I live in upstate NY and have been putting off playing Bethpage black for quite some time now. However, now that the US Open will return there in 2009, I figure I should play it this year before the USGA gets a hold on the course next year to prep it for the Open.

So, a couple questions.

First, when it says "Resident" for the greens fees, I would assume that means residents of the state of New York, since it is a state park. Can anyone confirm this?

Secondly, I'll probably be driving down by myself, so if anyone is in the area and wants to play around late May, early June and you promise me you will not tie me up with rope and duct tape, cut me up, and throw the pieces of me into the river, I would be happy to meet up with fellow WRXers for a memorable 18 holes of golf. If you've played the course before, I would appreciate the playing tips, and if not, I'll be happy to share the experience with a first timer.

I have played it quite a few times and might be able to join you ............ Let me know !! Christian

P.S. Yes you are a resident !

Yes, Resident fee applies for New York State resident. I could be wrong, but I believe balck course is closed in 2008 until US Open in 2009.

really hoping it's not closed this season.

yes you are a resident...and i have also played it a few times and would definitely be able to help you out on the course if youd like. i would definitely love to meet up with a fellow wrxer for a round this coming summer and throw back a few cold ones the night before...i dont know what that guy is talking about i havent heard anything about it being closed this year and i dont think it would make much sense for it to be either. anyways im always up for a round on bethpage black so let me know when your headind down here.

I really doubt the course will be closed in 2008. Its called MONEY. and they like to make it.

Too young to drink, sorry!

I guess whoever the first 3 people are who decide that they want to play can round out the foursome. So looks like Probowler and soberguy (ironic name, lol) would be 2 of three if you both are interested. Again, late May, early June is the target time.

How far in advance do you have to make tee times?

I grew up playing this course and 1/2 of my golfing rounds were spent on Bethpage Black. I think I could give you insights to many local course knowledge. I will be interested in playing fellow wrx'ers. count me in!!!

birdiemaster

have wanted to play but dont know how it works. i live in jersey, any idea how much it would cost to play and is it possible to get tee time/ if u need another count me in.

jon

I'd totally take you up on your offer, but I'm also a serial killer. I can't make any promises.

See below

I believe its $100 for non residents, $50 for residents. Let me know guys if you're pretty certain, and I'll pick a day.

this past year it was like $60 or $65 for residents, and i think like $125 for non-residents...prices may go up this season. As for tee-times, ive only tried a few times, but have had no luck. You must first register with bethpage (fax them your license) to get your resident status and then calling for a tee-time starts a week in advance of the day youd like to play at 7pm...there are a few lines open but theyre always jammed and nearly impossile (i find) to get a morning tee-time, especially for 4. They reserve the first hour of tee times in the morning, and one tee-time (foursome) per hour throughout the rest of the day for walk-ups. To walk up and get a good morning tee time (especially a foursome) you have to get there the night before and wait in line and sleep in your car...this is where you typically throw down a few beers with other golf fanatics like you willing to spend the night in their car to play the black (though many people actually do this for the red). If you set a date and can't get a morning tee-time, id suggest just going at like 8 or 9pm the night before and sleeping in your car. I actually enjoy this, my buddy and I bring a grill, a bunch of meat, some beers, and have a nice relaxing night...i also enjoy meeting golfers who have come from other parts of the country and wait in line to play this gem. Its certainly worth it. Hope this was helpful, if we get more golfers maybe we can turn this thing into the WRX outing and have a few groups of guys going out...o yea and my pre-season word of advice for bethpage preparation is go to the range and practice your long irons!

Sorry if I gave you missleading information about closing black in 2008. Someone told me that balck course would be closed in 2008 when I played in late summer last year... Anyway, to play in black course in weekdays and weekends without the reservation is really tough.. (even making reservation is tougher..), but here is what I and my other buddies did last time when we played last time. When we played black courses several times last year, we did not make any reservations nor slept in a car to get tee time..(was not worth it on weekdays, nor we didn't want to..). Instead, we got to bethpage course around 6 or 7am (the time when you could get the tee time as walk on..), we played 18 holes at green,blue, yellow or red, then played black after... All you need to do is that purchase both teetimes mornings and afternoon. (i.e. 7:30 in Red or any, like 12:30 or 1pm in black).. In these cases, you don't have to go there early in the morning, and wait like 2 or 3 hours to play black ( and you could warm up for playing black course by playing in the morning..).. However I don't recommend this in 100 degrees in summer..
Anyway, enjoy your round..

Alright, sounds like we might have to get an outing together and tailgate! Would be a nice little experience.


Edit: It would be an individual tournament.

I am going to try my best to get on Black and Red as well as Montauk Downs this summer. I hope I can find the time to pull it off!

i would be up for tailgating, what an experience w/ other golfwrx'ers

Nothin like playing one of the hardest courses in the country w/ frozen greens. Basically the US Open but colder.

That sounds like a cool trip. I wanted to play there last summer, registered my license and everything. I'd be willing to make the trip down more than once this summer. I'm in Schene., we can carpool since gas is so damn expensive.

I'm in ........ just let me know the date !!! I have slept in my car a few times for tee times. Easy to get a good spot if you are early in the evening !

I would fly from Missouri to play the Black if the time was right. I have always wanted to play that course.

Well, like I said, I guess it would be a whole lot more fun for more people if anyone who wanted to play got there early one evening, got times, and camped out overnight. Fire up the grills, talk some golf and sports or whatever, try to sleep (yeah right) and then play the Black! I'd be willing to even get a trophy made up so whoever takes the lowest round takes the trophy or plaque or whatever. I'm seeing one party that stretches from about 5pm one evening until we finish 18 holes, and then maybe find a place for a bite to eat! Who knows, but I think it would be hella fun.

aw man i wish i didnt live on the exact opposite side of the continent, but for anyone in the Washington area this will most likely come up as an idea in a year or so when i can drive, so brainstorm some courses

But he's got Bud Lite!!

LOL

Logic would dictate Chambers Bay

Can anybody confirm that non-residents cannot reserve a tee-time for the Black ? A couple of buddies and I from Québec would really like to play BB and a couple of other Long Island courses this summer.

Also, if you know of any good B&B in central Long Island, I would appreciate any insights.

Many thanks in advance.

That was on the top of the list, seeing as i cant really think of any others in washington i would have to go down to oregon. if only Bandon Dunes wasnt over a 9 hour drive away and pumpkin ridge 5 and a half hours away

Believe me man, there's nothing more worth a nine hour drive than Bandon. Go before the rates change

There's a couple nice tracks in Washington... probably not a ton you'd wanna drive a ways for though.

I'll put it out there as someone who lives in Portland and and say that Pumpkin Ridge is somewhat overrated, unless you can get on to Witch.

second that emotion...im on suicide watch right now cuz im missing my Bandon trip this year...stupid work! I don't drive the half hour to play pumpkin...