How to Get a Tee Time at Bethpage Black
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Wed 24 Sep 2025
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The jewel of Bethpage State Park on Long Island, New York, the Black Course is one of the most revered public venues in the United States, best remembered for hosting the 2002 US Open that was won by Tiger Woods.
It later welcomed back America's national championship in 2009 (won by Lucas Glover) and the 2019 PGA Championship that saw Brooks Koepka lift the Wanamaker Trophy for a second time.
Many consider the Black to be among the most challenging layouts in the country, its famous warning sign at the first tee outlines that reputation by declaring: "WARNING The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers."
That will be the examination awaiting the 24 golfers representing the United States and Europe as the 2025 Ryder Cup comes to town, showcasing this grand stage to the widest possible international audience.
Attention is placed on the Ryder Cup like no other event in golf and the tens of thousands expected to attend will bring a hostile and fevered atmosphere that will transform this already testing course into a cauldron of pressure.
But in quieter times, Bethpage Black is a municipal course, meaning that it's open to the public, and you could one day walk in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and take on that fearsome design.
(Assuming that you're a highly skilled golfer, naturally, although there is not a handicap restriction on who can play here).
This is how you can secure a tee time at Bethpage Black.
How Do You Book a Tee Time at Bethpage Black?
Golfers must first register online before making a tee time booking for Bethpage Black - or indeed any of the five courses at the park. New York residents can then book times seven days in advance, with that window being five days for those coming from outside the state.
If you want to know more, please click here.
How Much Does Bethpage Black Cost to Play?
Residents of the state are eligible for discounted green fees, which are $70 for weekdays and $80 for weekends. There is also a twilight rate that is $44 and $54 respectively. Senior citizens and juniors from New York can play for just $47 or $30 twilight.
If you're coming from outside New York State, the Black Course will cost $144 on weekdays or $160 at weekends, with twilight fees being $88 and $100 respectively.
For golfers travelling from the UK, that means you can play here for little over £100, which is remarkably good value for money when you compare that to the most famous venues on this side of the Atlantic.
What if You Can't Book a Tee Time, Can You Still Turn Up?
If you weren't able to secure a tee time through the booking process, and you're keen to play, then many golfers famously queue up overnight in their cars as several of the earliest tee times at Bethpage Black are allocated to players who turn up on the day.
Should you be a single golfer, then your chances of getting on through this method are even greater.
Playing Bethpage Black - especially with memories fresh from the Ryder Cup - would undeniably be a memorable golfing experience, and whether you're someone who lives in the nearby area or dreams of visiting from abroad, you can make that wish a reality.
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About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
The Ryder Cup is unlike any other tournament in golf and the atmosphere is something that every golf fan should experience. The experts at Golfbreaks.com can help with all aspects of your Ryder Cup experience, from accommodation and ticket packages to hospitality and travel and playing some of the fantastic nearby courses.
Tags: ryder cup Bethpage Black
