Bethpage (Black)
Bethpage (Black)
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Course Type
Municipal -
GOLF Top 100 U.S. Rank (2024-25)
34 -
Year
1935 -
Architect
A.W. Tillinghast -
Par
71 -
Yardage
7,486
Course Overview
The Black intimidates golfers with a sign at the 1st tee that recommends the course “only for highly skilled golfers.” Among them? Tiger Woods, who won the 2002 “People’s Open,” as that U.S. Open came to be known. Woods was the only golfer to break par for 72 holes, owing to rugged, uphill par-4s, massive bunkers and the wrist-fracturing rough found on this Rees Jones-restored A.W. Tillinghast layout. The Black enjoys one of the great routings, highlighted by the masterful way Tillinghast placed the fairways and greens from the 2nd hole in a valley all the way through the dogleg left 9th. The par-5 4th and its iconic cross-bunkering is a world-beater. (Photo: Getty Images)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 4, par-5, 517 yards: Many laud the first of Bethpage’s par-5s as Tillinghast’s best ever three-shotter. At just 517-yards, the hole appears as a birdie opportunity on the scorecard, but a significantly uphill approach and crisscrossing bunkers means two-perfect shots are required for an eagle putt. The trees framing the unique double dogleg make the hole more handsome still. -
Best non-golf amenity
The ominous but iconic sign on the first tee that warns golfers that the Black should only be played only by “highly skilled golfers.” No signage in golf better sets the tone for a round. -
Insider tip
You don’t *have* to sleep in your car for a tee time (although it is an experience!) — or pay top dollar. The peak rate is $160, but book with a New York resident to take advantage of the $44 in-state twilight rate, one of the best deals in golf.
