News Summary
Freddie Curtis, an avid golfer, spent nearly 21 hours camping at Bethpage State Park to secure a tee time on the iconic Black course. Known for its challenging layout and rich tournament history, including hosting the Ryder Cup in 2025, the course has drawn significant attention. Golfers may spend the night in their vehicles to increase their chances of getting a coveted tee time. Pricing varies for residents and non-residents, and various amenities like breakfast options are available at the park’s restaurant.
Farmingdale, New York – Golfer Freddie Curtis made headlines by camping out at Bethpage State Park for nearly 21 hours prior to his eagerly awaited tee time on the famous Black course. For Curtis, a Massachusetts native, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been a lifelong dream. The Black course, renowned for its rigorous challenges, has a storied history, having hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships.
The upcoming Ryder Cup, scheduled to be held at Bethpage Black from September 26-28, 2025, has added to the excitement surrounding the course. Currently, the Black course operates on a walk-up basis with no advance reservations until August 17. Following this date, the course will close to prepare for the Ryder Cup.
To secure a coveted tee time, golfers are encouraged to spend the night in their vehicles, as the sprawling Black course spans nearly nine miles and is owned by the State of New York. Upon entering the park through Quaker Meeting House Road, there is a designated overnight camping area where golfers can park.
Typically, enthusiasts begin arriving by 11 a.m. the day before their desired tee time, with many securing their spot by late afternoon. To optimize their chances, arriving between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. is strongly recommended. Only one member of each group needs to remain with the vehicle overnight, while the others must arrive in the morning to receive tickets and wristbands that correspond with their tee times.
Park rangers distribute numbered tickets around 4:30 a.m., assigning tee times based on the order of arrival. Once they have received their tickets, golfers are required to drive to the clubhouse to formally claim their tee time. Weekday tee times are available from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while weekend slots continue until 1:30 p.m.
Pricing for tee times varies based on residency. New York residents can expect to pay $70 on weekdays and $80 on weekends, while out-of-state visitors will pay $140 on weekdays and $160 on weekends. Note that the Black course will be closed on August 4 and 11 for maintenance.
At Bethpage, it is common for singles and small groups to be paired together to fill tee times. However, golfers seeking a different experience have several alternate courses to choose from, including Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green, each offering varying levels of difficulty.
Breakfast options are readily available at The Public House, an onsite restaurant serving morning meals from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. with prices ranging from $10.50 to $14.50. The Black course is strictly foot traffic only, with options for caddie rentals or push/pull carts, as motorized carts are not permitted. Golfers are advised to prepare for challenging conditions on the course, including deep rough areas and tricky bunkers.
Bethpage Black’s distinguished history includes renovations influenced by prominent course architect A.W. Tillinghast, alongside contributions from Joseph Burbeck. The course notably earned the nickname “The People’s U.S. Open” during the 2002 U.S. Open, becoming the first municipal course to host this prestigious event.
Preparations for the Ryder Cup are already in progress, which includes the construction of new viewing stands and hospitality areas, along with transportation logistics to accommodate the estimated 50,000 fans expected daily. The ticketing process for the Ryder Cup has been managed through a lottery, and scoring days are anticipated to sell out quickly.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
- Newsday: Tee Time at Bethpage Black
- Massapequa Post: Bethpage Black Preps for Ryder Cup
- CBS News: Colorado Golfer at Bethpage Black
- GolfPass: Bethpage Black Tee Times
- Wikipedia: Bethpage Black
- Google Search: Bethpage Black Golf Course
- Google Scholar: Bethpage Black History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bethpage Black Golf Course
- Google News: Bethpage Black 2025 Ryder Cup
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