The People's Country Club: Bethpage Black

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “the toughest test in public golf,” chances are it was referring to Bethpage Black. Carved into the sandy soil of Long Island and maintained by the New York State Parks Department, Bethpage Black isn’t just a legendary course—it’s a symbol of what public golf can be when done right.

Fast Facts
Location: Farmingdale, New York
Accessibility: Public
Year Opened: 1936
Architect: A.W. Tillinghast
Par: 71
Yardage: 7,468
Major Championships Hosted: U.S. Open (2002, 2009), PGA Championship (2019)

A People's Major Venue

Opened in 1936, Bethpage Black was designed by legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), making it a rare example of a world-class course built with the intention of serving the public from day one. The Black Course is the crown jewel of the five-course Bethpage State Park complex, and from the start, it’s been revered—and feared—for its demanding layout, deep bunkers, and punishing rough.

Its reputation soared to new heights in 2002 when it became the first truly public course to host the U.S. Open. The significance of that moment cannot be overstated: Bethpage wasn’t a private club opening its gates to the pros—it was a course you or I could tee off on with the right tee time and the grit to survive its infamous opening hole.

The 2002 U.S. Open, won by Tiger Woods in dominant fashion, was followed by another U.S. Open in 2009 (won by Lucas Glover), and the 2019 PGA Championship (won by Brooks Koepka), further cementing Bethpage’s status as a tournament-caliber venue that still welcomes everyday players.

The Warning Sign is Real

Anyone who’s visited Bethpage Black knows the legend of the warning sign: “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.” It’s not a gimmick—it’s the truth. From the first tee box, where you’ll hit into a narrow, elevated fairway guarded by rough and bunkers, the course doesn’t let up.

Yet despite its difficulty, Bethpage remains accessible in spirit and price. It stands as a model for what public golf should aspire to: challenging, immaculately maintained, and open to all.

So… Can You Play It?

Yes. And that’s the magic of Bethpage. It’s not a bucket-list course in name only—it’s one you can actually check off your list.

New York residents can book tee times seven days in advance, while out-of-state players can book five days ahead online via the Bethpage State Park website. There’s also the fabled overnight parking lot line, where diehards still camp out in their cars for a shot at an early morning walk-up tee time.

Greens fees vary, but remain shockingly affordable compared to other major championship venues—especially for New York residents. For many golfers, that combination of price, pedigree, and punishment makes Bethpage Black one of the most unique experiences in the sport.

A Living Monument to Public Golf

Bethpage Black isn’t just a tough course—it’s a tough course with history, soul, and accessibility. It’s proof that world-class golf doesn’t have to hide behind private gates or six-figure memberships. It belongs to the public, and that’s exactly what makes it great.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking for a challenge or a fan of the game seeking to walk the same fairways as Tiger, Bethpage Black is more than worth the trip. Just be ready to earn every par—and maybe snap a photo with that famous warning sign on your way to the first tee.