Bethpage State Park

Bethpage Red is a beautiful course with space off the tee, making it a forgiving and enjoyable course to play. The surroundings are truly stunning, a really pleasant atmosphere. However, the greens show signs of heavy play, they’re really soft and not in the best shape

Bethpage Red is often seen as the quieter sibling of the famous Black Course at Bethpage State Park — but don’t underestimate it. In many ways, it’s a more enjoyable experience for the average golfer, offering similar topography and design features in a more approachable format. The course has the same classic parkland feel, with rolling terrain and strategic bunkering that echoes the Black, but the layout is a bit more forgiving and the maintenance slightly more geared towards everyday play. That doesn’t make it easy, far from it, but it strikes a great balance between challenge and fun. There’s a lot of variety in the holes, with each one offering a fresh test. It’s not overly long, but definitely not short either a solid par-70 that suits a wide range of players. And at just $90, it’s hard to find better value for the quality of golf on offer. Service at the starter’s hut and throughout the facility was excellent — surprisingly warm and efficient given the high volume of players Bethpage handles every day. It’s a public course, part of the state park system, and a shining example of what accessible, high-quality municipal golf can look like. If you’re visiting Bethpage and you’re not a single-digit handicap, I’d honestly recommend the Red over the Black. Walk past that iconic Black Course warning sign, take a picture, and then head to Red — you’ll have a great round and a great day.

Given it's reputation I was a little underwhelmed by Bethpage Black. The first 12 holes are difficult, yes, but keep it on the fairway and it's very playable. The greens are much less severe than other US major venues. But, miss the fairway, and the renown rough will swallow your ball requiring a hack out sideways. Equally, miss the green and the bunkers are severe and green surrounds unforgiving. The course comes into its own over the last 6 which have pretty much everything - long and short par 3s including the iconic 16th, a great par 5, and 3 great par 4s including 17, a fantastic left hand dog leg hole to a green set about 50 feet above the fairway. The clubhouse serves all of Bethpage's 5 public courses and is functional rather than luxurious - the shop is good though, with an huge range of merchandise including, understandably, everything you can imagine with a Ryder Cup logo. If you can find a way on - definitely play it for the experience, but if you're not hitting it straight be prepared for a long round...............

When I booked my tee time at Bethpage Black, I knew I was cutting it close. My flight from Europe was landing at JFK at noon, and I was due on the first tee at 3:20 pm. Immigration lines were brutal, taking nearly 2.5 hours, and I ended up changing into my golf gear in the back of an Uber. I missed the first five holes of the future 2025 Ryder Cup venue. Fortunately, the staff were fantastic. The pro shop guy got me a buggy and rushed me out to join my friends on the 6th tee. Driving through the course, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the place. Where most architects would cram two or three holes, Bethpage gives you one – it feels massive and spacious in the best possible way. Bethpage isn’t just the Black course either. It’s part of a public facility with five courses: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, and of course, the famous Black. While it’s open to the public, tee times on Black are notoriously hard to get – think St. Andrews-style overnight waits. As for the course itself, it’s playable, but punishing. Staying on the fairway is absolutely key. Miss by a few meters and you’re in thick, gnarly rough. At one point, I needed three wedge shots just to advance 20 meters. The bunkering is also severe – the massive ones on 18 are etched into my memory. The final stretch is phenomenal. The 16th is a long, downhill par 4. The 17th, an uphill par 3, was bathed in golden light from the setting sun. And 18? One of the best finishing holes I’ve ever played – a true championship closer. Post-round, we enjoyed a well-earned drink at the clubhouse, where everyone was super welcoming and helpful. I’ll be back in a few days to play the Red course, and hopefully check out the pro shop properly this time

Bethpage Red Golf Course provides a fantastic fall golfing experience, especially during an Indian summer when the warm weather and vivid fall leaves make for a picturesque setting. Located within the expansive Bethpage State Park, the course benefits from its large and scenic surroundings, where the colorful foliage adds a beautiful touch to the fairways and greens.

The course itself offers a challenging yet fair layout, with a variety of holes that cater to different skill levels, making for a great round of golf. While the maintenance is solid, it is a bit less pristine compared to the renowned Black Course, with some areas that show more wear and tear. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall playing experience.

Accessibility is a major plus, as the course is easy to reach from Manhattan via the train, making it a convenient escape from the city. The clubhouse and pro shop enhance the experience with their welcoming atmosphere, offering all the essentials and a comfortable spot to unwind after the round.

Overall, Bethpage Red delivers an enjoyable golf outing, especially on a warm fall day, and is a solid choice for golfers looking for a great course with convenient access from the city.