For golfer Freddie Curtis, arriving to Bethpage State Park nearly 21 hours before his tee time was well worth it to play the iconic Black course.
“This has been on my bucket list since I was a kid,” said Curtis, a Massachusetts native. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The iconic Black course at Bethpage State Park. Credit: Randee Daddona
Bethpage Black is one of the most grueling public golf courses in the country. It’s hosted U.S. Opens, PGA Championships and will welcome the Ryder Cup from Sept. 26-28 . But unlike many top-tier courses, you can actually play it. You just need a pillow, a car and endurance.
Through Aug. 17, the Black course is walk-up only with no advance reservations available online or by phone, according to the Bethpage State Park website. After Aug. 17, it will close to the public for Ryder Cup preparations. Until then, if you’re willing to spend the night in your car and tackle one of the country’s toughest courses on foot, a tee time is still within reach.
Be prepared to walk the Black course, which is close to nine miles. Credit: Randee Daddona
If you want to play the Black before the Ryder Cup shuts it down, here’s how it works:
Step 1: Show up early
There’s a designated overnight “campground” area located immediately on your right when turning into Bethpage State Park from Quaker Meeting House Road. When you pull into the lot, you’ll see a rules sign on the right with numbered parking spaces.
On busy days, golfers like Curtis start arriving at the lot as early as 11 a.m. the day before. Most secure their spots by late afternoon, so your best bet is to arrive between 4 and 8 p.m. the night before you plan to play. Golfers sleep in or near their cars, and each group is parked in order of arrival.
Golfers Spencer Wall, left, and Nick Denicola, both of Albany, camped overnight to secure a tee time to play the Black course. Credit: Randee Daddona
As for what to bring to pass the time? For Dan Giesler, of Rochester, it was all about “just having a couple of beers, hanging out and having fun with some of our friends.”
Only one person from your group needs to stay with the car overnight, but the rest of your group must be there in the morning when numbered tickets and wristbands are handed out.
Note: The Black course will be closed on July 28, Aug. 4 and 11.
Step 2: Secure your tee time
About 4:30 a.m., a park ranger or staffer knocks on each car window and hands out numbered tickets and wristbands based on arrival order. The numbers determine the day’s tee time assignments, so because Curtis and his three friends arrived first, they secured the first tee time.
Golfers receive breakfast tickets and bracelets after camping overnight to secure their spot. Credit: Randee Daddona
Once you have your number, drive over to the clubhouse to officially claim your time at the golf office. Weekday tee times run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and weekends go until 1:30 p.m.
Be prepared to show a valid New York state driver license or non-Driver ID card, as prices will vary based on residency, according to Bethpage: New York residents pay $70 on weekdays or $80 on weekends. Seniors and juniors play for $47 on weekdays. Out-of-state residents pay $140 on weekdays or $160 on weekends.
“This past Saturday, there were 202 breakfast tickets and about 150 walk-ups,” park ranger and starter Frank DeGennaro said. “We’re only going to see more and more.”
Singles and small groups may be paired up to fill tee times. Credit: Randee Daddona
Singles and small groups are often paired up to fill tee times. If you show up Friday at noon hoping to snag a spot, your only shot is a last-minute cancellation or no-show. If you’re shut out of the Black, the Red and Blue courses are alternative options.
Step 3: Fuel up
Once you’ve locked in your time, consider grabbing a breakfast ticket for The Public House, Bethpage’s on-site restaurant that opens at 5 a.m. and serves breakfast until 11 a.m. Prices for breakfast plates range from $10.50 to $14.50, with popular options being the Public House burrito ($11.50) and egg sandwich with your choice of bacon or sausage ($10.50). Each plate comes with coffee or tea.
Step 4: Tee off
Head to the first tee box, where you might opt for a photo in front of the notorious sign that warns the Black is “an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”
Play the Black course, if you have what it takes. Right, the rules for the walk up car line at Bethpage State Park. Credit: Randee Daddona
The Black course is also walking only, and the loop stretches close to 9 miles. You can rent a caddie for $90 per bag with a $50 suggested gratuity (all in cash) or carry your bag, according to director Scott Matson.
“The rough is brutal and punishing,” DeGennaro said. “Be prepared to lose many of your balls.”
Either way, be ready for a hike and the experience of a lifetime.
What it costsNew York residents pay $70 on weekdays or $80 on weekends.Seniors and juniors play for $47 on weekdays.Out-of-state residents pay $140 on weekdays or $160 on weekends.
