Hey guys (well those of you who are lucky enough to have played Bethpage's Back course,)

I need some advice, my father is going to be in town in 2 weeks and I would love to play the Black course with him. Here is my delema (keep in mind he is a scratch golfer)... I am not sure if he has walked a course in the past 20 years. This is also going to be the first day of a long golfing weekend for him. In the 4 days after he will play in one tournament and 6 rounds with some of his old buddies.

Will he survive the walk? Are there places by the tee box for him to rest? Any suggestions from those who have played the course.

And if you do think it would be a tough walk, which of the other Bethpage courses would you suggest? I know that you can ride all the other courses.

Thanks for your suggestions!

If he hasn't walked a course in a long time and isn't a shape it's a definite haul. The elevation changes are a killer for sure and you'll be in for a LONG round no matter which course you play. We played the Black last month and it took us nearly 6 hours to get in 18. There can be a lot of waiting around and you can always get the pull cart, but the elevation changes can be a killer.

The red was awesome too though. It certainly took a long time to play as well, but certainly much more pleasant considering you could just sit in your cart and wait. We played the red with a local guy and he mentioned most people prefer the red. He said back in the day people only played the black when the other courses were full and there was an open spot on the black.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. The weather should be better in a couple of weeks, but definitely be prepared for a walk and some elevation changes (someone mentioned the hill from 15 fairway to the green is called Cardiac Hill) if you play the Black.

Just get him a caddie

The Red is a good choice if you wanna ride. I've never played a 6 hour round at The Black but the Red on the weekend is SLOW. It's not uncommon to have 3 groups on the 2nd tee

The Black usually plays the fastest of the 5 because there are less hackers.

I was curious if it was always that slow and I wonder if part of it had to do with playing it the Sunday before the NY State Open started and there were plenty of people in front of and behind us that were getting in a round. When we played the red it was crazy how many groups were on 2! It was funny because we moved through the first hole pretty easily and something happened when we got to #2--very weird because it really seemed to open up a bit after that.

Have either of you played any of the other courses? I have heard that they are much easier, and a little boring! What do you think?

I play The Black all of the time. The tee times are very well spaced and there is one empty time per hour so it does not usually play slow. It is a 5 hour round typically because it is long and just takes that much time to play. There are a couple of spots that get a little backed up but nothing too bad. Play the Black with your dad and hire him a caddie. Most of the caddies aren't great and don't expect them to read greens for you but they can lug the bag. If your dad gets tired he may want to skip the walk up the 15th hill and just meet you in the fairway on 16. Other thatn that it is manageable. Just the view from the top of the 4th tee will be worth it for him.

I have only finished a round on the red once. It is a great course but it can be the longest round you will ever play. I have arrived at the second tee to find 4 groups waiting. I usually walk off in frustration or it gets too dark.

PS Most puts are inside the hole. Don't read too much break except for 11 and 15 which have pretty severe greens. They just aerated 2 weeks ago and the course is still coming back. Its been raining the last few days which should help get the course back. Earlier this year it was spectacular.

If money is not an object, take a caddie. Costs $75/bag + gratuity. There are guys hanging around the clubhouse all the time - they'll find you as soon as they spot the wristband they make you wear when you sign in. I'm now 56 and I take one all the time, especially when it's hot. If you do that he should be able to handle the walk. You won't be sorry - the course is worth it.

It's $35 + tip through the pro shop

You'll have a tough time finding one this late in the season. 99% of these kids have gone back to school after mid-August. The going rate among the guys who hang outside is $75/bag.

Pretty much what people are saying here is true. Caddie is a must!! If he carries his own bag it can be pretty tuff. Understand a five hour round on a course that you are looking at from every direction is not bad. I took a picture from the US open plaques on the tee boxes. I also have some great pictures I will post for you guys. Friends make me play it all the way back. Red is a great course but if you really want a day to remember play the Black. I paid $100 for the loop and it was well worth. My buddies dad walks and never has a problem. Bring a camera and take pictures. You will see by mine that there are some great views. Yes I did take the picture of 4 from the side of 3 green. I have it blown up and framed on my basement wall.

ScottY B
Berkley High School Golf Coach

A few more pics for you guys!!

A few more pictures!!!


Scotty B

Sorry lets try again!
Scotty B

Yeah I agree. He should be fine with a caddy. I carried my bag when I played there in July and I started getting tired after walking up the hill to 15 green. That was the first time I had walked in almost a year. Down here in FL there aren't really any walking courses. If you get him a caddy, I don't think he'll have any trouble at all.

What are greens fees at the black or red course?

Guys, Thanks for the feedback. I think that we'll get him a caddie! He is too good and has played too many of the top courses in the country to miss out on one more! I'll bring a camera and post pictures for all. Thanks again!

Plarge10

I paid $86 and I'm out of state. A bargain if you ask me.

i am in farmingdale 5 times a year on business and have never played bethpage. i am an idiot. those pictures are amazing.

Here are a few more to inspire you...

[attachmentid=66415]
[attachmentid=66409]
[attachmentid=66410]
[attachmentid=66411]
[attachmentid=66412]
[attachmentid=66413]
[attachmentid=66414]

how tough is it really? i have heard horror stories, but people tend to exaggerate. i am an 8.6

It really depends on how the course is set up. How deep the rough is, pin placement and of course what tees you play from. You saw how hard it was in '02. If the rough is more than 2.5" then you MUST hit the fairway. A premium is put on the approach shot, if you don't hit the green most likely you'll be in a DEEP bunker

As an 8.6 if you play well you should shoot mid to high 80's from the white tees.

hey 857 too bad we couldn't get a tee time last month, but turns out we would have been rained out anyway...rained that whole weekend, but the wedding was a blast! We will do it some other time for sure

Its a great course. I didnt think it was as tuff as my buddies made it out to be. I am a 2 Handicap and they made me play it from the US.Open markers. I shot 74 the first day and 76 the second day of that weekend. I have played it about 5 more times after that. I am also trying to play it 1st week of October. I played it the day after the New York City open and it played a little harder that day. I actually have played the Black better than the Red. The Red is a great course also.

i play at bethPage all the time, but i have never played the red or the black sadly. the green is my favorite of the other three. I didnt even know you could have caddies.