Bethpage Black Golf Course

The legendary Bethpage Black Golf Course is one of the most famous and challenging public golf courses in the world, located in the state of New York, USA. Situated in the charming town of Farmingdale, this course is the "crown jewel" of Bethpage State Park and a true test for even the most seasoned professionals.

Designed by the distinguished architect A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1936, the course is renowned for its deep bunkers, narrow fairways, and immense length. Its most famous feature is the warning sign at the first tee, which famously states that the Black Course is recommended only for highly skilled golfers.

This unique national treasure regularly hosts prestigious international tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Despite its championship status, the course remains open to the public, making it a rare example of top-tier quality combined with accessibility.

To confirm booking details or receive real-time information regarding course conditions at the Bethpage Black Golf Course, you can use the official contact details for the park administration.

The main challenge and thrill for visitors is a round of golf on the Black Course. Prepare for an extreme level of difficulty: long par-4s and punishing rough will force you to use every skill in your arsenal. Here, every shot is a test of mastery, and finishing the course with a good score is considered a genuine achievement in the world of golf.

For many, a visit to Bethpage begins with a unique tradition — sleeping in their car in the parking lot to guarantee a tee time early in the morning. This creates a special sense of camaraderie among golfers. If the Black Course seems a bit too daunting, you can always play one of the park's more relaxed courses: the Red, Blue, Green, or Yellow.

Beyond the sport itself, it is well worth visiting the spacious clubhouse, where you can grab lunch and pick up some branded gear. The picturesque park grounds are also perfect for a stroll, and during major tournaments, you can witness the world's best golfers in action, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic fans.

The most convenient way to reach the famous golf complex, located at 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, is by car. From New York City, take the I-495 (Long Island Expressway) to exit 45, then follow the signs for Route 109 until you reach the park entrance. Ample parking is available on-site, but keep in mind that golfers often arrive before dawn to secure a spot for the Black Course.

If you prefer public transport, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). You will need to get off at the Farmingdale station. The entrance to the golf course is approximately 3 kilometers from the station. You can cover this distance by taxi, which are usually waiting for passengers at the station, or by walking, which takes about 30–40 minutes.

The history of the Bethpage Black Golf Course began in the 1930s when the state authorities purchased the land of the private Lenox Hills club. During the Great Depression, the creation of the park became a significant social project: construction was carried out under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), providing jobs for thousands of people. The legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast was commissioned to design the courses.

The Black Course officially opened in 1936 and immediately established itself as one of the toughest tests in the world of golf. Tillinghast sought to create a course that would challenge a player's skill and endurance, utilizing the natural landscape and massive sand bunkers. Over time, Bethpage became a unique example of how a municipal (public) course could host top-tier tournaments, including the U.S. Open.

Interestingly, the park originally had three courses — Black, Red, and Blue. They were later joined by the Green Course (rebuilt from the old Lenox Hills course) and the Yellow Course, designed by Alfred Tull in 1958. Today, this complex is the largest state-owned golf facility in the USA, preserving its historical layout and the spirit of the classic era.

Completing a full round of 18 holes at Bethpage Black will take at least 4–5 hours. This course requires thoughtful play and physical endurance due to the challenging terrain and long distances between holes. Keep in mind that as a public course, the pace of play can depend on how busy the course is on any given day.

If you don't plan to play but simply want to explore the Bethpage State Park grounds, visit the clubhouse, or walk the scenic trails, set aside about 3 hours for your visit. For those dreaming of a coveted tee time without a prior reservation, it is sometimes necessary to spend the entire night waiting in the parking lot — it's all part of the legendary "Bethpage experience."

The golf course is generally open daily, welcoming the first players from early morning. The standard visiting schedule is from 05:30 to 18:00, though hours may vary depending on the season and daylight hours.

As course operations are highly dependent on weather conditions and tournament schedules, visitors are strongly encouraged to check the official website for the latest information before their trip. Please note that the courses may be closed during the winter season.

After an intense day on the course, you can continue exploring the local area. The town of Farmingdale offers visitors a pleasant blend of historical atmosphere and modern entertainment. A stroll through its streets allows you to see historic commemorative markers and enjoy the hospitality of local establishments.

Within a few kilometers of the park, you will find cozy cafes, historical aviation markers, and amusement parks that will make your trip even more diverse.