How to get on
Bethpage Black is open to the public through New York State Parks. For 2026, park materials list the Black open weather permitting April 15 to November 15, closed Mondays except holidays (confirm the current calendar on parks.ny.gov before you travel).
Reservations run through the park golf registration system (online). Verified NY residents can book farther ahead than non-residents (park FAQ: residents 7 days out, non-residents 5 days out, windows open at 7 p.m. for the target date; Black has a once-every-28-days reservation limit). There is a per-player booking fee at reservation time; green fees are typically paid on the day. Bring ID: non-residents pay higher rates on Black without valid NY proof.
Do not invent walk-up folklore. Check the live portal the week you want to play.
What the golf is like
Bethpage Black is the championship course in a five-course state-park complex designed in the Tillinghast era (A.W. Tillinghast credited on Black / Red / Blue construction in park history). Expect a long, demanding public test with thick rough when grown, and a famous warning sign vibe that matches the reputation.
TBD Yardage / slope / rating: TBD from the current official scorecard.
This is not a casual twilight loop for most mid-handicaps. If you want "I played a U.S. Open / Ryder Cup public venue," this is the stamp.
Walk and pace
Black is a walking culture round (carts are not the normal Black experience; confirm current cart policy on parks.ny.gov before you go). Pace can stretch. Plan fitness and daylight.
What it costs
Rates differ for NY residents vs non-residents, weekday vs weekend, and twilight. Recent published tables (cross-check on parks.ny.gov before you book):
| Player | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| NY resident | about $70 (twilight about $40) | about $80 (twilight about $50) |
| Non-resident | about $140 (twilight about $88) | about $160 (twilight about $100) |
Treat these dollars as about ranges, not a live quote. Junior / senior resident discounts exist on park fee sheets. Add the reservation booking fee (park FAQ lists $5 per player; confirm live). Confirm exact fees on parks.ny.gov before you book.
Who should Wishlist it
- Golfers collecting championship public venues
- NY residents who can hit the 7-day window
- Travelers willing to pay non-resident rates for one bucket-list public stamp
Skip it (for now) if you need carts, soft conditions, or a short booking lead time with no planning.
Fact box
- Access
- Public, NY State Parks
- Architect
- A.W. Tillinghast (park history)
- Season (2026 park list)
- Apr 15 to Nov 15, closed Mondays except holidays (confirm)
- Fees
- Resident vs non-resident; see parks.ny.gov (re-verify before you book)
- Booking
- Park registration system; resident/non-resident windows; booking fee
- Walking
- Expect walking on Black (confirm cart policy)
- Unverified / TBD
- Exact yardage, slope, rating, and live fee PDF on the day you book