Black Course
Farmingdale, NY, USA
Bethpage Black is a brute, a public beast daring golfers to tame its unrelenting challenge; the infamous warning sign at the first tee is less a caution and more a gauntlet thrown. The course is located in Long Island's Nassau County. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast during the Golden Age of golf architecture, the Black Course sprawls across hilly terrain, demanding both power and precision. It is characterized by narrow fairways, punishingly thick rough, and strategically placed bunkers that gobble up errant shots. The course favors a long ball, but it also tests a golfer's ability to shape shots around doglegs and navigate deceptive undulations. Legend has it that Tillinghast believed golfers needed to be challenged physically and mentally, and the Black remains a testament to his demanding vision. Bethpage Black's formidable reputation is cemented by hosting multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, where the world's best have been tested to their limits. Tiger Woods famously conquered the course in 2002, while Lucas Glover battled his way to victory in 2009. The raucous crowds, uniquely close to the action, contribute to an atmosphere unlike any other major championship venue. Despite its stern demeanor, Bethpage Black remains a beloved battleground for golfers of all skill levels. While many courses are proud to be easy, and while Bethpage has a few of those too, it's the Black that they boast about. The course has secured a place in golf history by being one of the hardest courses in the world, as it continues to attract players seeking an ultimate test.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #49
Best in USA
Public: #15
Best in NY
Public: #1
Golfers say Bethpage Black delivers a brutally challenging but memorable experience that stands as one of the best values in American golf, with residents paying around $80 and non-residents up to $160 to play a major championship venue. Most praise the punishing Tillinghast design that demands accurate driving through tight fairways and thick rough, noting the course tests every aspect of the game even as the greens are relatively flat and slow, which some see as a welcome respite while others find them mundane. Reviewers consistently mention the grueling walk and slow pace of play as significant drawbacks, though many feel the unique "people's country club" atmosphere—complete with overnight camping for tee times and no-frills municipal service—adds to the course's charm. The conditioning earns high marks given the heavy traffic, and standout holes like the par-five 4th and uphill par-four 15th leave lasting impressions, making the Black a must-play pilgrimage despite its physical and mental demands.
9.0
740 players
Slow round , hard, and fun
Made the trek up to play, camped and got spot 2, the most brutal but pure test of golf you’ll ever play
Played off the medal tees and what a course even though it rained it was a great day. The whole set up was amazing the number of golfers getting ready to go out on this course and all the others was amazing too see. Liked it so much i need to play it again someday hopefully
Maybe I’m biased because I’ve had the luxury to play it a handful of times, but I’ve played in spring, summer and fall and I’ve yet to play a course that tops it.
Beautiful conditions leading up to Ryder Cup
One of my favorite golf courses challenges every aspect of your game. Although it is a very long course and very hilly so be prepared to be wiped out after you play. Also the rough is over seeded which means when you get in there it is not easy. The greens are fair and true
If you like getting punched in the face, you’ll love the Black. Truly one of the hardest tests in golf. Driving is such a necessity here and hitting fairways is the only way to score well. After you’ve given up hope on your round it is an extremely enjoyable walk and tough to beat on a summer day
The routing is truly fantastic. A difficult, but fair walk and used the land in interesting ways. The green complexes are rather mundane. Very little that is unique here. The fact that it’s a major championship course and is public is to be cherished. However, it is constantly ranked far too high for that fact alone. The rough is extremely penal and thus dictates what a player must do, versus giving a player options to hit multiple types of shots or recovery. Just not my cup of tea or my favorite style, I’m glad I played it to have the perspective for larger tournaments held there.
Road trip up to Boston 4th of July weekend and stopped a couple days and camped out to play. The experience with the Ryder Cup stands up was truly special. The course was a monster, if you’re struggling off the tee, it’s going to be a long day. The greens aren’t difficult, it’s getting to the greens that make this course so challenging.
I’ve played here a bunch of times and it never disappoints. Unbelievably hard but the experience makes it the one of the best in golf
Public courses closest to Black at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.
Most visitors to Bethpage State Park Golf Course arrive through one of New York City's three major airports - JFK International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark Liberty (EWR) - each roughly 30 to 45 minutes west depending on traffic and time of day. The drive east along the Long Island Expressway gradually sheds the density of Queens for the suburban sprawl of Nassau County, eventually giving way to the wooded, gently rolling terrain of central Long Island. Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey serves as the preferred private aviation gateway for those seeking discretion, though Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale sits just minutes from the park itself. The final turn off Quaker Meeting House Road delivers you to the modest entrance of one of America's most storied public golf facilities, where a simple sign and vast parking lot belie the championship pedigree waiting beyond.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Black at Bethpage State Park Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 9.0 out of 10 based on 353 explicit golfer ratings.
Black was designed by A .W. Tillinghast, Rees Jones, and Greg Muirhead.
Yes. Black at Bethpage State Park Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Black is 71.
Black plays 7,468 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Black is 152.
