54 Holes for the People: Bethpage State Park Golf
Bethpage Black, Red and Blue: 54 public holes on Long Island.
Bethpage State Park is one of the best public-golf values in the country. The Black Course hosted the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, and the Red and Blue courses are excellent. All three courses are at the same location on Long Island.
Bethpage's tee-time system is part of the experience: New York residents get priority, and out-of-state golfers have limited windows. Plan well in advance.
The Black Course is difficult, long, and walking-only, with a famous sign warning that it is 'an extremely difficult course.'
- Region
- Northeast
- Courses
- 3
- Total driving
- 0 miles
- Duration
- 2 days
- Estimated green fees
- ~$170
- Difficulty
- Championship
Courses in this guide
- Bethpage Black — Farmingdale, New York
- Bethpage Red — Farmingdale, New York
- Bethpage Blue Course — Farmingdale, New York
Suggested itineraries
- Day 1: Bethpage Red or Blue
Play Red or Blue for a warm-up.
- Day 2: Bethpage Black
Play the Black Course, ideally early. Walk the course and arrive early to check in.
Where to stay
- Hampton Inn Farmingdale: Closest to the course.
- Hyatt Regency Long Island: Full-service hotel.
- Marriott Melville: Business-style hotel.
Where to eat
- The Clubhouse at Bethpage: On-site.
- Village Lanterne: Italian in Farmingdale.
- Mama Theresa's: Local Italian.
Getting around
Plan on a rental car or ride share from New York City, about an hour east. Course-to-course driving is zero.
Best time to visit
May through October. Weekend tee times are very hard to get, so plan weekdays.
Budget tips
- Out-of-state rates are higher but still a bargain compared with similar courses.
- Book as soon as the window opens.
- Twilight rates exist.
- Stay in Farmingdale instead of Manhattan.