Bethpage Red Course
New York, New York
Often overshadowed by its famous Black sibling, Bethpage Red is a fine A.W. Tillinghast design in its own right. The par-68 layout offers a challenging test with excellent conditioning at state-park pricing, making it one of the best value rounds in the New York metropolitan area.
History & Heritage
Bethpage Red Course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1935 as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project during the Great Depression — one of Roosevelt\'s New Deal public works. Along with the Blue Course, Red was the first to open at Bethpage State Park, preceding even the famous Black Course by a year.
The Red hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 1936 — its very first year of operation. Tillinghast designed it with his trademark strategic variety: subtle angles, protective cross-bunkers, and elevated green sites that reward thoughtful play over raw power.
Bethpage State Park now hosts approximately 300,000 rounds annually across five courses. While the Black Course draws headlines (2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, 2019 PGA Championship, 2025 Ryder Cup), the Red is widely considered the consensus second-best course at the park. Golfweek ranked it No. 6 Best Public Course in New York (2025).
Signature Holes
The longest par 4 on the course and likely the hardest hole. An elevated tee leads to a generous fairway, but the uphill approach to a green sloping back to front is a brutal opening test.
The "Red Redan" — plays over a valley to a perched green sloping back to front, defended by a deep bunker short. Deceptively demanding despite modest yardage.
Widely regarded as the best-designed hole on the course. Eight bunkers split the fairway down the center, creating a genuine risk-reward decision off the tee comparable to the Black Course\'s famous bunker features.
What to Expect
The Red embodies Tillinghast\'s philosophy of strategic variety over pure punishment. While the Black is brutally penal, the Red prioritizes interesting green complexes and more recovery options. The front nine features hillier, rolling terrain; the back nine is flatter with a linksier feel.
At par 68 with multiple long par 4s and only two par 5s, the Red is a stern test. Conditioning is strong (rated 8/10) with quick, true greens and lush fairways. The course rewards thoughtful shot-making and course management.
At $45-85 depending on residency, this is one of the best values in New York metropolitan golf — a genuine Tillinghast championship design at state-park pricing.
Playing Tips
Don\'t be rattled by the brutal 459-yard opening hole. The course eases through holes 2-7 to let you build a score.
On the par-3 4th ("Red Redan"), favor the left side. The back-to-front slope rejects anything short and right into the deep bunker.
On the 13th, decide your strategy before teeing off: play safe to one side of the central bunker complex, or carry it for a shorter approach.
The front nine\'s hillier terrain means uneven lies — adjust stance and club selection. The back nine plays flatter and more exposed to wind.
Greens have subtle Tillinghast undulations. Read them carefully, especially the back-to-front slopes.
Highlights
- ✓ A.W. Tillinghast design
- ✓ Excellent value at state-park pricing
- ✓ Challenging par-68 layout
Frequently Asked Questions
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