Bethpage Tee Time System, Could this be more screwed up? Options

[johnnylongball]

I've read the posts for the past few days about all the difficulties associated with getting a tee time on the Black course. I knew about people sleeping in their cars, etc., but this system is absurd. Then I read the article about NY Golf Shuttle and how they operate and made it seem even worse.

I am unaware of any other course in the country that uses a system like this. I can't believe they even want people sleeping out in their cars all night. This would seem to me to create some liability the State would not want to accept.

Have they not given any thought to adopting some sort of online system for tee times, or doing something, ANYTHING, to improve this process?

I live out of state and would really like to play the Black at some point but it seems like a complete logistical nightmare.

[Marrrk]

I've read the posts for the past few days about all the difficulties associated with getting a tee time on the Black course. I knew about people sleeping in their cars, etc., but this system is absurd. Then I read the article about NY Golf Shuttle and how they operate and made it seem even worse.

I am unaware of any other course in the country that uses a system like this. I can't believe they even want people sleeping out in their cars all night. This would seem to me to create some liability the State would not want to accept.

Have they not given any thought to adopting some sort of online system for tee times, or doing something, ANYTHING, to improve this process?

I live out of state and would really like to play the Black at some point but it seems like a complete logistical nightmare.

calm down there, paco. there is a phone system and it is quite democratic. i never have to sleep out to play the Black and i play it 2 or 3 times a month. sure, it requires a little diligence, but most good things always do.

[harpua728]

I live in NY and can make tee times. However, I WISH I could sleep in a car to play US Open caliber courses in other states.

[Marrrk]

I WISH I could sleep in a car to play US Open caliber courses in other states.

EXACTLY.

[johnnybogey]

I also live in NY and have no problems with the tee time system. I am used to it.

However, as an out of stater, I can understand that it would be tough. The only reason it is a nightmare right now is because everyone, as mentioned above, wants to play a US Open caliber course.

However, if you want to play Black any other time, I don't think it is as bad. I think you will still need to sleep in your car but you might not have to get there that early to start camping out.

Think of it this way, not only are you going to play Black course which is in itself an experience, you are going for the whole experience itself, starting from the minute you drive up. Think extended tailgating party.

I forget where, but one of the fellow golf WRX'ers posted about his experience camping out this past couple of weekends to play the Black course. Sounded like he had a great time sleeping in his car.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...amp;hl=bethpage

This post has been edited by johnnybogey: May 19 2009, 03:57 PM

[italianstallion]

I've slept in my car once and made a tee time once. The system is fair, however it sucks when the phone lines are jammed up. Its luck of the draw if you get through. After that, its all about luck/diligence to continue calling in case someone cancels.

When I camped out, there was also a local police cruiser that stopped by the park at least once an hour to watch those camping out for 10-15 minutes. I saw a police car watching the early campers when I left the course last Thursday. So they know there's a liability with that, and they're taking the right steps.

[sirvinim]

Torrey Pines uses the exact same phone system and they also have quite a few people who camp out, too.

[sirvinim]

Here's why the system sucks: http://www.golfdigest.com/golfworld/column...page_adler_0525

[fridsdotcom]

When I camped out, there was also a local police cruiser that stopped by the park at least once an hour to watch those camping out for 10-15 minutes. I saw a police car watching the early campers when I left the course last Thursday. So they know there's a liability with that, and they're taking the right steps.

Last year we had a group of eight guys that camped out to play the Black...we decided to make a night of it and we brought the grill and a corn-hole set to help pass the time. So we get the grill set up and we're all just sitting around...all the sudden this cop in a SUV comes speeding into the parking lot and damn near hits one of the guys (he DID hit one of the corn-hole boards). He proceeds to get out of the car and just reads us the riot act about having a grill, dropping f-bombs every other word. My favorite quote (which I will NEVER forget), "What the f--k do you think this is?! A camp ground?! This is a golf waiting area!!" So he tells us that if we don't have the fire out in 5 minutes, he is arresting someone. Keep in mind, this is all AFTER we called the day before and asked if we could have a grill. The girl on the other line, "Oh yes, of course, lots of people bring grills". Yeah, thanks...great advice.

I'm sure the telephone system is fine IF you are pre-registered...if you're not, which is pretty much all out-of-staters, it is completely worthless. You might as well send a homing pigeon with your preferred tee time. My advice for an out-of-stater...call way in advance and get registered in the system.

This post has been edited by fridsdotcom: May 20 2009, 12:19 AM

[wolfpackblack]

I WISH I could sleep in a car to play US Open caliber courses in other states.

EXACTLY.

I'm sure if you wanted to you could get on at Pinehurst #2 in 2014...

As long as you make the reservation for the resort six years in advance and dole out the $2,500 green fee.

I'm actually planning on trying to walk on at Bethpage next Tuesday. I'm in college, can't find a job anywhere, and thus have a ton of time to do completely frivolous stuff. I'm pretty excited that things are so reasonable up there, minus having to get there 36 hours in advance.

[iloverickystevek...]

When I camped out, there was also a local police cruiser that stopped by the park at least once an hour to watch those camping out for 10-15 minutes. I saw a police car watching the early campers when I left the course last Thursday. So they know there's a liability with that, and they're taking the right steps.

Last year we had a group of eight guys that camped out to play the Black...we decided to make a night of it and we brought the grill and a corn-hole set to help pass the time. So we get the grill set up and we're all just sitting around...all the sudden this cop in a SUV comes speeding into the parking lot and damn near hits one of the guys (he DID hit one of the corn-hole boards). He proceeds to get out of the car and just reads us the riot act about having a grill, dropping f-bombs every other word. My favorite quote (which I will NEVER forget), "What the f--k do you think this is?! A camp ground?! This is a golf waiting area!!" So he tells us that if we don't have the fire out in 5 minutes, he is arresting someone. Keep in mind, this is all AFTER we called the day before and asked if we could have a grill. The girl on the other line, "Oh yes, of course, lots of people bring grills". Yeah, thanks...great advice.

I'm sure the telephone system is fine IF you are pre-registered...if you're not, which is pretty much all out-of-staters, it is completely worthless. You might as well send a homing pigeon with your preferred tee time. My advice for an out-of-stater...call way in advance and get registered in the system.

Riot act?!

"Do you see a riot Mr MoFo Policeman?!"

I would have been sleeping in the slammer that night, because I wouldnt have been able to keep my cool.

Why do people insist on ruining the little fun we can have in life?

[againstthegrain]

I don't see how anyone could expect to fire up a grill while waiting in a line of cars. There are areas where you can grill in Bethpage State Park, just not in a roadway.

Does anyone go to their local state park and fire up a grill anywhere they want?

[fridsdotcom]

I don't see how anyone could expect to fire up a grill while waiting in a line of cars. There are areas where you can grill in Bethpage State Park, just not in a roadway.

Does anyone go to their local state park and fire up a grill anywhere they want?

Roadway? It's called a parking lot...(and an empty parking lot at that!)

Ever been to a football game?

[fridsdotcom]

Riot act?!

"Do you see a riot Mr MoFo Policeman?!"

I would have been sleeping in the slammer that night, because I wouldnt have been able to keep my cool.

Why do people insist on ruining the little fun we can have in life?

Seriously. The guy was so ridiculous, I thought he was joking at first...but then he just kept yelling...

[luxman]

Here's why the system sucks: http://www.golfdigest.com/golfworld/column...page_adler_0525

Anytime you have a system like this in place you are going to have that type of situation. It's no different than people sleeping out for concert tickets only to have ticket brokers snatching the really good ones and then charging double or more.

[againstthegrain]

Did you go to play golf, watch a football game, or eat? Have you ever bbq'ed in a parking lot at another state park?

[stage1350]

So the system is supposed to be fair and random, but the same few have a system and always seem to get the premium goods? Doesn't that sound like a horrible business practice?

God forbid someone were to sell headcovers like that. Too bad you can't flip your tee time on eBay.

[fridsdotcom]

Did you go to play golf, watch a football game, or eat? Have you ever bbq'ed in a parking lot at another state park?

Guys...c'mon...I really don't want to get into a debate on whether or not grilling out in parking lot is a sin. And comparing the golf course parking lot at Bethpage to Mt. Rushmore is a little off base. We obviously came to Bethpage to play golf...but in order to play together (8 of us), we had to do the overnight thing in the parking lot, which we were actually looking forward to. Instead of packing sandwiches and sitting in the car, we wanted to grill some burgers and enjoy the night. Keep in mind, we had a charcoal grill that was no more then 2 feet wide (and we called beforehand to confirm if it was ok). It's not like we pulled in with a BBQ smoker on a hitch! Personally, I think the grill thing is absolutely ridiculous, but if that's the rule, I'm cool with it. I am not above following the rules. I was more shocked on how unprofessional the officer handled the situation...but coming from the great state of NY, I'm not sure why I'm surprised.

[vwgolfer]

What? who cares about sleeping out in the lot. The point was that NY shuttle is beating the system and ruining it for the rest of us. And they are charging way too much. I say call NY SHUTTLE and complain. BY the way the black is a state run Tax payer supported run facility, Any private operator such as NY shuttle should be thrown to the back of the line, There needs to be something done about this. NO one should have to sleep out in the lot to get a tee time. Down with NY Shuttle.

[Marrrk]

What? who cares about sleeping out in the lot. The point was that NY shuttle is beating the system and ruining it for the rest of us. And they are charging way too much. I say call NY SHUTTLE and complain. BY the way the black is a state run Tax payer supported run facility, Any private operator such as NY shuttle should be thrown to the back of the line, There needs to be something done about this. NO one should have to sleep out in the lot to get a tee time. Down with NY Shuttle.

it is terrible, but it does sound like the park is doing everything they can to combat it. i take solace in the fact that, even if this company didn't exist, it probably wouldn't be any easier to get a time.

that said, anyone who uses them is no friend of mine.

[johnnylongball]

Maybe I'm old, but the idea of sleeping in the car is not something I'm down with. Even Torrey Pines has a system that allows out of towners to pay a somewhat higher fee (not nearly what the Golf Shuttle charges) for an advance tee time.

I'm curious if these parking spots at Bethpage are large enough to accomodate an RV. I'm not talking about one of those huge buses that bands use to tour, but a basic RV that's maybe 25 feet long. Would this be allowed?

[Marrrk]

Even Torrey Pines has a system that allows out of towners to pay a somewhat higher fee (not nearly what the Golf Shuttle charges) for an advance tee time.

but that's a privilege, not a right. and we're talking about a state course, owned by the taxpayers of NYS (who should get far more preferential treatment than we actually do). now, it just so happens that it's a US Open quality venue, and everyone wants to play it. but much like getting an invite from a member at Augusta, just consider yourself lucky to be able to even have a chance to play it at non-resort level rates.

[jfzhorseman]

Can an out of stater have a confirmed time with an in stater? How does that work?

[DH48]

I have no problem with the sleeping in your car system and plan to do it this year or next. I find it very democratice.

However, I will say if that is the system they are going to impose on folks they should do a couple things to make it slightly more comfortable. Having a nearby designated grilling area is one thing that would be nice.

I haven't been there yet so I don't know. Are there picnic table or anything close to the parking lot. Can you set up a folding chair outside your car?

DH

[italianstallion]

I have no problem with the sleeping in your car system and plan to do it this year or next. I find it very democratice.

However, I will say if that is the system they are going to impose on folks they should do a couple things to make it slightly more comfortable. Having a nearby designated grilling area is one thing that would be nice.

I haven't been there yet so I don't know. Are there picnic table or anything close to the parking lot. Can you set up a folding chair outside your car?

DH

I don't remember if they had a grilling area, but you can set up a chair outside your car. I brought a laptop and watched some movies.

As for NY Shuttle, now that I know how they get their times (by flooding the lines at 7:00) it just makes me mad. I would never use such a company and pay such a price for any course ( except for something like Augusta, and thats not happening). To me sleeping in my car is well worth not paying some "company" $800 to get me a tee time.

[iloverickystevek...]

Found this last night. No audio though. Anyone on here that was in that group? Cos they seemed to have a great little barbie going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duscFtPy5os

This post has been edited by iloverickystevekarl: May 20 2009, 02:47 PM

[johnnylongball]

Found this last night. No audio though. Anyone on here that was in that group? Cos they seemed to have a great little barbie going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duscFtPy5os

Would be nice if they had sound on that one. At least gives me an idea of the setup having never been there. Doesn't seem to me that a grill should create such drama, especially if people regularly stay there for an entire day.

[againstthegrain]

The tee time system is WAY better than it used to be. The fact that you can show up and get on takes a little power away from the scalpers. I played Bethpage many times in the early 90's and everyone had to sleep out or run a scam to get on Black.


As far as the BBQ there is a designated area to picnic and BBQ......how would you like some guy smoking a pork butt right next to you for hours? It just takes one inconsiderate d-bag to ruin it for everyone.......

[DH48]

I have a question. If guys are showing up on Thursday for Saturday tee times how is the line setting up. What I mean is I assume the guys in the first slots are getting Friday tee times at what point do they move their cars and let folk into those first spots for the next day? I'm picturing a circus of cars moving back and forth.

[luxman]

I have a question. If guys are showing up on Thursday for Saturday tee times how is the line setting up. What I mean is I assume the guys in the first slots are getting Friday tee times at what point do they move their cars and let folk into those first spots for the next day? I'm picturing a circus of cars moving back and forth.

As soon as the bakery tickets are given out, there is a mass exodus of cars (all cars are backed into their spots) heading to the lot by the clubhouse. I would assume that once those cars pull out, you can pull your car in for the following day.