Bethpage weekend trip

Trying to plan a weekend trip for some buddies. What suggestions do you have. Where to stay? Where to eat? How early are people there for the first hour tee times. Anything would help we live 5 hours away and want to play this amazing place.

I went down several times from way upstate (guys came from all over but >2 hours away). Typically someone got there at 3-5PM the day prior to tee time (Friday afternoon). We were never 1 or 2 in line. Once we were 3, most of the time we were 4-6 which was fine. First 8 go off first, and some guys sleep in the car for the red.

Around 5-6PM someone will hand out wristbands to one individual. They need to be there in the morning, they check wrist bands and put 3 on your partners. Someone needs to stay with your vehicle at all times.

After the 3rd trip we absolutely nailed the process. Could not have been more enjoyable.

The entire group met in Poughkeepsie NY at the CruiseAmerica place. We rented a sweet class C motor home which had 2 queens, a full and a twin. I have a Weber Q, and we brough scotch, wine, steaks, eggs, bacon etc.

We left one car there, took the RV and another car. The car led the way down. Friday afternoon driving near NYC in an RV is challenging, so having someone changing lanes and letting you in is pretty awesome.

Upon arrival we parked the car in the parking spot, and the RV across the way in the ~100's parking spots. No one ever parked there in my years of going. We told everyone what was up, basically locked the car and left it. Only moving it in the morning. The RV improved the experience immesely as the ranger comes at ~4AM, people start getting there around 3 and lining up.

One time we went my friends dad stayed at the Hampton Inn in Farmingdale. He said it was fine, but getting up at 2:30AM did work on his body. We got another hour+ of sleep.

Also the first time we took the RV it was raining buckets at 4AM. When we got our tee times they said "4 hour delay, first tee time is 10AM" We were stoked! Got our wristbands, went right back to bed.

Also another insider tip: When you make your tee time have someone ask for a locker. They are $5 and they give you a magnetic card for entry. Locker room is on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse, very clean and the showers were nice and warm. It was something like $100 for gas to and from poughkeepsie in the RV, and we opted to NEVER use the bathroom as they charge $150 to pump out the tank.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. Made the trip at least 7 times. Sleeping in the car 4 doing the RV 3. Its totally the way to go.

There is an old-school burgers, fries and shakes joint in Massapequa called All-American. (Cash only) If you are looking for just a really good classic burger, its worth the 15 minute trip after your round. The place is always packed but they got the systems in place so that you get your food within 10 minutes.

Not sure how long you're staying but always worth it to stay near the beach, near Robert Moses is a good spot if you want to stay in Long Island and it's only about 25 minutes from Bethpage, Riverhead is also a beautiful spot, that's about 50 min from Bethpage... The city hotels can be crazy expensive but worth it if you're interested in going out there (stay away from Times Square!!!)... Or you could always stay somewhere in Westchester -- White Plains has good bars, New Rochelle also...you're going to have to deal with traffic in Long Island almost anywhere you go so any of those places would be good - depends on what you're looking to do before/after golf.

I was there Sunday. Got there at 3:15AM and a foursome was available for 6:42AM. In fact the whole morning was open. People just don't play it much anymore. Most of the cars there are trying to get on the Red.

You can be safe and sit there for 12 hours in the lot or just show up at 3AM. If it turns out that you have a later than anticipated tee time, play a back nine on Blue or Yellow.

At least you're fresh and have a few hours of sleep as opposed to sitting in your car bored out of your mind.

Is Red better than Black these days?

[quote name='comeffex' timestamp='1434123046' post='11738702']
Is Red better than Black these days?
[/quote]

Some say the Red is 'better' but the Black has all the mystique behind it.


to the OP... when are you going? How many of you are there? I would try and get a NYer or 2 to play with you guys so you can make a reservation and not have to get out there too early. My brother in laws parents live 5 miles from BP so if your timing works with my schedule I'd be more than happy to play

[quote name='comeffex' timestamp='1434123046' post='11738702']
Is Red better than Black these days?
[/quote]
Some people do say that the Red is better but it will never hold up to the Black in my eyes. (and i love both courses)

The Black Course never lets up, it just gets harder and harder. 1 and 2 are easiest if you as me (3 can be pretty easy if they put the tees close). 4 - 14 require precise tee shots if you want to have a chance at reaching the green in 2. After the par 3 14th you will be exhausted from the long, hilly hike you have been on and no 15 is where the real climbing begins. After you cross the street you hit 15 which is the hardest hole on the course that usually requires about a 200 yard shot (if you hit a good drive) to a green that is about 2 stories over your head in the fairway. After that hole is over you get to 16 which is the biggest tease on the whole course. from the elevated tee box the hole looks fairly short and score-able but in reality if you can get it anywhere close to the tree in the left rough you have just clobbered your drive.

The Red Course on the other hand has flashes of Black but also has holes that will let you catch your breath. #1 and #18 are the best opening and closing holes on any course at Bethpage and would fit in perfectly on the Black Course. #8, 9 , and 10 are the other holes that stick out to me as being the same caliber as the Black. These holes are side to side and share very similar characteristics as some Black holes with the shared bunkers and tall grass. the only other notable holes for me on the Red would be #5 a very challenging par 5 and #14 a long dog leg left par 4. All the holes that i have not mentioned are just your normal run of the mill bethpage holes. Nothing too overpowering or giant bunkers.

I am not saying that the Red Course is a bad course by any stretch but it is not better than the Black Course. Bethpage was hit pretty bad by the hard winter this year but i must say they have bounced back beautifully. I have tested all the courses but the yellow so far and i don't have any complaints about the conditions.

[quote name='blumpk
[quote name='ckay' timestamp='1434121420' post='11738512']
I was there Sunday. Got there at 3:15AM and a foursome was available for 6:42AM. In fact the whole morning was open. People just don't play it much anymore. Most of the cars there are trying to get on the Red.

You can be safe and sit there for 12 hours in the lot or just show up at 3AM. If it turns out that you have a later than anticipated tee time, play a back nine on Blue or Yellow.

At least you're fresh and have a few hours of sleep as opposed to sitting in your car bored out of your mind.
[/quote]

I played it on Tuesday, My buddy and I went, got paired up with a single and we were the only people on the course. By the time we reached the 18th, there were people starting to go off 1. But that might have had more to do with the weather forecast as it was suppose to be thunderstorms, although there never were. But I'll say that the Red wasnt packed either

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm a teacher so ill make the trip this summer during the week as it seems to maybe be the best. I would like to stay over night somewhere for 2 other nights and try and play red and another course at Bethpage. I'm a young guy 25 and 2002 U.S. Open is what made me fall in love with golf so this is my dream golf course to play. As of now it will only be me and good buddy so we would gladly meet up with anyone. I did just submit for my reservation stuff so I will try that if not I'm kinda looking forward to the night in the car. The RV is an awesome Idea and if I could find 2 more guys to go I will look into that.

Couple more questions:
1. Pushcart, Caddy or Carry? I've been told all but would love to hear your suggestions.
2. Besides Black and Red which do you guys suggest. I love courses that have truly interesting holes and unique ones so keep that in mind.
3. What is your advice on tees. There is only 3 correct? We are both 12's so I know not the tips but I want to play whatever you guys think would be the best to enjoy the round and course I'll take whatever I score that day I just want to play the right tees because I work at a course and know how frustrating it is to the workers.
4. I would love to play in the fall with a buddy that will be in for the month of October. Is it usually crowded in the fall?

[quote name='gaikentm' timestamp='1434157508' post='11742200']Thanks for all the great advice. I'm a teacher so ill make the trip this summer during the week as it seems to maybe be the best. I would like to stay over night somewhere for 2 other nights and try and play red and another course at Bethpage. I'm a young guy 25 and 2002 U.S. Open is what made me fall in love with golf so this is my dream golf course to play. As of now it will only be me and good buddy so we would gladly meet up with anyone. I did just submit for my reservation stuff so I will try that if not I'm kinda looking forward to the night in the car. The RV is an awesome Idea and if I could find 2 more guys to go I will look into that.

Couple more questions:
1. Pushcart, Caddy or Carry? I've been told all but would love to hear your suggestions.
2. Besides Black and Red which do you guys suggest. I love courses that have truly interesting holes and unique ones so keep that in mind.
3. What is your advice on tees. There is only 3 correct? We are both 12's so I know not the tips but I want to play whatever you guys think would be the best to enjoy the round and course I'll take whatever I score that day I just want to play the right tees because I work at a course and know how frustrating it is to the workers.
4. I would love to play in the fall with a buddy that will be in for the month of October. Is it usually crowded in the fall?[/quote]

Depending on when I would be happy to get you guys on and show you around the course, resident so tee time isn't an issue. Friday would be best and your better off waiting a month or two until the fescue grows in. Carry. White tees are fine still at 6700 yards plus you can always just hit shots from the blue if you feel like it. Would suggest trump ferry point if you can manage the $$$, have yet to play it but heard great things.

If it works out just stay somewhere like Long Island city and take the LIRR out to the course. Close to city and Brooklyn bars plus way more to do at night. Get an early afternoon tee time for the red on Saturday and play one of the other courses in the morning by walking on. Finish it up with ferry point Sunday morning and head home after.

I have a great in at Trump courses and he told me the same thing and he works at one of Mr Trumps favorite courses about ferry. I was looking at July 25th or around there.

Could work nicely. I have a work tournament on that Monday and could use a good round at Bethpage to warm up. 25th am round could work out great. Just let me know open to getting you on.

I'm looking to play the black again come the end of July. Looking at a round there on my birthday (30th). I've played the black 2x before and love the course, but hate having to be a billygoat to climb the hills.

[quote name='518TitleistX' timestamp='1434163363' post='11742754']I'm looking to play the black again come the end of July. Looking at a round there on my birthday (30th). I've played the black 2x before and love the course, but hate having to be a billygoat to climb the hills.[/quote]

Dude your still young. Wait to you hit 31 and walk it. Crazy what a year will do to you

I meant July 30th is my birthday... It will be #33 overall for me (born in 82'). Played it the first time 1 week before the 2012 Barclay's.. Then again a year later in 2013

I thought you could pre register and make a tee time?

Is that wrong? You still must go first come first serve?

Buddy of mine and myself are going in July sometime.

[quote name='Benzo' timestamp='1434200283' post='11744028']I thought you could pre register and make a tee time?

Is that wrong? You still must go first come first serve?

Buddy of mine and myself are going in July sometime.[/quote]

Non NY residents can only reserve a time 2 days in advance, residents can do 7.

I've never had luck on the reservation system. I was always looking for Saturdays in August so I'm sure it was packed.

We played a course at the fork, Long Island national. It was pretty solid.

You can't call a friend and play shinecock? Me either.

We always carried and played off the plates from '02. My best was 82. Had a shot to break 80 and was stupid on 17 and 18 hitting 3 bunkers and double double.

Last time we played our foursome played 15 -1. That was our highlight. Front 9 is much easier than the back. 1,2,4,6,7 are birdie holes if you hit the fairway. It really depends on how far you hit though. I can fly the bunker on 12 from the tips if I smoke one (280 carry), so length helps tremendously there. Also, I don't carry a 5 wood, rarely have 225 in at my course...plan on having 225 in on 8,10,12,16.

Last thing I did prior to moving out of NY was "lose" my drivers license and get an extra. Figured it would pay off after 1 round on the black. 12 years left of paying the in state rate.

2024 Ryder cup is going to be sweet.