Posts regarding Bethpage

[ckay]

My suggestion is play 9 early eat breakfast and play Black. That's my usual routine.

 

Leatherstocking and Cooperstown is not worth the trip.

 

If you're looking for a golf course outside of NYC Centennial, and ballyowen is probably the best public option in a 90 mile radius.

[jayrod79]

My suggestion is play 9 early eat breakfast and play Black. That's my usual routine.

 

Leatherstocking and Cooperstown is not worth the trip.

 

If you're looking for a golf course outside of NYC Centennial, and ballyowen is probably the best public option in a 90 mile radius.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I've luckily talked my buddy out of Cooperstown. I think we likely are playing Ballyowen on Thursday morning and staying in that area Wednesday evening. Is there a second course at Crystal Resort you'd recommend if we are able to get in 36 before our flight? Given that we are in Arizona, anything that has some trees/forest at the resort may be preferable. However, really looking for the second or third best option after Ballyowen. Thanks!

[aabcuue]

Verrazano bridge or gw bridge? Distance from Roanoke is the same ... coming thu around lunch time tomorrow ... skyline view/backup/etc ... tia

 

Verrazano is much further south than the GW. Most people will consider the Gothels vs. Verrazano when cutting through SI. These routes are usually faster than GW.

Problem of the Verrazano is the Belt, JFK/LGA, Mets/US Open (tennis) and beaches -Coney Island, Jones, et. al.

 

GW isn't always good as its I-95 construction, tourist traffic, NY Yankees and the crappy X Bronx. This route also requires use of LIE and its traffic. Only good part is if you know someone you can detour to Winged Foot before/ after Bethpage.

 

Best bet is midday or late at night/overnight. Weekends don't reduce traffix that much. W/e only delay build up and removes morning rush.

[mattsam]

I'm going all in on playing The Black next Sunday. If I can't get on in time is the red next door? I have a 6:05pm flight from LaGuardia. So I'm thinking of showing up around 5:00am. I will start calling Tuesday for a tee time. As a single what time do you type in to play 6:00 am?

[chas521]

I'm going all in on playing The Black next Sunday. If I can't get on in time is the red next door? I have a 6:05pm flight from LaGuardia. So I'm thinking of showing up around 5:00am. I will start calling Tuesday for a tee time. As a single what time do you type in to play 6:00 am?

 

All the 5 courses begin nearby to each other. So that's not the problem. As I said to you in a PM, the weekend has more problems getting on than a weekday. Folks that can't play during the week because of a job and such, look forward to playing on the w/e and it becomes more busy even for a single. It's not impossible at all to get on but just a little more difficult. At worst, you might have to wait around a bit. Timing might become a problem. Golf takes about 5 hours to play. Driving to the airport is approximately an hour - depends on traffic. You have to go through a security line at the airport so you don't want to get there just at flight time or thereabouts. I also heard there is construction at LaGuardia and there might be some problems with that also.

 

These are my course recommendations:

Black

Red

Blue

Green

Yellow

[nochct1]

Thank you for all of the information on this thread and others. My friend and I are unexpectedly able to get some NY golf in coming from the AZ desert the week of July 10th. We'll be staying in NYC for at least the first two days due to work obligations. Here's a preview of our itinerary. Would welcome any feedback or suggestions, including any suggestions to change around our rounds and whether we should double up on any Bethpage courses.

 

Monday PM - Arrive in City

Tuesday AM - Golf (likely Bethpage Red)

Tuesday PM - back in city around 1pm for meetings

Wednesday AM - I'd sightsee while my friend works

Wednesday PM - Golf (Bethpage Black)

Thursday - open for Golf. Flight departs @ 5pm from Newark

 

On Wednesday, we may leave the city and stay near Bethpage if we were going to play Bethpage again on Thursday, or would be open to other course ideas in the NY/NJ area. Renting a car wouldn't be a problem for one of those days. We are trying to pack in as much golf as possible. The commute from the city to Bethpage on Tuesday would likely be by Long Island Rail.

 

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

Your schedule leaves very little margin for delays, long round or weather issues.

 

As your in nyc, why not try Trump Ferry Point. Its way more expensive than Bethpage but its best course inside the city limits & its public.

 

Yeah, I agree w this. Not sure how someone can play Tuesday morning and get back to Manhattan for meetings at 1. Would have to tee off by 7 at the latest and hope it's not a 5 hour round.

 

As for other golf courses...it's a somewhat long drive, but Montauk Downs is a great course. If you're in from AZ it's a cool place to see. And its midweek so the idiots who have started to go Montauk won't be there.

[jayrod79]

Is there a course calendar available online anywhere which shows outings, course closures (other than Black on Mondays), etc.? I checked the Parks page but didn't find anything.

 

I was looking to play Red on Tuesday, 7/11 but it appears busy. I wasn't sure if all the tee times were taken or the course was closed. Thank you.

[chas521]

Is there a course calendar available online anywhere which shows outings, course closures (other than Black on Mondays), etc.? I checked the Parks page but didn't find anything.

 

I was looking to play Red on Tuesday, 7/11 but it appears busy. I wasn't sure if all the tee times were taken or the course was closed. Thank you.

 

The Red is also used for a lot of outings and the state looks to get the money. A little strange when you think about it since those tee times would be sold anyway. Maybe it's the food and drink thing. Or there's another fee involved. The "live person" phone number is 516-249-0700. Give them a call. Maybe they can tell you something.

[aabcuue]

My suggestion is play 9 early eat breakfast and play Black. That's my usual routine.

 

Leatherstocking and Cooperstown is not worth the trip.

 

If you're looking for a golf course outside of NYC Centennial, and ballyowen is probably the best public option in a 90 mile radius.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I've luckily talked my buddy out of Cooperstown. I think we likely are playing Ballyowen on Thursday morning and staying in that area Wednesday evening. Is there a second course at Crystal Resort you'd recommend if we are able to get in 36 before our flight? Given that we are in Arizona, anything that has some trees/forest at the resort may be preferable. However, really looking for the second or third best option after Ballyowen. Thanks!

 

Won't call any of these bucket list but v nice to play. Bethpage black & red are another order above the rest.

Centennial is v nice and close to Wild Turkey.

 

Ballyowen is #1or #2 public in nj. Its more of scottish links in the highlands. Lots of elevation changes, large mounds w/ long/deep fescue off fairway. Do enjoy lunch here as its top3 best on course lunch.

 

Crystal Springs has many courses.

#8 to #12 public in NJ is Wild Turkey. It has more trees and is pga long 7400yds from tips. Fyi, as this mtn golf ball doesn't travel as far as air is denser. Otherwise course is pretty generous for drives which makes it the mosy popular course in the resort & often tough to get tee times. For best course restaurant, chose Latour. Seasonal/game/tasting menu & a cave for J Beard/WS top wine cellar.

http://www.crystalgolfresort.com/dine/latour/

 

WT has top10 best par3 in NJ. 8th?, a long carry high over a quarry to a distant green. tips is c.225yds

c.10th all downhill par3 great view. 260 from tips, plays c.190yds.

 

Harder is Crystal Springs somewhere in top50# toughest. Take large fescue mounds in rough and make fairway all small mounds w/ rarely a flat lie. Add some dye type RR deep bunkers and its a rl strong challenge. Too much for most resort players, so tee times are pretty easy for CS.

 

There are 2 vg par3s. Tee from quarry ledge next to condo/townhouses over lake to u shaped green. Your 150-250ft up and its hard to figure right club. I've played minus 30to40yds. Tips is c215yds.

 

As its 50miles from midtown manhattan. W/o traffic is 1hr10min, as there's always something plan on 1h30min and use extra to warm up as you get free driving range use w/ round @Crystal Springs.

 

Fyi, centennial is c62mi & 1h10min.

 

Rl new is Trump Ferry Pt. in NYC. Unfortunately few to no trees as its a pseudo links course. $ is more than Betpage @$200+.

 

If you want to watch golf, US Womens Open is @Trump Bedminster in NJ 7/13-16. This is where Trump usually spends his w/e.

[jayrod79]

Thank you all for the information. We have a tee time on Black for Wednesday afternoon, so are pretty excited for that. Unfortunately, Black has a tournament on Thursday (we were considering staying in Farmingdale on Wed) because of the weather. Red is closed for Tues to Thurs bc of tournaments and maintenance.

 

A little bit of back to the drawing board, but this is helpful!

[PC51]

Is there a course calendar available online anywhere which shows outings, course closures (other than Black on Mondays), etc.? I checked the Parks page but didn't find anything.

 

I was looking to play Red on Tuesday, 7/11 but it appears busy. I wasn't sure if all the tee times were taken or the course was closed. Thank you.

 

Yes, they often post a monthly calendar for all five courses on Twitter (@BethpageGolf).

 

Or check here for quick reference for Black/Red during tournament-heavy July:

 

http://www.golfonlongisland.com/teebox/2017/07/july-closing-dates-at-bethpage-black-red.html

[derek08844]

What would be the best way to get onto the Black course with 2 people? (As out of state players)

[nsxguy]

Verrazano bridge or gw bridge? Distance from Roanoke is the same ... coming thu around lunch time tomorrow ... skyline view/backup/etc ... tia

 

So how was the Belt Parkway ? :swoon:

[sir_templar2]

Some great info in this thread! I'm looking to play the Black and Trump Ferry in late August.

[tiderider]

Verrazano bridge or gw bridge? Distance from Roanoke is the same ... coming thu around lunch time tomorrow ... skyline view/backup/etc ... tia

 

So how was the Belt Parkway ? :swoon:

Went gw heading into Long Island on arrival ... took parkway early sat morning heading out ... drove all the way back to b'ham ... gw at 2:00 on a Sunday was a 2 hr ordeal ...

 

[johnnyscarps007]

What would be the best way to get onto the Black course with 2 people? (As out of state players)

For a twosome, I don't think you'll have much trouble getting out relatively early by simply showing up around 6am. Did it with a buddy 3 weeks ago and we had a 718 tee time. (This was a Friday). On a weekend I would think worst case scenario is 10-11

[PThomas]

What would be the best way to get onto the Black course with 2 people? (As out of state players)

For a twosome, I don't think you'll have much trouble getting out relatively early by simply showing up around 6am. Did it with a buddy 3 weeks ago and we had a 718 tee time. (This was a Friday). On a weekend I would think worst case scenario is 10-11

 

Non residents can make tee times 5 days in advance now. Take advantage of it. If you don't get a time you like call back 2 days prior when everyone has to cancel to avoid the fee. You'll get on on one way or another.

[jayrod79]

Here's my report on my trip to Bethpage this week. I really appreciate everyone's input and help.

 

My friend and I traveled to New York and played two rounds at Bethpage. I arrived on Monday evening and stayed at a hotel in Farmingdale. My friend had to work in the city on Tuesday, so I arrived at 4:30am to walk on Black as a single. There were already two groups in the parking lot ahead of me. I walked into the golf shop and secured the first tee time on Black. Everyone else was there for Green. I had 2:20 until the first tee time at 6:50. I hung outside by the benches to watch the process. It was pretty quiet until about 6:00am. In fact I probably could have shown up around 6:15 and been fine. I was surprised at all of the locals walking on to Green.

 

I teed off at 6:50 with two locals. The first three groups were a threesome, twosome, twosome. I had expected it to be much busier, but it was midweek and expected to be warmer than normal. I had a great time taking it all in. The course was beautiful and in fantastic shape. The rough was penal just off the fairway. I played about as good as I could have hoped for. I finished right around 11am. I went by the tee time window and there were plenty of times on Black starting around 11:30am all the way to 4pm. I spent $50 on an Uber to the City so that I wouldn't have to wait around an hour waiting for LIRR.

 

On Wednesday afternoon we had a tee time on Black at 3:50. We registered on the phone system and were able to make our reservation 5 days in advance. We showed up around 2:50 and could have teed off at 3:30 if we wanted to. They also offered us a twilight time at 4:20, but we were worried we wouldn't finish and my friend hadn't played Black yet. It was very windy and the greens seemed firmer and faster than the day before. I couldn't keep the ball in the fairway and played about 12 strokes worse. We finished right around 8:15, as daylight was running out and a storm was approaching.

 

On Thursday, we flew out of Newark and found a round at a Troon course in Monroe, NY called Mansion Ridge. It was only $50 and in fantastic shape. It was very scenic with lots of elevation changes and holes through the forest.

 

Overall this was a great, very compact trip. I've been able to play Pinehurst and Torrey Pines and Black blew them both away. Thank you all again for the help.

 

[chas521]

The Black is such an amazing course. I can't believe it's public and I'm not just saying that because I live on LI.

[aabcuue]

You'll enjoy Black more when the next Ryder Cup is played there.

Remember it's still on the regular Barclays/ Northern Trust PGA playoffs rotation.

[tiderider]

just a fantastic course, nonetheless so because it's a real public course ... muni run but a great, great layout and in fantastic shape ...

[McMoo]

Played the black course Friday in a pretty constant rain and occasional downpour. It was phenomenal. I took the 5:11 train from penn station and took a cab with another guy (who was playing the red) from the train stop. Walked up at 6:15 and took a spot at 7 am, paired up with another walk on and two others who I think had a tee time.

 

I played the blue tees which were not set all the way back on every hole and it was quite a challenge. The fairways are very narrow and the rough was very dense off the fairways. I actually had a few better lies in the long fescue than the regular rough. Like others have mentioned the greens are pretty benign, which is necessary with how difficult the rest of the course plays. They rolled at a good speed, not overly fast, and were incredibly smooth. My only very minor complaint is some of the bunkers were very fluffy and resulted in multiple fried egg lies. The round took 4.5 hours and the walk wasn't bad (I'm used to walking a hilly home course).

 

I struggled all day and let the rain get in my head. That being said, the highlight of the day was on 17 when I put a 4 iron about 5 feet from the pin and made the putt. Surprisingly I played the par 3's -1 but only managed an 87.

 

I'd love to get another shot at the course in better weather but had an amazing day anyways. I'll try to post pics but they are uploading sideways from my phone...

[McMoo]

Some pics

[nsxguy]

Verrazano bridge or gw bridge? Distance from Roanoke is the same ... coming thu around lunch time tomorrow ... skyline view/backup/etc ... tia

 

So how was the Belt Parkway ? :swoon:

Went gw heading into Long Island on arrival ... took parkway early sat morning heading out ... drove all the way back to b'ham ... gw at 2:00 on a Sunday was a 2 hr ordeal ...

 

Not sure I understand.

 

GW on arrival (Sunday about lunchtime), yes ? That's about the best time you could get it unless there's a Yankee game right then. Was there an accident ? GW 2 hour ordeal to where ? Bethpage ?

 

Then "took parkway Sat morning heading out". This was going back home ? Were you there almost a week ? Sat A.M. the Belt is usually a disaster. That would have probably been the time to take the Cross Bronx-GWB route. Of course the NJ Turnpike heading south on a weekend morning,,,,,,,,,,,, well,,,,,,,,,,, you know,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

The Belt Parkway is historically bad. There's almost no time, going east or west that you can fly through from the Verrazano to JFK.

 

GWB outside of weekday rush hours can be bad but usually not too bad barring an accident or incident. ANY accident or car breakdown or police stop will bring the road to a halt; often in BOTH directions.

 

Then there's L.I. expressway/Northern/Southern State Parkways to deal with.

 

Closest to a "sure thing" getting through all these roads fairly quickly is very early mornings (before 7 A.M.) or after 8 P.M. at night.

 

Glad you enjoyed the golf though.

[C-Law]

For the Black course, Is there time between when they hand out tickets in the parking lot vs when you can just walk up and try to get out? Basically, if they don't open until 6 or something like that(I have no idea), is it pointless to show up at 5, or do you still get a ticket, you're just after anyone who has been waiting.

[jayrod79]

For the Black course, Is there time between when they hand out tickets in the parking lot vs when you can just walk up and try to get out? Basically, if they don't open until 6 or something like that(I have no idea), is it pointless to show up at 5, or do you still get a ticket, you're just after anyone who has been waiting.

 

They pass out tickets in the parking lot at 4:30 and then you walk up to the clubhouse to check-in/pay. Thus, after 4:30am you just walk up directly to the clubhouse to pay and get assigned a tee-time. It was slow the Tuesday I walked on so I paid by 4:35am and then hung out for 2hrs until I checked in with the starter at 6:30am for a 6:50 time.

[tiderider]

Verrazano bridge or gw bridge? Distance from Roanoke is the same ... coming thu around lunch time tomorrow ... skyline view/backup/etc ... tia

 

So how was the Belt Parkway ? :swoon:

Went gw heading into Long Island on arrival ... took parkway early sat morning heading out ... drove all the way back to b'ham ... gw at 2:00 on a Sunday was a 2 hr ordeal ...

 

Not sure I understand.

 

GW on arrival (Sunday about lunchtime), yes ? That's about the best time you could get it unless there's a Yankee game right then. Was there an accident ? GW 2 hour ordeal to where ? Bethpage ?

 

Then "took parkway Sat morning heading out". This was going back home ? Were you there almost a week ? Sat A.M. the Belt is usually a disaster. That would have probably been the time to take the Cross Bronx-GWB route. Of course the NJ Turnpike heading south on a weekend morning,,,,,,,,,,,, well,,,,,,,,,,, you know,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

The Belt Parkway is historically bad. There's almost no time, going east or west that you can fly through from the Verrazano to JFK.

 

GWB outside of weekday rush hours can be bad but usually not too bad barring an accident or incident. ANY accident or car breakdown or police stop will bring the road to a halt; often in BOTH directions.

 

Then there's L.I. expressway/Northern/Southern State Parkways to deal with.

 

Closest to a "sure thing" getting through all these roads fairly quickly is very early mornings (before 7 A.M.) or after 8 P.M. at night.

 

Glad you enjoyed the golf though.

 

yep ... to get through gw bridge past bronx/queens took a full 2 hours ... i don't know if there was an accident or what ... don't think there was a yankees game, but it wouldn't have been over at that time anyway ... stayed in huntington ... parked my rental car at jfk long term and went into the city for 3 days, then left sat morning a week later ... no real issues other than some slow traffic on the verrazano bridge ...

[arydolphin]

Hey guys, I'm going to try to get onto Bethpage Black as a single next Wednesday morning (8/16). I realize every day is different out there, but in general, if I got there between 6 and 7 AM, how long would I be waiting to get out as a single? I just can't get out there on that morning at 4:30 or whenever they hand out the tickets for the day. Thanks for the advice in advance!

[krtgolfing]

Hey guys, I'm going to try to get onto Bethpage Black as a single next Wednesday morning (8/16). I realize every day is different out there, but in general, if I got there between 6 and 7 AM, how long would I be waiting to get out as a single? I just can't get out there on that morning at 4:30 or whenever they hand out the tickets for the day. Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

You can also start calling 5 days in advance to reserve a tee time.

[gioguy21]

i'll be campin out thursday night with a friend of mine to play black friday am -- i know there are tee times available in advance, yadda yadda...but it's a tradition at this point (last 3x we've done it, we were the first group off)...can't wait.

 

how's the conditions right now?