Tee Time Dreams: The Unique Quest to Play Bethpage Black
Bethpage Black, a public golf course in New York, is famous for its challenging layout and rich history. It has hosted major tournaments like the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, attracting golfers from everywhere. But playing this course isn’t as simple as booking a tee time online. Securing a spot, especially after the Ryder Cup, requires dedication and a willingness to go the extra mile – or rather, spend the night.
The process begins the day before, as hopeful golfers arrive at Bethpage State Park and grab a numbered parking spot. This marks the start of the wait, often described as an overnight tailgating experience. People come prepared with blankets and snacks, ready to settle in for the long haul.
In the early hours of the morning, a park employee distributes numbered tickets. These tickets are then taken to the pro shop, where golfers find out their tee times. They can play as a foursome or join a group if they’re alone.
For many, the experience is worth the effort. Chad DeCarlo, a Long Island resident, described the unique appeal of the process. “To have to sleep in a parking lot is pretty unique,” he noted, highlighting the draw for the dedicated golfer. He believes the course’s reputation, coupled with the recent surge in golf’s popularity, makes the effort worthwhile.
DeCarlo and his friends prepared for their night with food and entertainment. They even set up a television in a truck bed to play video games, including Mario Golf. While the waiting can be long, it’s also an opportunity to bond with fellow golf enthusiasts.
Of course, there’s plenty of time for refreshments, too. DeCarlo admitted that the drinks might have contributed to his less-than-stellar score of 106. Still, he values the experience of spending the night with friends and playing a top-rated course.
While DeCarlo might not repeat the overnight experience unless another major tournament comes to Bethpage Black, others are more enthusiastic. Brett Bosse, a golfer from New Hampshire, researched the process and considered the overnight stay “part of the fun.”
Bosse arrived at Bethpage State Park in the late afternoon and secured a parking spot. He spent the evening exploring the park and observing the Ryder Cup preparations. He noted that many of the cars arriving later were actually for a luau at the clubhouse, adding to the unique atmosphere.
After a brief sleep, Bosse learned of his 11:10 a.m. tee time. He spent time at the driving range before tackling the course. Despite its challenges, he shot an 89, considering it a tough but fair test of his skills.
Bosse emphasized the challenging nature and major golf history connected with the course. He also acknowledged its special status as “The People’s Course” because it’s a state-run municipal.
The willingness of golfers to sleep in their cars to play Bethpage Black speaks to its prestige. Despite the effort, many consider it a badge of honor to play this renowned course. Bosse, when asked if he would do the whole overnight thing again, responded without hesitation: “Oh, in a heartbeat.”
The course is currently closed to golfers, but is scheduled to reopen sometime in October. That’s when the mad rush to grab a tee time will resume, especially before the winter break. For those seeking a tee time at Bethpage Black, planning and preparation are essential. While the overnight wait may seem daunting, it’s part of what makes playing this course a truly unique and memorable experience.
