Bethpage (Black)

Bethpage Black’s 15th hole – “Mount Olympus” by M. James Ward When concluding play at the short par-3 14th at Bethpage State Park's Black Course you descend downhill for a short walk across Round Swamp Road. Upon crossing the road you enter via a gate opening back onto course property and then you see what lies ahead. Bethpage Black 15th tee - photo courtesy of the PGA of America Although there are no official names for the holes at the Black, the 15th should be rightly named "Mount Olympus." The hole turns slightly left in the drive zone with the final 180 yards moving uphill. The green is literally perched on a high precipice, 50 feet above the fairway and you believe when you finally reach the green you will be in the company of Zeus. There are two distinct tiers on the putting surface and the green slopes diagonally from rear left to front right. Although the hole can stretch to 478 yards for the PGA Championship, for the two US Opens, held in 2002 and 2009, the tee boxes were set at 459 yards. Bethpage Black 15th fairway - photo courtesy of the PGA of America The most crucial element starts with the tee shot. Failure to find the fairway likely means no real opportunity to reach the green in the regulation stroke. For those hitting the green the key is being near enough to the pin avoiding massive breaking putts. Should one miss the green – either short, left or worse long – the penalties can be exacting. Starting with the 2002 US Open, the fairway cut on the left side was extended further out, therefore putting players on notice to respect the penalty for missing on that side. How tough is the hole? After the first round of this year's PGA Championship the stroke average was 4.577 – with just four birdies made and Tiger Woods had one of them. In major championship golf you rarely see severely uphill holes. The 18th at Augusta National is one that comes quickly to mind. However, the abruptness for the final 75-100 yards at the 15th at the Black is truly steep. Gauging club selection and marrying it properly with the appropriate trajectory is an absolute must. Bethpage's Black Course will return to the competitive scene in 2021 when hosting The Northern Trust event on the PGA TOUR – the opening event for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. And more importantly, Bethpage will host the 2024 Ryder Cup Matches. Count on the 15th hole playing a major role in that encounter between the American and European teams.

USGA opts for coastal locations - heartland hostings on hold By M. James Ward The selection of future US Open sites provides a fascinating behind the scenes understanding of how the United States Golf Association (USGA) seeks to position its most important event. Recommendations are made to the full Executive Committee by senior staff who then ultimately make the final call on which sites are eventually selected. Interestingly, it was a staff recommendation -- from former USGA Executive Director Frank Hannigan -- that got the ball rolling when Shinnecock Hills was considered for re-entry in 1986 as a US Open venue. The issue was whether a seasonal club could host the event with the USGA playing the role in getting all the details in motion -- especially on the volunteer side -- something other active membership bases had been keen to do for all the years prior. In recent years the USGA has opted to include a combination of different sites. In 2013, the Open returned to Merion Golf Club, just outside of Philadelphia, for the first time since 1981. The charming club on the Main Line had to undergo significant modifications given the limited acreage on-site. For example, total ticket sales were capped at 18,000 daily because of the limited space. In addition, the practice area was held on the adjoining West Course -- which required all players to be shuttled back to the East Course. The net result? The desire to include Merion provided clear logistical hurdles that may keep the club on the sidelines for quite some time if ever hosting the event again. Adding to the mixture of host sites has been the introduction of new sites. This includes the likes of Bethpage's Black Course in 2002 and 2009, as well as Torrey Pines South in 2008. Courses that have opened in recent years were also included -- Chambers Bay in 2015 and Erin Hills in 2017. As of now, only Torrey is scheduled for a return in 2021. Two of the major championships have a completely different set of circumstances. The Masters is always played at Augusta National Golf Club and therefore is always played at the same course. The Open Championship does rotate to different venues but those locations must be a links course and the circumstances for hosting leave a very limited number of options with anywhere from 8-10 courses being in the mix. The PGA Championship is the direct competition with the USGA. For much of the PGA's history the selection of sites was a hodgepodge of second tier layouts with only a few of note being selected. That changed dramatically under the leadership of Jim Awtrey when he became a part of the leadership team in 1986. It was Awtrey who went full bore in raising the profile of the 4th major and the primary emphasis was on getting quality clubs being pursued rigorously. Television exposure expanded from 6.5 hours in 1986 to 64.5 hours in 2005 while TV rights fees grew 600-percent during that same period. Total revenue also saw great gains moving from $12.5 million to $200 million with 381 percent increase in total sponsorship dollars and 286 percent increase in total licensing dollars. In sum -- the USGA was no longer in the catbird seat regarding course selections and now faced a revved up competitor looking for equal consideration. That tug-of-war continues to this day. In years past, it was possible for a club to hold both events near enough on the calendar. Oakmont held the US Open in 1973 and 1983 --- sandwiched in-between in 1978 was the PGA Championship. No PGA Championship has returned to the famed Pittsburgh layout since then. The same holds true for Oakland Hills (South). The Detroit-area club hosted the US Open in 1985. In 2004 and 2008 the club hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship respectively -- as well as two US Amateurs in 2002 and 2016. To date, no 7th US Open is scheduled. The PGA of America has been quite active in securing host sites that formerly were tied very closely to the USGA. The most prominent being Oak Hill, Baltusrol and Hazeltine National respectively. Oak Hill, the Rochester, NY club, last hosted a US Open in 1989. In the years to follow -- the famed East Course staged the 1995 Ryder Cup and the 2003 and 2013 PGA Championships. In 2023, the club will again host the PGA. A US Amateur was played there in 1998 but no US Open is planned or likely to happen for the foreseeable future. The same has happened with Baltusrol. The New Jersey-based club eschewed any professional event by being firmly in the USGA camp. After the 1993 US Open the club was unable to secure support for a 8th US Open following a 13-year cycle in hosting the USGA's main event in 1954, 1967, 1980 and 1993. The PGA Championship was played there in 2005 and during the PGA Championship's centennial in 2016. Whether the club is able to secure another US Open is entirely problematic. Hazeltine in the Minneapolis area has hosted numerous USGA events -- the most noted being the 1970 and 1991 US Opens. But, despite the desire of the club to get a 3rd US Open the USGA has opted for other locations. Given that reality, Hazeltine hosted the PGA Championship in 2002 and 2009 as well as the Ryder Cup in 2016. Another Ryder Cup is scheduled for 2028. The recent focus for the USGA has been in restoring the position of a number of classic designed layouts to the forefront. In 2016 Oakmont hosted the US Open and will do so again in 2025. After the debacle in not watering greens during the 2004 championship it appeared Shinnecock Hills might not return to the grand stage. Time has a tendency to heal wounds and the Long Island club is front and center this week with its 5th Open and will do so again for a 6th time in 2026. From this year through the 2027 event at Pebble Beach the US Open will be staged primarily in either east or west coast time zones. The west coast locations provide the USGA with prime time viewing of the event as the final tee times can be scheduled for 3-4 pm local pacific time allowing for prime time viewing in the eastern USA. The 2019 event at Pebble Beach marks the 100th anniversary of the club and the Open returns to California in two-year intervals with Torrey the site in 2021 and a new opportunity with Los Angeles CC in 2023. Covering the remaining slots are several eastern locations with Winged Foot in 2020, The Country Club in 2022 and Pinehurst in 2024. The central and mountain time zones in America will not be able to host a US Open until at least 2028 at the earliest. But, that has not meant that clubs in those two areas have stood still. Inverness, located in Toledo, OH, and a four-time venue for the US Open, went through an extensive restoration project that jettisoned the ill-suited contributions made by George and Tom Fazio when the club was about to host the 1979 US Open. Those changes were never really accepted and the club showed total resolve in admitting the obvious and in bringing on board a relatively unknown architect named Andrew Green based out of Baltimore, MD. The Donald Ross layout has returned with much needed vigor and the overall "look" of Inverness is clearly aligned to its original premise. The layout can stretch to over 7,500 yards and it will be interesting to see if the USGA takes note. After hosting the 1979 Open, Inverness also was courted by the PGA and eventually hosted two events -- in 1986 and 1993 -- where Aussie Greg Norman lost both times in epic finishes by Bob Tway and Paul Azinger respectively. Courses such as Cherry Hills in the Denver area and Southern Hills in the Tulsa area have hosted previous US Opens but are unlikely to get nods for future events. In the case of Southern Hills the club opted to work with the PGA and will host two of its events -- including the PGA Championship -- both prior to 2030. Interestingly, when Herb Kohler opened his mega golf facility just north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin -- initially with Blackwolf Run and then Whistling Straits -- he was intent in having a future US Open come to Whistling Straits. That opportunity never came but it did not prevent Kohler from working with the PGA of America and eventually hosting three PGA Championships as well as being the site for the 2020 Ryder Cup Matches. In Kohler's mind -- that's a trade he will take gladly. With the exception of Bethpage in 2024 the Ryder Cup has been the domain of America's heartland since 2004 and will be in that part of America through 2028. One major factor that will certainly change the landscape is the PGA Championship being contested in May starting in 2019. The switch happened in concert with the PGA TOUR seeking to abbreviate its congested FedEx Cup Playoffs so no overlap with the start of the National Football League's season would occur. This meant The Players Championship, formerly played in May returning to its original placement in March. The new time frame means the PGA of America will be looking for possible host sites that may have been at a disadvantage when the traditional August time frame was used. Locations such as Southern Hills would be a much better fit in May than in the cauldron of oppressive heat with an August placement. It is very possible that large States which have had no real role in major championship golf such as Texas will become viable candidates. With the PGA making a clear beachfront in America's heartland -- the USGA has made a clear movement in relying on locations in the eastern and pacific time zones. Classic design architecture has clearly returned to the forefront and the core four facilities -- Oakmont, Shinnecock Hills, Pebble Beach and Pinehurst #2 -- are firmly entrenched as the lead layouts for the folks from Far Hills, NJ. The PGA of America has quickly escalated the stakes for what courses will be in play. The ensuing battleground skirmishes will make for an interesting roadmap on which courses opt to go in one direction or the other. The street of major championship golf is clearly a "one way" oriented street - either with the USGA or PGA of America. Two-way traffic is hardly likely.

The Adirondacks region of northern New York State offers golfers something genuinely special—classic American golf course architecture set against some of the most spectacular mountain and lake scenery in the eastern United States. From Donald Ross masterpieces to resort courses with Olympic mountain views, this wilderness playground delivers both golfing excellence and outdoor adventure on a scale few destinations can match. This pristine region stretches from the historic racing town of Saratoga Springs north to the Olympic village of Lake Placid, where visitors can experience everything from championship golf to bobsledding runs. With accessible pricing, stunning autumn foliage, and endless outdoor activities beyond the 18th green, the Adirondacks present an irresistible combination for travelling golfers. Adirondacks - Your Next Golf Adventure? Why the Adirondacks deserve serious consideration for your next golf trip: Classic Architecture Heritage: Multiple Donald Ross designs from the golden age of American golf course architecture, including courses dating back to 1912 Spectacular Natural Setting: Mountain and lake views that provide unforgettable backdrops, particularly during peak autumn foliage season Exceptional Value: Premium golf experiences available for under £75 ($95), with resort courses offering mountain views for approximately £140 ($175). Adventure Capital: One of America's ultimate outdoor recreation destinations, with the 1980 Winter Olympics legacy still evident throughout Lake Placid Cultural Experiences: From Saratoga's legendary horse racing scene to Olympic history, rich cultural attractions complement the golf The region's unique geography—bordered by Vermont to the east and Canada to both the north and west—creates a distinctive mountain wilderness character that sets it apart from typical American golf destinations. Championship Golf in the Adirondacks Glens Falls Country Club - The crown jewel of Adirondacks golf stands as a testament to Donald Ross's genius. This 1912 masterpiece showcases the architect's evolution, with the original nine holes completed in 1914 and the second nine added eight years later. Golf Digest recognition as a top-100 American course confirms its championship calibre, whilst remaining surprisingly accessible to visiting golfers. The course demonstrates Ross's mastery of strategic design within the region's rolling terrain. Sagamore Golf Course - Set within the grounds of the historic Sagamore Resort on Green Island, this 1928 Donald Ross design offers an extraordinary combination of classic architecture and Adirondack mountain views. Non-resort guests can experience this lakeside gem for approximately £140 ($175) during peak season, including cart. The course may not rank among New York's elite layouts, but few can match its scenic splendour or the complete resort experience it provides. Lake Placid Club - This remarkable facility offers 45 holes across three distinct layouts: the Links Course, Mountain Course, and Pristine Nine. What makes this destination exceptional isn't just the golf—it's the pricing. Both 18-hole courses can be played for under £75 ($95) American, including cart. The mountain views, particularly during autumn foliage season, create an almost overwhelming sensory experience that visitors describe as face-melting in its intensity. Saratoga National Golf Club - A modern public facility that serves as the premium golf option in the famous racing town. Peak season green fees reach approximately £175 ($220), reflecting both the course quality and Saratoga's summer racing season demand. The clubhouse architecture and overall presentation match the town's sophisticated racing culture, making it the natural choice for golfers wanting to experience Saratoga at its finest. Hidden Gems Worth the Journey Ballston Spa Country Club - This 1925 layout with its distinctive Red Fox logo represents exceptional value at approximately £50 ($63) for walking play. Located conveniently on the route into Saratoga, the course stretches just over 6,300 yards from the back tees—perfect for golfers wanting an enjoyable round without excessive length. Local members use it as their base for the Saratoga racing season, which speaks volumes about its charm and character. Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course - Following the Bethpage State Park model, this New York State facility provides accessible golf within the state park system. Historically priced at bargain rates (approximately £12/$15), it offers golfers a pleasant experience whilst visiting Saratoga for the horse races. The course provides excellent value for groups wanting to combine golf with racing season festivities. Ausable Club - This private resort features a charming nine-hole layout exclusively for members and resort guests. Whilst access requires membership or guest privileges, the course represents the intimate, exclusive side of Adirondack golf. The pricing structure throughout the region favours visiting golfers, with even premium experiences remaining accessible compared to major metropolitan areas. Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Adirondack Golf Adventure Day 1 - Saratoga Springs Arrival Fly into Albany (90 minutes drive) and head straight to Saratoga Springs. Play Ballston Spa Country Club as your warm-up round, then check into accommodation in Saratoga proper. Evening exploration of the town's racing culture and dining scene, with dinner at Panella's Restaurant on Jefferson Street for authentic Italian cuisine. Day 2 - Saratoga Racing & Golf Morning round at Saratoga National Golf Club, experiencing the premium golf option in racing country. Afternoon at Saratoga Race Course (during season, July 3rd-September 1st), followed by drinks and dinner at one of the town's elevated establishments. The combination of morning golf and afternoon racing epitomises the Saratoga experience. Day 3 - Journey North to Lake Placid Morning departure for Lake Placid (2.5-hour drive). Stop at Glens Falls Country Club for the Donald Ross championship experience—this is your must-play round of the trip. Continue north to Lake Placid, check into mountain accommodation, and explore the Olympic village atmosphere. Day 4 - Lake Placid Mountain Golf Morning round at Lake Placid Club (choose Links or Mountain course based on weather and preference). Afternoon options include the Sagamore Golf Course if staying an extra day, or explore Lake Placid's outdoor activities—chairlift rides up Whiteface Mountain, Olympic bobsled experiences, or simply relaxing by pristine mountain lakes. Alternative routing works excellently from Montreal (3-hour drive south), making this ideal for Canadian golfers seeking American mountain golf experiences. Adirondacks Travel Logistics Transportation & Access Albany serves as the primary airport for international visitors, offering convenient access via Interstate 87, which continues directly to Montreal. Canadian golfers often prefer flying into Montreal and driving south down the scenic St. Lawrence River valley. Rental cars prove essential for golf course access and exploring the region's dispersed attractions. The main transportation artery, Route 87, provides excellent access from the south whilst offering scenic mountain vistas throughout the journey north. Weather & Seasonal Considerations The Adirondack region experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different golf experiences. Summer provides optimal golf conditions from June through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Autumn golf (September-October) delivers spectacular foliage views but requires weather flexibility. Spring golf begins in April but remains weather-dependent through May. Many courses close during the winter months due to snow cover, typically from December through March. Pack layers for morning rounds, as mountain temperatures can vary significantly from valley floors to elevated tees. Equipment & Practical Considerations Most courses offer rental clubs, though serious golfers prefer travelling with their own equipment. Cart usage is standard and often included in green fees. Golf attire follows traditional American standards, with most courses requiring collared shirts and golf shoes. Where to Stay for Adirondack Golf Resort Accommodations The Sagamore Resort provides the quintessential Adirondack experience, located on its own private island with direct golf course access. The historic property offers classic American resort amenities within spectacular natural settings. Rates reflect the premium positioning and lakeside location. Lake Placid offers numerous mountain resort options, many within walking distance of Olympic sites and village dining. Properties range from historic lodges to modern mountain resorts, with many offering golf packages including Lake Placid Club access. Historic Town Centres Saratoga Springs provides the most sophisticated accommodation options, from boutique hotels to chain properties. During racing season (July 3rd-September 1st), rates increase dramatically. Book well in advance for the racing season, or visit outside these dates for significantly reduced rates. Mountain Retreats & Vacation Rentals The region excels in cabin and lakeside house rentals, offering authentic Adirondack experiences. Private lake access, timber-frame construction, and mountain views create unforgettable settings for golf groups. Properties often feature outdoor amenities like fire pits, docks, and hiking access. Strategic location planning helps minimise driving between accommodations and golf courses, particularly important given the region's dispersed geography. Adirondacks' Culinary Scene Fine Dining Experiences Saratoga Springs offers the region's most sophisticated dining, with numerous establishments catering to the racing crowd's elevated expectations. Panella's Restaurant on Jefferson Street represents institutional Italian dining, whilst numerous other establishments offer everything from contemporary American cuisine to international options. Lake Placid village features mountain resort dining with spectacular views, though options remain more limited than in Saratoga. Resort restaurants often provide the best dinner experiences, combining cuisine with lakeside or mountain vistas. Post-Round Dining & Social Culture The region's post-round culture centres around relaxed mountain hospitality rather than formal club dining. Many golfers enjoy outdoor dining with mountain or lake views, particularly during summer months. Craft breweries and casual establishments provide excellent options for golf groups. Racing season in Saratoga creates a unique social atmosphere, with numerous establishments offering special menus and extended hours during the summer racing meet. The combination of golf and racing creates a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in American golf. Local Specialities & Regional Cuisine Adirondack cuisine focuses on fresh mountain and lake ingredients, with numerous establishments featuring locally-sourced game, fish, and produce. Craft brewing has gained prominence throughout the region, offering golfers excellent options for post-round refreshment. Budget dining options exist throughout the region, though selection becomes more limited in remote mountain areas. Planning meal options around golf schedules helps ensure satisfactory dining experiences. Booking Golf in the Adirondacks Advance Planning Requirements Championship courses like Glens Falls Country Club benefit from booking, particularly during peak foliage season (late September-early October). Most courses accept bookings 30-90 days in advance, with premium tee times requiring earlier reservations. Racing season in Saratoga creates additional demand for local golf courses, with weekend tee times becoming particularly scarce during July and August. Book Saratoga-area courses well in advance for summer racing season visits. Seasonal Availability Patterns The golf season typically runs from April through October, with peak conditions from June through September. Autumn golf extends into October but requires weather flexibility. Many mountain courses close or reduce operations during the winter months due to snow conditions. Spring openings vary annually based on weather conditions, with courses typically opening between mid-April and early May. Contact courses directly for current seasonal schedules and weather-related closures. Package Opportunities & Group Bookings Resort properties often offer golf packages, including accommodations and multiple rounds. Lake Placid Club's 45-hole facility provides excellent multi-day package opportunities with significant savings over individual round pricing. Group bookings receive favourable treatment at most facilities, with many courses offering group discounts for 12+ players. Corporate groups and golf societies can often negotiate favourable package rates including golf, dining, and accommodations. Explore Beyond Golf Olympic Legacy & Winter Sports Lake Placid's 1980 Winter Olympics legacy creates unique visitor experiences year-round. The Olympic Museum, bobsled runs, and ice hockey facilities offer insight into one of America's greatest Olympic moments. Visitors can experience actual bobsled runs during the summer months or take chairlifts up Olympic skiing venues. Whiteface Mountain provides year-round adventure opportunities, from hiking and mountain biking during summer to skiing during winter months. The mountain's challenging terrain attracts serious skiers, with runs beginning at an intermediate level. Outdoor Adventure Activities The Adirondacks represent one of America's premier outdoor recreation destinations, with activities ranging from fly fishing to whitewater rafting. The region's 46 High Peaks attract serious hikers, whilst numerous lakes provide kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. Mountain biking trails throughout the region cater to all skill levels, with many offering spectacular mountain and lake views. The region's pristine wilderness provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts beyond golf. Cultural Attractions & Local Character Saratoga's horse racing culture creates a unique cultural experience during the summer months, with celebrity owners and high-stakes racing attracting international attention. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame provides year-round insight into thoroughbred racing history. Local artisan communities throughout the Adirondacks showcase regional crafts, from Adirondack furniture makers to local artists inspired by mountain landscapes. Small mountain towns offer authentic American cultural experiences away from major tourist centres. Insider Local Knowledge Common Visitor Mistakes Many golfers underestimate the region's size and driving distances between courses. Plan realistic daily schedules allowing adequate travel time, particularly between the Saratoga and Lake Placid areas. Mountain weather changes rapidly—pack layers even during summer months. Racing season accommodation rates in Saratoga shock unprepared visitors. Budget accordingly or visit outside July-August for dramatically reduced costs. Book racing season accommodations months in advance, as availability becomes extremely limited. Strategic Planning Wisdom Autumn foliage season (late September-early October) provides spectacular golf experiences but requires booking and weather flexibility. Canadian golfers benefit from relatively short driving distances from Montreal. The region provides excellent value compared to traditional eastern resort destinations, particularly outside peak racing season. Budget Planning & Travel Value Visit outside racing season for dramatically reduced Saratoga accommodation rates whilst maintaining excellent golf access. Spring and autumn golf provide optimal value with bonus scenic beauty during the autumn foliage season.