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Bethpage Black: New York’s Premier Public Golf Destination

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Warning sign at Bethpage Black golf course advising that the course is extremely difficult and recommended only for highly skilled golfers

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.

2025 Ryder Cup Preview: Team USA and Europe Set for Showdown at Bethpage Black

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Ryder Cup 2025 trophy on display at Bethpage Black golf course in New York

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is set to deliver one of the most anticipated showdowns in golf. From September 26 to 28, the famed Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, will host the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup as Team USA looks to reclaim the trophy from defending champions Team Europe.

Team Captains

Keegan Bradley leads Team USA in what many see as a bold and passionate choice. A two-time Ryder Cup competitor, Bradley brings intensity and a deep emotional connection to the event. His appointment marks a shift from past captaincy selections that favored older, more seasoned veterans.

For Team Europe, Luke Donald returns as captain after leading the team to a commanding 16.5 – 11.5 victory in Rome in 2023. Calm, strategic, and highly respected by players, Donald will attempt to become the first European captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1995 to win back-to-back Ryder Cups.

Team USA Roster

The U.S. team features a mix of proven stars and fresh talent. The six automatic qualifiers include Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Bradley’s captain’s picks round out the lineup with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns.

Team Europe Roster

Team Europe brings depth and cohesion. The six automatic qualifiers are Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton. Donald selected Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Ludvig Åberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick to complete the team.

Storylines to Watch

The crowd at Bethpage Black is expected to be loud and unapologetically pro-USA. In preparation, Team Europe has used virtual reality headsets to simulate crowd noise and distractions.

Keegan Bradley’s leadership will be under the spotlight. Known for his emotional approach to the game, the question will be whether he can translate that into effective guidance for Team USA.

All eyes will also be on World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has already captured two major championships in 2025. His performance could be the key to Team USA’s hopes of regaining the Cup.

Thomas Bjorn Wins First PGA Tour Champions Title with 35-Foot Birdie in St. Louis Playoff

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Thomas Bjorn PGA Tour Champions win, Stifel Charity Classic 2025

St. Louis, MO – Thomas Bjorn clinched his first individual PGA Tour Champions title with a dramatic 35-foot birdie putt in a sudden-death playoff at the 2025 Stifel Charity Classic. The event concluded Sunday, September 7, at Norwood Hills Country Club, delivering a thrilling finish for golf fans in St. Louis.

The 54-year-old Danish golfer, best known for captaining the 2018 Ryder Cup-winning European team, found himself tied at 12 under par after 54 holes with Australian contender Cameron Percy. The playoff took them back to the 18th hole, where Bjorn sank a curling putt from long range to seal the win.

A Milestone Victory

While Bjorn had previously captured a team title on the senior circuit, this marks his first individual victory since joining the PGA Tour Champions. The win marks a significant milestone in his post-European Tour career, adding to a long list of international achievements.

“I’ve been working toward this one,” Bjorn noted after the round. “To win in this fashion, on a great course like Norwood Hills, makes it that much more special.”

Percy’s Final-Round Charge Falls Just Short

Cameron Percy delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive performances on Sunday, carding a final-round 64 to force the playoff. Despite his momentum, Percy couldn’t match Bjorn’s birdie on the extra hole, leaving him still searching for his first PGA Tour Champions win.

Light the Darkness 5K & 1-Mile Walk/Run 2025 in Florissant

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Light the Darkness 5K in Florissant: 2025 Run for Suicide Prevention

Unite with your community at Saint Ferdinand Park for the Light the Darkness 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run! This powerful evening glow run is dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention and supporting mental health programs for youth in our schools. Whether you run, walk, or cheer, your participation makes a difference.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
  • Location: Saint Ferdinand Park, 25 St. Ferdinand Park Dr, Florissant, MO 63031
  • Events: 5K Glow Run & 1-Mile Walk

Race Day Schedule

  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Race Day Packet Pickup & Family Fun Fair
  • 7:15 PM: 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk Begins

Registration

  • $25 if registered by August 29, 2025
  • $30 from August 30 through race day

Your registration includes a custom event T-shirt and a unique finisher’s medal. Register by August 29 to guarantee your T-shirt size!

Support a Vital Cause

100% of net proceeds directly benefit two outstanding local nonprofits providing suicide prevention and mental health education in schools:

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  • CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

Pre-Race Packet Pickup

Avoid the lines on race day! Pick up your packet at the James J. Eagan Center (1 James J Eagan Dr, Florissant, MO 63034):

  • Wednesday, Sept. 17: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday, Sept. 18: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Ready to Register?

Sign up online or in person at the JFK or James J. Eagan Community Centers.

For questions, please call 314-921-4250 or 314-921-4466.

Florissant Fall 2025 Events Calendar: Festivals, Parades & Community Fun

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Promotional flyer listing 2025 Florissant events including Labor Parade, Tour de Florissant, Polish Festival, Italian Festival, and Fall Festival

Looking for exciting ways to celebrate the changing seasons in North County? Mark your calendar for these upcoming Florissant events in Fall 2025, featuring cultural festivals, community parades, and outdoor activities for all ages.

Upcoming Events in Florissant

  • Labor Parade & Festival – Saturday, August 24, 2025
    Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a festive parade, live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
  • Tour de Florissant – Monday, September 1, 2025
    Part of the Gateway Cup, this high-energy cycling event features professional races, a community ride, and kids’ activities in Old Town Florissant.
  • Polish Festival – Saturday, September 6, 2025
    Enjoy traditional Polish food, music, and cultural displays at this annual celebration of heritage.
  • Italian Festival – Saturday, September 13, 2025
    A showcase of Italian cuisine, music, and community spirit, celebrating the rich Italian-American roots in Florissant.
  • Fall Festival – Saturday, October 12, 2025
    Ring in the season with crafts, live entertainment, and autumn-themed activities perfect for the whole family.

Tour de Florissant 2025: Labor Day Cycling Event in Old Town

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Official Tour de Florissant 2025 logo with bicycle graphic and fleur-de-lis design

The Tour de Florissant 2025 returns on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, as the final race in the Bommarito Audi West County Gateway Cup. Hosted in the heart of Old Town Florissant, this all-day cycling event includes professional and amateur criterium races, a kids’ race, and a community ride open to all skill levels.

Race Day Highlights

  • Date: Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labor Day)
  • Location: Old Town Florissant, Missouri
  • Event Format: Criterium cycling races for professionals, amateurs, and children

This year’s Tour de Florissant course features six turns, a mild climb, and a flat finish in front of historic Florissant City Hall, making it both spectator-friendly and exciting for racers.

Community Ride

The day kicks off with a community ride at 9:00 AM, offering two distance options:

  • 15 miles
  • 26 miles

Community ride participants will receive:

  • A commemorative T-shirt
  • Pre-ride training session
  • Coupons from event sponsors
  • Support services, including SAG support, a pre-ride tune-up station, and a rest stop

Road Closures & Resident Info

While full 2025 road closure details are still being finalized, residents within the race route should plan to park outside of the course area.

  • Emergency vehicles will not be affected by closures
  • For updates on detours and access routes, monitor the City of Florissant’s Facebook page closer to race day

Stay Updated

To get the latest details or register for the community ride, visit:

Florissant Mural Program: Rules and Submission Guidelines for Local Artists

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Colorful flyer promoting the Florissant Art Mural Program with submission deadlines and QR code for application

The Florissant mural program invites artists to bring color and creativity to public spaces by contributing murals to the city’s parks and recreation areas. Designed to spotlight local talent and enhance community spaces, the program provides a platform for artists to express their vision—while adhering to clear guidelines that ensure quality, safety, and appropriateness.

Mural Program Overview

This is a volunteer-based initiative, and artists are expected to provide their materials. The overall goal is to showcase Florissant and its artists in a positive, welcoming light and to increase foot traffic to designated mural areas.

How to Apply

All artists must submit their mural proposal through the official Mural Registration Form, which should be sent directly to the Florissant Parks Director. A completed form must include:

  • Full contact information for the artist(s)
  • Detailed description and concept of the mural
  • Proposed dimensions and location
  • List of materials and painting techniques

Deadlines for submission are:

  • February 28 (for April–September display)
  • August 31 (for October–March display)

All murals will be displayed for a period of six months.

Materials and Wall Specs

  • Artists must supply all paint, tools, and materials.
  • Before beginning, the wall should be painted white or a base color of the artist’s choice.
  • All paints and materials must be durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for outdoor use.
  • Wall dimensions are typically 15 ft wide by 15 ft 8 in high or 20 ft wide by 15 ft 8 in high—artists should plan materials accordingly.
  • The Parks Department may help identify mural locations and offer limited logistical support.

Mural Maintenance

  • Artists are responsible for minor repairs, such as fixing graffiti or touch-ups.
  • If an artist is unable to repair significant damage before the 6-month period ends, the city will repaint the wall white to maintain public appearance.

Mural Location

  • Koch Park
    315 Howdershell Rd, Florissant, MO 63031

Content Guidelines

To maintain community standards, murals must meet the following criteria:

  • No explicit content — must be suitable for all ages
  • No political messaging or promotion of political figures/movements
  • No identifiable people unless the artist has written consent for likeness/image use
  • No content infringing on privacy, publicity, or intellectual property rights

Approval Process

  • The Florissant Art Commission will review all mural submissions.
  • Designs will be evaluated for originality, composition, and technical execution.
  • The Commission reserves the right to reject any mural that does not meet the criteria above.
  • The Parks Director will issue final approval in consultation with the Art Commission.

Approved artists will receive detailed instructions regarding mural installation, display timeline, and any additional park guidelines.

Brooke Biermann Reaches U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship Final

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Brooke Biermann follows through on her golf swing during the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, wearing a green shirt and white skirt.

St. Louis native Brooke Biermann, a recent Michigan State University graduate, put together an impressive run at the 125th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship held at Bandon Dunes.

Biermann’s path to the title match was anything but easy. She navigated three nail-biting matches that went beyond regulation, including a 19-hole semifinal victory over Lyla Louderbaugh. Those wins secured her place in the 36-hole final against Stanford University’s Megha Ganne.

In the championship round, Biermann battled through the challenging coastal winds but ultimately fell to Ganne by a score of 4 and 3. Even in defeat, she demonstrated outstanding skill, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Adding to the special nature of her performance, Biermann’s father, Bill Biermann, was on the bag as her caddie throughout the week—making her strong showing a true family affair.

Florissant Golf Club Fairway Renovation Project Underway

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The Florissant Golf Club fairway renovation project is officially underway, marking a major step forward in improving course conditions and playability. This effort is designed to resolve long-standing drainage problems and uneven turf contours that have impacted water flow and play consistency across several fairways.

Why We’re Renovating

Over time, parts of the course developed soggy areas and erosion due to improper drainage. To address this, MACC Contracting, a trusted St. Louis-based firm, was brought in to lead the transformation. Their work includes:

  • Regarding fairways to improve water runoff
  • Repairing damaged patches of turf
  • Reshaping contours to encourage better drainage
  • Preventing erosion and turf stress in high-traffic zones

These upgrades will promote healthier turf, prevent flooding, and create a more resilient course environment for golfers year-round.

The Equipment Behind the Upgrade

The renovation process involves a range of specialized machinery to ensure precise and efficient work:

  • Mini excavator – for accurate digging and contouring
  • Skid steer – for moving materials quickly and cleanly
  • Soil reconditioner – for leveling and prepping the ground
  • Medium rock truck – for hauling fill and debris

After prep work is complete, the crew will install big roll zoysia sod, a premium turf choice known for its dense, durable coverage and seamless integration with the existing grass.

What to Expect on the Course

While construction may temporarily affect a few areas of play, the crew is working quickly and carefully to reduce disruption. Once the upgrades are complete, members and guests can expect smoother fairways, faster drainage, and a more enjoyable playing experience.

What to Know About the FedEx St. Jude Championship Format

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Large #FedExCup sign reflected in the water at a PGA Tour event course

FedEx St. Jude Championship format sets the stage for the opening event of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs. Played as a 72-hole, no-cut stroke play tournament, this event features the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings following the regular season finale at the Wyndham Championship.

Tournament Format Breakdown

  • Field: Limited to the top 70 players in the FedExCup standings after the regular season.
  • Rounds: The event spans four rounds (72 holes) of stroke play.
  • No Cut: Unlike traditional PGA Tour events, all 70 competitors play all four rounds. No one is eliminated after 36 holes.
  • Winner: The player with the lowest cumulative score after 72 holes is declared the champion.

What Happens in a Tie?

If there’s a tie for first place after the final round, the event moves into a sudden-death playoff. The playoff holes are played in the following order:
Hole 18 → Hole 18 → Hole 17 → Repeat Hole 18 until a winner is decided.

FedExCup Points & Playoff Implications

  • The winner earns 2,000 FedExCup points, quadruple the amount awarded at regular season events.
  • These points are pivotal for players aiming to advance to the next rounds of the FedExCup Playoffs.

What Comes Next?

  • After the FedEx St. Jude Championship, only the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings move on to the BMW Championship.
  • From there, the field narrows again to the top 30, who will compete in the Tour Championship—the final stop where the FedExCup champion is crowned.