Bethpage State Park

Old Bethpage, United States

Home to the legendary Bethpage Black, this public park offers championship golf and family recreation on Long Island.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better tee times

CrowdLow
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Bethpage State Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better tee times

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to the legendary Bethpage Black, this public park offers championship golf and family recreation on Long Island.

"The 'People's Country Club' offers a challenging, historic golf experience accessible to all."

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TIP

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Tee times, especially for Bethpage Black, go fast! Be online right when they become available.

🚗 Parking Fee Info

Parking is $8, but free with an Empire Pass or during the off-season.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bethpage Black Course

Bethpage State Park

The 'People's Country Club's' most iconic and challenging course, a former U.S. Open venue. Prepare for a true test of golf.

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Ryder Cup Host

Bethpage State Park

Experience the thrill of a venue that has hosted major championships like the Ryder Cup and U.S. Open. Feel the history.

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Family Fun & Trails

Bethpage State Park

Beyond golf, enjoy playgrounds and scenic hiking trails through wooded areas, offering a refreshing natural escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Mastering Bethpage Tee Times

Securing a tee time at Bethpage, especially the famed Black Course, is notoriously challenging. Many golfers report struggling to find openings even right when they go live. Persistence and understanding the booking system are key to playing these legendary fairways. Reddit

Beyond the Black Course

While Bethpage Black garners most of the attention, don't overlook the other four courses: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. They offer diverse challenges and are more accessible for booking, providing a fantastic golf experience at this public facility. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better tee times
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season
Why
Lower parking fees, easier access
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More tee time availability
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Your guide to Long Island around Bethpage State Park & the South Shore ✨ @BethpageGolfCourse has five courses, including Bethpage Black, the site of @therydercup, that YOU can play! Downtown Farmingdale is ten minutes away and is home to a few of my favorites like @taproomfarmingdale and @casa.stellina. @BluePointBrewing in Patchogue is an easy place to spend the afternoon. Great beer and f...
alexandra.olaughlin
0 likes • 55.9K views

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Tee times, especially for Bethpage Black, go fast! Be online right when they become available. InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Fee Info

Parking is $8, but free with an Empire Pass or during the off-season. Instagram

DID YOU KNOW.. For $160 as an out of state resident, you can sleep over night at Bethpage State Park and play the infamous black course - or any of their other 4 courses - any day of the week??? We can’t recommend this experience enough! Get out there & #Getsticky #Letsgolf #Golfislife #getstickygolf #golf
getstickygolf
8.8K likes • 548.8K views
Tiger Woods at the 2002 US Open, hosted by Bethpage State Park #golf #golfing #tigerwoods #rydercup
almostapril
19.6K likes • 478K views

👟 Wear Proper Golf Shoes

Spikes are not allowed on the courses. Opt for soft spikes or golf shoes without metal spikes. Instagram

📱 Use the NY State Parks App

Check for park alerts, trail maps, and potentially booking information. Instagram

From Long Island to the world stage! The 2025 @therydercup is officially underway at the People’s Country Club at Bethpage State Park, right here in the beautiful 15th Assembly District! 🏌️‍♂️ The energy is electric, the golf is world-class, and our local pride is off the charts. Hear it straight from hometown fans—and then come feel it yourself all weekend long. 🇺🇸⛳️ #RyderCup #BethpageBlack #Lo...
jakeblumencranz_ny
0 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Tee times, especially for Bethpage Black, go fast! Be online right when they become available. InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Fee Info

Parking is $8, but free with an Empire Pass or during the off-season. Instagram

👟 Wear Proper Golf Shoes

Spikes are not allowed on the courses. Opt for soft spikes or golf shoes without metal spikes. Instagram

📱 Use the NY State Parks App

Check for park alerts, trail maps, and potentially booking information. Instagram

🌳 Explore Beyond Golf

Don't miss the playgrounds and hiking trails for a family-friendly or nature-focused experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Bethpage State Park's challenging golf courses, particularly the iconic Black Course, and its status as a premier public golf destination. The affordability and historical significance of hosting major championships are major draws. However, securing tee times, especially for the Black Course, is notoriously difficult and requires significant planning and persistence. InstagramReddit

What People Like

Challenging Black Course
Affordable green fees
Championship history

What People Dislike

Difficulty booking tee times
Course difficulty (Black)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bethpage State Park is located on Long Island, New York. It's accessible by car via major parkways like the Southern State Parkway. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. Instagram

Yes, there are large parking lots available. The parking fee is typically $8, but this can be waived with an Empire Pass or during the off-season. Instagram

Yes, it's about an hour's drive from Manhattan, depending on traffic. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car, though parking is usually more straightforward. Instagram

From the west, take the Southern State Parkway to Exit 43A (Hicksville Road). Head north on Hicksville Road to Plainview Road, then turn right and follow signs for Bethpage State Park. Instagram

Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services to Bethpage State Park. It's best to plan your own transportation via car or taxi/rideshare. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tee times are highly sought after, especially for the Black Course. They are typically released online a week in advance and can be booked through the New York State Parks reservation system. Be ready right when they go live, as they sell out quickly. InstagramReddit

Green fees vary by course and residency status (New York State residents often pay less). The Black Course is generally the most expensive, while the Green and Yellow courses are more affordable. Check the official NY State Parks website for current pricing. Instagram

It is extremely difficult to play Bethpage Black without a pre-booked tee time. Walk-on opportunities are rare and usually involve very long waits. Reddit

The park itself is generally open from dawn to dusk. The golf courses have specific operating hours that vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on course hours. Instagram

If you are not golfing, there is no entry fee to access the park's grounds, playgrounds, or hiking trails. Parking fees apply. Instagram

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

The Bethpage Black Course is renowned for its extreme difficulty, often described as one of the toughest public courses in the United States. It features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging green complexes. Instagram

Besides the Black Course, Bethpage offers the Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow courses. Each provides a unique golfing experience and is generally more accessible for booking than the Black. Instagram

Yes, Bethpage State Park has pro shops at each course, offering equipment rentals, merchandise, and snacks. There are also dining facilities available. Instagram

Club rentals are available at the pro shops for all courses. It's advisable to inquire about availability and pricing when booking your tee time. Instagram

Bethpage has a strict dress code. Collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or slacks are required. Denim, t-shirts, and athletic shorts are generally not permitted. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Nature & Recreation

Yes, Bethpage State Park features several hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, offering a pleasant natural experience away from the golf courses. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Beyond the golf, the park has large playgrounds that are a hit with children, making it a great destination for families. Instagram

You can expect lush green fairways, rolling hills, and a significant amount of mature trees, giving it a beautiful, natural feel. Instagram

Yes, picnic areas are available within the park, providing a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Instagram

Yes, Bethpage State Park is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities from challenging golf to family-friendly recreation and nature walks. Instagram

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