Green at Bethpage State Park Golf Course

Bethpage State Park's Green Course, often overshadowed by its notorious sibling Black, offers a democratic golfing experience on Long Island, one where accessibility meets the challenge of Robert Moses' vision of public recreation. Designed by Alfred Tull, the course emerged in the mid-1930s, a product of the Golden Age's emphasis on playability interwoven with the area’s natural landscape. While not demanding the Herculean length of the Black, Green presents subtly undulating fairways framed by mature trees, rewarding strategic shot placement over sheer power. The course's design favors those who can shape the ball, as strategically placed bunkers punish wayward drives and approaches.

Tull's original routing has remained largely untouched, preserving the character of the era. While Green hasn't hosted major championships on the scale of its sibling, it has served as a proving ground for countless amateur players and remains a favorite for local tournaments. Its modest greens and gentler slopes provide a respite from the brutal conditions of the Black, making it a more forgiving, yet still demanding, test of golf.

Green's appeal lies in its unpretentious nature. It is a reminder that great golf can be enjoyed without the need for excessive difficulty or exclusivity. Players of all skill levels can appreciate the course's classic design and the serene setting within Bethpage State Park. There's a certain pride of place among those who call Green their "home course," a reflection of its enduring popularity and the accessible golf it provides. And despite the fact that most golfers consider the Black to be the "real" Bethpage, Green still is an integral piece to the park’s overall experience.