Had the opportunity to play the course this past Sunday. The course is really coming together nicely in advance of the Open. I played a couple weeks ago and the biggest changes were that the rough is much nastier now. Before, you could hit a 7iron out, now you can only hit PW at best. An example of this is I was just off the fairway 50yds to the green on #6, hit a full lob wedge (normally 100yds) and came up 20 yds short with a full swing! Some people have commented that the bunkers were too fluffy before, this is no longer the case. They are practically perfect now, although I imagine the USGA will put some finishing touches on them. Green speed has picked up markedly too and are still rolling very true (unusual for the black).
My prediction (in my humble opinion) is that the winning score will be over par based on the difficulty. I believe the setup offers more flexibility and will net-net be harder for the players.
Full Version: Bethpage Black - firming up nicely
QUOTE (bleclair8281 @ May 26 2009, 12:17 PM) 
Had the opportunity to play the course this past Sunday. The course is really coming together nicely in advance of the Open. I played a couple weeks ago and the biggest changes were that the rough is much nastier now. Before, you could hit a 7iron out, now you can only hit PW at best. An example of this is I was just off the fairway 50yds to the green on #6, hit a full lob wedge (normally 100yds) and came up 20 yds short with a full swing! Some people have commented that the bunkers were too fluffy before, this is no longer the case. They are practically perfect now, although I imagine the USGA will put some finishing touches on them. Green speed has picked up markedly too and are still rolling very true (unusual for the black).
My prediction (in my humble opinion) is that the winning score will be over par based on the difficulty. I believe the setup offers more flexibility and will net-net be harder for the players.
My prediction (in my humble opinion) is that the winning score will be over par based on the difficulty. I believe the setup offers more flexibility and will net-net be harder for the players.
did you use a fake ID or what? howd you get on twice? i was thinking about using my cousins ID to get on again...
^glad I wasn't the only one to notice the "twice" thing. Do explain
yeah, curious about that as well.
it's no surprise that the tee times that are so elusive via the automated phone process are being booked for the "right price" before they even get in the system and those with certain "connections" have been able to get out no problem. it's really a shame that the walk-up/car-line process is so taxing - they stack everything against you for playing a decent round of golf.
i found the bunkers fine last week and the greens around 10-11. i joked with one worker last week that they've been neglecting the course and the rough needed a cut. he responded, "this ain't nothin' yet!"
it's no surprise that the tee times that are so elusive via the automated phone process are being booked for the "right price" before they even get in the system and those with certain "connections" have been able to get out no problem. it's really a shame that the walk-up/car-line process is so taxing - they stack everything against you for playing a decent round of golf.
i found the bunkers fine last week and the greens around 10-11. i joked with one worker last week that they've been neglecting the course and the rough needed a cut. he responded, "this ain't nothin' yet!"
Locals are limited on how much they can play Bethpage Black?
normally everyone (state and non-state) is limited to 1 tee time per month on the Black via the phone system but unlimited walk up rounds.
this year, you're allowed only 1 round prior to the Open (they log your license ID # to keep track).
this year, you're allowed only 1 round prior to the Open (they log your license ID # to keep track).
I have the privilege of going on a tour of the course and maintenance facilities with superintendent craig courier tomorrow, hes going to explain how they set up the course and things of that nature, should be very interesting Ill be sure to share what he says.
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