Bethpage State Park - Black Course

Bethpage Black opened in 1936 as part of a New Deal-era public works project spearheaded by Robert Moses. A.W. Tillinghast designed the Black, Red, and Blue courses at the park. The Black was built during the Great Depression by WPA workers on Long Island's glacial moraine.

For decades it was a secret among New York public golfers. In 2002, it became the first public course to host the U.S. Open, won by Tiger Woods. The 2009 U.S. Open followed (Lucas Glover), and the 2019 PGA Championship was won by Brooks Koepka. The 2025 Ryder Cup brought international team competition to Bethpage.

Rees Jones renovated the course before the 2002 U.S. Open, adding length and restoring Tillinghast-era bunkering. It remains a New York State public facility offering championship golf at municipal prices.

Bethpage Black is a relentless test on rolling Long Island terrain. Thick rough, deep bunkers, and forced carries define the experience. Par 71 at nearly 7,500 yards. Walking only, no carts permitted. The terrain is hilly and physically demanding.

Pace of play can be slow on busy days. Tee times are highly sought after, with resident golfers sometimes camping overnight for morning spots.

Accuracy matters more than length. The rough is genuinely penal and missing fairways leads to bogey or worse. Play to the wide parts of fairways and accept par as a good score on longer holes.

Greens are large but heavily contoured. Approach shots must reach the correct quadrant or three-putts become common. Take advantage of the reachable par-5 4th for scoring.