The Monster” by Arnold Palmer after the 1960 PGA. Over 7,400 yards, tree-lined, demanding ball-striking with narrow fairways, elevated greens, bunkers everywhere, and iconic holes like the long par-4 16th and water-guarded finish. Hosted 70+ pro events; pure history and challenge, bucket-list must.

North Course

Scenic beauty showcase, water on over half the holes, rolling terrain, meticulously maintained fairways, and natural splendor. More playable than South but still strategic and rewarding; great for groups wanting variety and stunning Midwest views.

Fazio Course (Formerly West)

Links-style gem by Tom Fazio, wide-open, rolling landscape with breathtaking vistas, strategic bunkering, and player-friendly yet thoughtful design. Emerging as a favorite for its openness and fun; complements the tighter South perfectly.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Firestone Country Club on-site: Luxurious villas and club rooms with course/golf views; premium accommodations in golf-front villas
  • Packages like Buddies (2 nights/3 rounds), Ultimate Buddies (3 nights/4 rounds with replays), or custom group options; include lodging, golf on all courses, carts, breakfast, and perks
  • Nearby Akron perks: Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, dining, and more for off-course fun

All Key Firestone Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • South Course (“The Monster”, tournament icon)
  • North Course (water & natural beauty)
  • Fazio Course (links-style openness)
  • Plus practice facilities, pro shop, and historic clubhouse vibes

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via invitedclubs.com (Firestone section) or specialists; customize for group size, rounds, and add-ons; South upgrades often extra
  • Fly into Akron-Canton (CAK) for closest access, or Cleveland (CLE) approximately 45-minute drive
  • Pair golf with Ohio classics: local steaks, craft beer, Hall of Fame visit, or Akron eats
  • Use carts for terrain; forward tees on South for fun; embrace the history and walk in legends’ footsteps

Time to conquer “The Monster,” chase history on championship fairways, and reset at this Ohio golf institution. Firestone Country Club is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

Erin Hills is a world-class golf pilgrimage site, sprawling, links-style masterpiece carved from 652 acres of glacial kettle moraine terrain in Erin, Wisconsin. Conveniently located just outside of Milwaukee. Erin Hills has it all, dramatic elevation changes, vast fescue fairways, perched greens, and natural wetlands/river features. It’s built as if there was always a golf course there. It fits perfectly into the land, paying tribute to mother nature on every hole.

Quick Facts

  • One epic 18-hole championship course + Kettle Loop: (5-hole preview/short option) + Drumlin putting course (fun, lit evening putting)
  • Minimalist, natural design: Glacially sculpted land with minimal earth-moving, firm/fast conditions, wind play, strategic options, and huge scale
  • Walking-only (carts limited/ADA only), enhances the traditional, immersive experience
  • Seasonal play: Spring to fall; peak summer/fall for best conditions (60s-80s degrees F); shoulder seasons offer Stay & Play deals
  • Elite status: Golf Digest Top 10 public (often #10), Top 50 overall; U.S. Open pedigree and top Wisconsin ranking

Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in America. A trip to Erin Hills would give you a reason to experience all Milwaukee has to offer. Great food, Lake Michigan, and immaculate golf. Fun for the boys, fun for the family.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a major venue, caddie-guided strategy, post-round chef-prepared meals or drinks overlooking the course, and that “U.S. Open” fantasy vibe, easy to add multi-day immersion
  • Families: Charming village-style lodging, relaxed short options (Kettle Loop/Drumlin putting), and scenic beauty; non-golfers enjoy the peaceful setting, dining, or nearby Holy Hill shrine

Top Standout Features

The Main Course (Hurdzan/Fry/Whitten Design)

A modern classic, immense scale with wide fairways, massive bunkers, perched greens, and glacial contours creating endless variety. Risk-reward par-5s, strategic short par-4s (like #2 & #15), and dramatic elevation/wind make it playable yet punishing. U.S. Open host with that “never played anywhere like it” feel, pure exhilaration from 140-yard terror to 620-yard brutes.

Kettle Loop (5-Hole Preview/Short Course)

Carved from the main layout, perfect for late-afternoon quick rounds, warm-ups, or post-sunset fun for overnight guests. Adds replay value and that extra touch of adventure.

Drumlin Putting Course

Lit evening putting green centerpiece, fun, social, and visible from dining/lodging areas. Great for unwinding, family games, or testing green speeds under the stars.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site “village” lodging: Irish Lodge suites (rustic inn charm) or luxurious four-bedroom cottages (private baths, antique furnishings, modern tech)
  • Stay & Play packages: Include rounds, reduced/discounted second rounds (especially shoulder seasons like May/September-October), priority tees, resort fee perks (valet, club storage, Caddie Barn access, Kettle Loop golf)
  • Chef-prepared dining (breakfast/lunch/dinner with course views), signature drinks, and intimate setting; book direct for best deals

All Key Erin Hills Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Main Championship Course (U.S. Open host, glacial drama)
  • Kettle Loop (5-hole short/preview fun)
  • Drumlin Putting Course (evening social putting)
  • Plus massive practice areas, pro shop, and caddie program (highly recommended)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via erinhills.com or call 866-772-4769 for season specials (reduced second rounds); fills fast; caddies essential for strategy/local knowledge
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE), 45-minute drive, easy access from Chicago or Midwest hubs
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin classics: craft beer, cheese curds, farm-to-table eats, or nearby Holy Hill views/hikes
  • Walk the course (firm/fast means run the ball!); forward tees for fun; embrace wind and natural contours

Time to walk the glacial fairways, channel U.S. Open vibes, and reset on one of America’s elite public treasures. Come to Erin Hills.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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Home to less than 3,000 people and four Pete Dye designed championship courses, Kohler (home to The American Club resort) is the Midwest’s most peaceful golf mecca. A luxurious escape that happens to be the home of Black Wolf Run and Whistling Straits. Think glacier carved valleys, dramatic bluffs, windswept Lake Michigan links, and that perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and history. With major championships, the Ryder Cup legacy, and top-tier amenities like the Kohler Waters Spa, fine dining, and historic luxury lodging, it’s bucket-list golf at its finest.

Quick Facts

  • Four championship 18-hole courses: All by Pete Dye, Straits & Irish at Whistling Straits; River & Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run
  • Diverse terrain: Inland river valleys/bluffs at Blackwolf Run; rugged Lake Michigan links at Whistling Straits
  • Seasonal play: Spring through fall; peak summer/fall for ideal conditions (60s-80s°F), winds add drama
  • Public resort access: Open to all, with stay-and-play packages including priority tees, caddies, carts, and luxury perks
  • Major pedigree: Hosted multiple PGA Championships, U.S. Opens, Women’s Opens, and the 2021 Ryder Cup at Straits

Kohler is quaint and peaceful. The perfect place to reset and get your head on straight. Not far from the city of Sheboygan, if you need some urban fun, but just far enough to keep the chaos of the city at bay.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes multi-round days (four courses in one trip\!), post-golf steaks or cocktails overlooking the courses, caddie stories, and that major-championship energy
  • Families: Luxe historic hotels with pools/spa, family-friendly short course (The Baths), and non-golf options like hiking, spa, or dining; forgiving tees available

Top Standout Courses

Straits Course (Whistling Straits)

The legend\! Windswept links along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, massive pot bunkers, fescue grasses, and cliff-edge drama. Host to PGA Championships, Ryder Cup, and pure visual intimidation; walking-only, timeless feel. Often ranked among America’s greatest public courses.

River Course (Blackwolf Run)

The purest and most beautiful, carved through glacier-forged valleys along the Sheboygan River, with rolling prairie, oak savannah, bluffs, and strategic shot-making. A shotmaker’s delight with stunning natural beauty; consistently top-ranked and a favorite for its elegance and challenge.

Irish Course (Whistling Straits)

Inland companion to the Straits, grass-and-dune layout with Pete Dye’s signature creativity, elevation, and fun angles. More playable than Straits but still demanding; great variety and scenery with Lake Michigan vibes nearby.

Meadow Valleys Course (Blackwolf Run)

Classic Dye with prairie-like open spaces, wetlands, and undulating terrain, visually stunning and strategically rewarding. Often overlooked but delivers pure golf joy; perfect for groups wanting beauty without extreme difficulty.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The American Club: Historic AAA Five-Diamond luxury, elegant rooms, fine dining (The Immigrant, etc.), and spa
  • Inn on Woodlake: More casual upscale option with lake views and easy access
  • Packages like “To Dye Four” (four rounds on all courses, lodging, caddies/carts) or “Champions’ Trail” (three rounds, two nights), book direct for priority and perks

All Key Destination Kohler Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Straits Course (Whistling Straits, Lake Michigan links icon)
  • Irish Course (Whistling Straits, inland creative gem)
  • River Course (Blackwolf Run, scenic river valley classic)
  • Meadow Valleys Course (Blackwolf Run, prairie beauty)
  • The Baths (10-hole par-3 \+ putting course, family/short fun)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via kohlerwisconsin.com or golf specialists. Multi-course deals and caddie fees included; Straits may have restrictions for non-guests
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE), 1 hour drive, or Green Bay/Chicago for scenic routes
  • Pair golf with Kohler classics: spa treatments, fine dining, Kohler Design Center tours, or Lake Michigan adventures
  • Walk the Straits for tradition; use caddies for strategy; forward tees keep it fun for all levels

Time to chase majors on Dye masterpieces, feel the wind off the lake, and reset at this world-class Wisconsin resort.