Due to demand, one is the max number of rounds a golfer can play on the Black from opening day, a week from Saturday, through May 31 when it will close for final US Open prep. Computerized data base of names maintained. Only half the daily rounds will be available from Aprill 11 - May 31 The course will be closed on Mondays except April 13 week closed on Tues... First group out at 8 am and last at 1 pm. First six slots each day to walkups (sleeping overnight in cars etc.) Final 24 slots thru call in reservation system. 4:30 am each morn, ranger will compile waiting list to replace no shows or cancellations.

Good to know, thanks. Mid may I'll be down there

Wait until after the Open, its a lot easier to get on. going to play the red this weekend.

I heard that about Bethpage Black this year. With all of the publicity surroounding the U.S. Open and Bethpage being one of the most accessable venues, I think it's a very fair system so everyone has a chance to get a tee time. Probably sucks for the locals, but there are other courses they can play. (I don't believe that the other Bethpage courses have the restrictions, maybe someone with a little more knowledge could elaborate)

On a side note: I'm hoping to grab some friends and head down there during the week sometime this season. Could someone tell me how the phone system works/how difficult it is to get a time using it?

Ditto on the helpful info.

I too am interested in heading down (coming from Boston) by myself during midweek and sleeping in the car. Any advice???

Seriously, i play at bethpage all the time, its going to be very very hard to get on before the open. i would not even try. do it after June.

I also plan to drive down (Capital District) sometime during the week...sleep in my truck of course. Hopefully I can get on before the Open.

I will play after the open too.

I went to the Open when Tiger and Phil had their showdown at Bethpage. Great day of golf(except if you were Sergio). Then about a week later I played the course for the first time. Holy cow was it beautiful. I had lived on Long Island my whole life and had never played until then. Monster course if you play from the tips. I go back every summer now and try and play the Black at least once. My favorite course that I've played.

also from the Capital District and was thinking about going down as a single

Knowing that I might consider waiting until after June

You better call because I believe the tents/stands are messing up that course also........try the Blue course as I do not think it's affected..

last time i was there (last fall) they were setting up the large corporate tents and pavilions to the right hand side of the driving range. i would hope they wouldn't mess up the Red course just for that but who knows.

edit: just saw Markkk posted in another BP Black topic that they did indeed put up tents on the Red and Green...which sucks.

haha, Markkk???

you trying to get me killed? it's three R's not three K's.

tents are indeed up on Red #1 and #18, and Green #1; so they are playing as par 3's. sucks, but the rest of the Red is looking and playing incredibly, so i wouldnt let it sway you over to yellow or blue.

My 2 Cents. Im a local and have played the Black over 20 times. I'm attending the Open all 4 days, but won't even try to play until after the tournament. Too many hassels and too much going on out of the norm. I would say this: If you are local, fine, play whatever is available. If you are not a local and have never played the Black, wait until after the Open. If you are going to travel from afar, with all that is involved, and the expense, and planning and logistics involved, make the experience worthwhile and play the Black! Even with all that it takes to get on the course, I assure you that if you are a "Player", and really have a passion for the game, playing the Black is something you are NEVER going to forget!! Tips: Better chance on week-days, Get a reservation....(Keep trying until you succeed), Late Sept, Oct, Nov, a bit easier. Don't take off from work UNTIL you have a confirmed reservation. Lastly, Bring your "A" Game, but do not get upset if you play your "C" game! This is a "Premier" Test!!

+1. sound advice.

For those that have played the black, how long does it play from the championship holes? is it one of the more difficult Open set ups?

i believe it played 7214 yards in the 2002 Open. i'll let others answer your second question.

That's difficult to answer. Height of the rough, agreed upon pin placements, green speed, weather conditions, field,........??? Who can say? I'll say one thing; When the "Pundits" at the USGA set up a US Open tournament course, it's not going to be a "Walk in the Park" for anybody. One more item which comes into play at Bethpage Black.....Knowledgeable, Loud, NY Gallery!!!

OK...another question. I need to know quick as i'm booking flights soon.

I'm from Dallas and my In Laws live in Brooklyn. We're visiting the last week of May and I want to play the Black course.

- Once my FIL or MIL get through the registration/verification process can they book a tee time for a SINGLE? (some courses don't allow singles to book a tee time)
- If so...does the person who BOOKED the tee time have to be there to physically pay and check in.
- And if so once they pay can I ...basically play their spot.

Basically can my in laws book the tee time, drive me there, pay the fees, and I play their spot?

I want to be able to reserve a tee time and avoid having to sleep overnight.

Thanks for the help!

you cannot do what you are suggesting. the main reason you cannot do it is because you want your in-laws to use their NYS residency to get you a priority tee time, but you are not a NYS resident, so you are not entitled to this privilege. and besides, whoever booked the NYS priority tee time does have to be there with an official NYS state photo id and thats who is entitled to the tee time. so, you'd basically have to pretend to be your father-in-law and hope his id picture looks a lot like you.

if you want another option that isnt sleeping out, your best bet is to register with the phone system yourself as an out of state resident and take your shot within the 48 hour zone. it will be a bit more difficult to get a tee time, but you know what, it's going to be difficult for everyone no matter how early in the week they can call. as a single, i really dont think you have that much of a handicap. people do cancel, you just have to call every 5 minutes until you get lucky.

but honestly, if this is a special trip for you, dont blow it. just sleep in the car. at worst, you have a story to tell.