Bethpage Black New York
Bethpage Black is a par-71 public course in New York, playing 7,486 yards from the Blue tees with a rating of 78.0 and slope of 155. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast (1936). Bethpage Black is the A.W. Tillinghast-designed public course famous for its first-tee warning sign, hosting the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens and the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Course Overview
| Type | Public |
| Holes / Par | 18 holes, par 71 (4 par 3s, 11 par 4s, 3 par 5s) |
| Length | 7,486 yards |
| Rating / Slope | 78.0 / 155 |
| Tee Options | 4 |
| Architect | A.W. Tillinghast |
| Year | 1936 |
| Location | New York, USA |
| Coordinates | 40.7487, -73.4458 |
Tee Options & Ratings
| Tee | Yards | Par | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 7,465 | 71 | 77.5 | 155 |
| White | 6,738 | 71 | 74.2 | 148 |
| Yellow | 6,220 | 71 | 71.4 | 144 |
| Forward | 6,220 | 71 | 76.8 | 150 |
Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue 77.5/155 | 430 | 389 | 230 | 517 | 478 | 408 | 553 | 210 | 460 | 3675 | 502 | 435 | 501 | 608 | 158 | 478 | 490 | 207 | 411 | 3790 | 7465 |
| White 74.2/148 | 429 | 354 | 158 | 461 | 423 | 386 | 525 | 191 | 385 | 3312 | 434 | 421 | 432 | 543 | 149 | 430 | 457 | 195 | 365 | 3426 | 6738 |
| Yellow 71.4/144 | 426 | 346 | 128 | 438 | 401 | 376 | 489 | 152 | 293 | 3049 | 377 | 412 | 403 | 472 | 136 | 417 | 431 | 178 | 345 | 3171 | 6220 |
| Forward 76.8/150 | 426 | 346 | 128 | 438 | 401 | 376 | 489 | 152 | 293 | 3049 | 377 | 412 | 403 | 472 | 136 | 417 | 431 | 178 | 345 | 3171 | 6220 |
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 35 | 71 |
| Hdcp | 8 | 16 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 15 |
Which Tees Should You Play?
Multiply your handicap index by 28 and add it to par. If the result exceeds the total yardage divided by 100, move up one tee.
Handicap 0-10: Blue (7,465 yards, 77.5/155)
The back tees offer the full test. Attack the 3 par 5s for birdie opportunities and respect the #1 handicap hole 15 (par 4, 478 yards). Use the shot dispersion model to find optimal targets on every approach.
Handicap 10-20: White (6,738 yards, 74.2/148)
This tee gives you a realistic chance to reach greens in regulation without brutal carries. Course management is key. Identify trouble spots and plan your misses to the safe side. Use the strokes gained data to find where you're leaving shots on the table.
Handicap 20+: Forward (6,220 yards, 76.8/150)
From here the course becomes about accuracy, not power. The short par 3 on hole 14 (136 yards) is a genuine birdie chance. Focus on finding fairways and keeping the ball in play.
Hole-by-Hole Highlights
Number 1 handicap hole. At 478 yards this is one of the longest par 4s on the course and demands a strong drive.
The easiest hole on the course and a genuine scoring opportunity. At 230 yards from the back tees, take dead aim at the centre of the green.
The longest hole on the course at 608 yards. Reachable in two for scratch golfers but a true three-shot hole for most. The smart play is two accurate shots to within wedge range.
The shortest par 3 at 158 yards. A wedge or short iron for most players. A birdie opportunity if you find the green.
The #2 handicap hole. At 517 yards, a pivotal par 5 that separates good rounds from great ones.
Nearby Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethpage Black known for?
Bethpage Black is known for its iconic first-tee warning sign advising only highly skilled golfers to play. This A.W. Tillinghast design is one of America's toughest public courses, with punishing rough and massive bunkering, and has hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens and the 2025 Ryder Cup.
What is the slope and rating of Bethpage Black?
Bethpage Black has a course rating of 78.0 and slope of 155 from the back tees. From the Forward tees, the rating is 76.8 with a slope of 150.
How long is Bethpage Black?
From the back tees, Bethpage Black plays 7,486 yards. The course is par 71 with 18 holes (4 par 3s, 11 par 4s, 3 par 5s).
What is the hardest hole at Bethpage Black?
The number 1 handicap hole is hole 15, a 478-yard par 4 from the back tees.
What tees should I play at Bethpage Black?
For handicaps 0-10, play the Blue tees (7,465 yards). Handicaps 20+ should consider the Forward tees (6,220 yards).
Is Bethpage Black public or private?
Bethpage Black is a public golf course in New York. Tee times are available to the public.
What courses are near Bethpage Black?
Nearby courses include Peninsula Golf Club, Peninsula Golf Club, Plandome Country Club, Innis Arden Golf Club (Old Greenwich).
Is there a yardage book for Bethpage Black?
Yes. Yards Golf Book offers a personalized digital yardage book for Bethpage Black with hole-by-hole maps, shot dispersion analysis, strokes gained heatmaps, and club recommendations tailored to your handicap and distances. You can view it online or download a printable PDF.
Does Bethpage Black have strokes gained data?
Yes. Yards Golf Book runs a 1,000-shot Monte Carlo simulation on every hole, factoring in your handicap, club distances, shot shape, and the actual hazard layout. The model recommends the best club and target for each shot.
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