Bethpage Black: A Golfing Challenge for the Skilled
As you approach the first tee at Bethpage Black, a sign stands as a stark reminder of the challenge ahead. Bold, red letters spell out a warning: “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
Bethpage Black, a public course located in Long Island, New York, gained fame when it hosted the U.S. Open in 2002. Since then, the warning sign has become iconic, representing the course’s demanding nature. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a genuine heads-up for those who dare to play. This week the Ryder Cup will be held at the Fan Zone in New York City.
The course presents a multitude of challenges. Players must navigate thick rough, large bunkers, and a sprawling layout stretching over 7,000 yards from the farthest tees. This includes navigating hills and long, narrow fairways. Adding to the difficulty, golf carts are not allowed, requiring players to walk the entire course.
Zach Johnson, a former U.S. Ryder Cup captain, aptly described the experience before the 2019 PGA Championship: “You know what you’re going to get when you come here. It’s posted on the sign, right?”
The sign has been removed from the course as it travels to New York City as apart of the Ryder Cup Live Fan Zone. During the 2002 U.S. Open, Tiger Woods was the only player to finish under par, finishing at -3. This shows that the course can be a challenge for even the most skilled players.
The precise origin of the warning sign remains somewhat mysterious.
Before the 2019 PGA Championship, Josh Berhow of Golf Magazine investigated the sign’s history, contacting numerous individuals associated with the course, including current and former employees and local golf historians. However, definitive answers were elusive, with varying accounts placing the sign’s appearance in the 1960s, 70s, or 80s. Nevertheless, one account stood out.
Mike Asheroff, a former Deputy Director of State Parks, recounted an incident that occurred on Memorial Day in the early 1980s. He was informed that a man was giving his wife golf lessons, causing delays for the group behind them. The situation escalated, with golfers exchanging golf balls as projectiles, resulting in the police escorting the couple away.
Asheroff recalled telling his employee to create a sign with specific wording and to display it near the park register, advising anyone wanting to play on the Black course to take notice. According to Asheroff, that’s how the sign came to be.
Regardless of its exact origins, playing Bethpage Black has become a symbol of achievement for non-professional golfers. The warning sign sets the tone for the challenges that await.
Rocco Mediate, during the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, stated simply, “It’s just a hard golf course. That sign is true that’s out front.”
