Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, is widely regarded as one of the top public golf destinations in the country. Best known for its legendary Black Course, the park features five 18-hole layouts and a rich history of hosting major championships. As the site of the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup, Bethpage Black continues to solidify its reputation as a crown jewel of American public golf.
A Historic Park with a Championship Legacy
Bethpage State Park was established in the early 1930s when the Bethpage Park Authority purchased the Lenox Hills Country Club and surrounding land. Famed architect A.W. Tillinghast was commissioned to design three new courses: the Black, Red, and Blue. The existing Lenox Hills course was redesigned into today’s Green Course, and in 1958, the Yellow Course was added by Alfred Tull to meet growing demand.
Bethpage Black: A True Test of Golf
The Black Course is considered one of the most challenging public golf courses in the world. A warning sign greets players at the first tee:
“WARNING – The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
Known for its narrow fairways, deep rough, steep bunkers, and fast greens, the course is a walking-only course, adding physical demands to its strategic difficulty. Its reputation draws skilled amateurs, professionals, and golf fans from around the globe.
The Overnight Line and Booking Process
Playing the Black Course is a bucket-list experience, and securing a tee time is famously competitive. One of golf’s most enduring traditions lives in the overnight car line, where golfers sleep in their vehicles in numbered parking spots to secure limited “walk-up” tee times for the next day.
While online booking is now the primary method for making reservations, securing a tee time remains challenging. New York residents can book up to seven days in advance; non-residents can book up to five days in advance. Tee times often sell out within minutes, keeping the overnight line tradition alive for those who miss out on online sales.
A Proven Championship Venue
Bethpage Black has hosted some of golf’s most prestigious events, including:
- 2002 U.S. Open – The first truly public course to host the championship
- 2009 U.S. Open – Returned after the success of 2002
- 2012 & 2016 The Barclays – FedExCup Playoff events on the PGA Tour
- 2019 PGA Championship – Further cemented Bethpage’s status as a major venue
Looking ahead, Bethpage Black will host the 2025 Ryder Cup, followed by the 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 2033 PGA Championship.
The Other Courses at Bethpage
While the Black Course gets the spotlight, the other four layouts offer diverse playing experiences for golfers of all skill levels:
- Red Course – A Tillinghast design featuring tough par-4s and a challenging opening hole
- Blue Course – A mix of difficulty and forgiveness, especially with a more relaxed back nine
- Green Course – Originally Lenox Hills, this is a flatter, beginner-friendly course
- Yellow Course – The newest and most forgiving layout, though still featuring some elevation
A Public Gem with Championship Prestige
Bethpage State Park has earned its nickname as “The People’s Country Club.” With five unique courses, a celebrated history, and an unmatched reputation in public golf, it stands among the most accessible yet challenging golf destinations in the world.