A Legendary Public Golfing Experience
Introduction
Few golf courses in the world command the same level of respect and admiration as Bethpage Golf Course. Nestled in Farmingdale, New York, this public golf mecca has solidified its place as one of the most iconic venues in golf history. From hosting multiple major championships to being one of the most demanding public courses, Bethpage attracts golfers of all skill levels looking for an unforgettable challenge.
General Information
Full Name: Bethpage State Park Golf Course
Location: Farmingdale, New York, USA
Established: 1936
Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
Bethpage is home to five distinct 18-hole courses, with the Black Course standing out as its crown jewel. Designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, the Black Course has built a reputation as one of the most difficult and well-maintained public courses in the United States.
What Makes Bethpage Golf Course Unique?
Course Features & Layout
Bethpage State Park offers a variety of courses suited for golfers of all levels, but the Black Course is what truly defines the club. It features:
- A Brutal but Fair Challenge – The Black Course is notorious for its difficulty, with a warning sign at the first tee: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”
- Course Type: Parkland
- Number of Holes: 5 courses (Black, Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow)
- Signature Features: Tight fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens
The Black Course is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in the world and is a must-play for any golfer seeking an elite test. The Red Course is also a favorite among competitive players, while the Blue, Green, and Yellow Courses provide an enjoyable experience for mid- and high-handicap golfers.
Tournaments & Legacy
Prestigious Championships
Bethpage has hosted some of the biggest tournaments in golf, including:
- U.S. Open (2002, 2009) – Tiger Woods won in 2002, while Lucas Glover triumphed in 2009.
- PGA Championship (2019) – Brooks Koepka dominated the field to claim his fourth major title.
- The Barclays (2012, 2016) – A regular stop on the PGA Tour.
- Upcoming: 2025 Ryder Cup – Bethpage Black will host one of the most anticipated Ryder Cup matchups in history.
Iconic Moments
Some of the most memorable moments in golf history have taken place at Bethpage:
- Tiger Woods’ victory in 2002 was one of the most dominant U.S. Open performances in history.
- Brooks Koepka’s wire-to-wire win in 2019 cemented his reputation as one of golf’s modern greats.
- The Black Course’s infamous difficulty has humbled even the best golfers in the world, making any win at Bethpage a true badge of honor.
Champions of the Last Decade
- 2019 PGA Championship: Brooks Koepka (-8)
- 2016 The Barclays: Patrick Reed (-9)
- 2012 The Barclays: Nick Watney (-10)
- 2009 U.S. Open: Lucas Glover (-4)
- 2002 U.S. Open: Tiger Woods (-3)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Bethpage is unique in that it is a publicly accessible course, operated by New York State Parks.
Facilities Include:
- Expansive Clubhouse – A hub for golfers with modern amenities
- Driving Range & Practice Areas – Perfect for warming up before tackling the Black Course
- Pro Shop – Stocked with high-end golf gear and Bethpage merchandise
- Caddie Program – Available for those looking to navigate the challenging layout with expert guidance
Membership & Green Fees
- Public Course – No membership required, but tee times are in high demand.
- Green Fees: Bethpage Black offers some of the best value for a championship-level course, with rates significantly lower than private courses of similar prestige.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Many of the game’s greatest players have competed at Bethpage, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson.
Course Records:
- Lowest Tournament Round: 63 (PGA Tour events)
- Lowest Winning Score: -12 (Barclays, 2016)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- First Public Course to Host a U.S. Open – Bethpage Black made history in 2002.
- Tiger Woods is the only player to win multiple times at Bethpage.
- The Black Course remains one of the toughest public golf courses in America.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Bethpage is a bucket-list destination for any golfer. The combination of world-class course design, major championship history, and a thrilling test of golf makes it one of the most sought-after experiences in the game.
Why It Stands Out:
- Elite Course for an Affordable Price – Unlike private championship venues, Bethpage is open to the public.
- Host of the 2025 Ryder Cup – A chance to walk the fairways where the best players in the world will battle.
- A True Golfing Challenge – No golfer walks away from Bethpage without a story to tell.
Final Thoughts
Bethpage Golf Course isn’t just a place to play—it’s a rite of passage for serious golfers. Whether you’re a scratch golfer aiming to conquer the Black Course or a weekend player looking for a historic venue, Bethpage offers an experience that rivals the best in the world.
