When the Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage Black in 2025, the top golfers in the world will tackle one of the toughest and most famous challenges in golf. Found in Farmingdale, Long Island, this public course is both daunting and historic, combining a top-level reputation with open access for everyone.

A Course with a Past
Bethpage State Park opened its Black Course in 1936, created by Joseph H. Burbeck with help from A. W. Tillinghast. Even though Bethpage has five different courses, the Black Course stands out with its difficult design, featuring narrow fairways, steep sand traps, and uneven land. Over the years, updates have been made, but its tough character hasn’t changed.

Harsh Facts
Bethpage Black stretches nearly 7,500 yards from the championship tees and is usually a par 71. With a course rating of 77.5 and a slope rating of 155, it is considered one of the hardest courses in the country. The rough areas are thick, the sand traps are harsh, and players are required to walk rather than use carts. From the lowest point 1st fairway, to its highest point being the 9th green and the holes of 10th and 12th, the Black course boasts an elevation of 77 feet.

This challenge is perfectly captured by the well-known sign by the first tee:

The Black Course Is an Extremely Difficult Course, Which We Suggest Only for Highly Skilled Golfers.”
For many golfers, this warning does not scare them away; instead, it dares them to play.

A Famous Championship Spot:L
The tough nature of Bethpage Black is not just a story; it has been the site of some major events in golf:

• 2002 U. S. Open – Tiger Woods was the only player to finish below par, winning by three strokes.

• 2009 U. S. Open – Lucas Glover survived tough weather to win the championship.

• 2019 PGA Championship – Brooks Koepka won from start to finish, showing how important the course is in today’s game.

• FedEx Cup Playoffs (The Barclays) – This event took place here in 2012 and 2016, adding to its fame.

• New York State Open – This yearly event brings the Black Course together with the golfing community in New York.

Now, it is set to take on the global stage as the first New York location to host the Ryder Cup.

Beauty with a Challenge
Bethpage Black might not shine with fancy resort features. Its beauty comes from its natural feel: hills that roll, tall trees, deep sand traps, and ups and downs that turn every hole into a challenge. It requires skill, creativity, and endurance.

Most importantly, it is open to the public. Any golfer willing to deal with the tough reservation process (and the challenges that await) can face the same course that champions have conquered.

The Ideal Ryder Cup Location
The Ryder Cup is all about pressure, and Bethpage Black is perfect for that. Holes that involve risk invite daring shots, while the thick rough means mistakes can be expensive, and the lively crowds from New York will add energy to every match.

Bethpage Black does more than just host golf tournaments; it shapes them. In 2025, it will create a Ryder Cup that will be remembered for its toughness, excitement, and drama.