Playing Bethpage Black for 1st time!

[gtikid23]

Playing bethpage black for the first time tmrw. super excited for the expericence. Any tips, hints, on how to manage around the course?

[Kadin 25]

Never played there....man have fun brother!

[Swisstrader98]

I play Black about once per month. Best tip is that if you end up in the rough, even if you're just 180 or so out, just pitch out with a sand or pitching wedge. I've seen it 100 times...if you try to muscle your way through the rough, you will end up in more trouble than just taking your medicine in the first place.

Oh, and playing from the tips is a blast but will def put some pressure on your game.

[gtikid23]

thanks for the response. are the greens typically fast or do they keep them a bit slower throughout the year?

[99Luftballoons]

Greens are typically normal to slow compared to other top courses. It wouldnt be fair if they stimped them high :diablo:

 

Course is a physical and mental b****. You'll be sapped by the end of teh round. Make sure you drink and eat enough to make it through the round.

 

And yeah, take your medicine. Dont be a hero out of the rough

[SHIVAN]

Lucky guys who play there regularly. Need to make my way up the coast to play it once...

[Swisstrader98]

Sorry, left out one bit of info...expect a 5 hour round. I'm not really sure if that's due to slow play or the setup of the course or some folks thinking they can play from the tips with a 20 handicap, but dont get frustrated with the 5 hour round, just accept it.

[dporto]

[i]Keep it in the fairway...Take two extra clubs on the second shot (up hill) at the par 5 fourth hole - or better yet, lay up! (you'll still need more club than you think though...). Wear your most comfortable shoes...Take a caddy!...Remember you're on L.I. (easy to forget from inside the course)... Enjoy yourself regardless of how you play.[/i]

[misterlau]

Nothing to add to what has already been said, but if you've never played it, you'll probably try a hero shot from the rough at least once. You're only human after all. And then after having been warned already, all you can do is shake your head and mutter "I should've just taken my medicine and chopped out".

Oh, and be careful of 15 and 17. You'll be tired by then, and they're not easy, so feel free to take more club to compensate.

[Swisstrader98]

+1 to taking a caddie.

[fore]

How did you like Bethpage Black?

I'm Planning to try it this fall.

[Snufles]

The only course on my bucket list. I am so jealous of you guys playing there once, let alone once a month.

[BrooklynGolfer]

It's a long, tiring walk, so caddie would be good (wish I would have taken one). Only play from the tips if you're comfortable with 200 + yard par 3's all day. Enjoy!