2025 Ryder Cup: Insider’s Hole-by-Hole Guide to Bethpage Black

Bethpage Black, located in Farmingdale, New York, is renowned for its formidable challenge, a reputation cemented by a distinctive warning sign. This sign starkly declares Bethpage Black an “extremely difficult course, recommended only for highly skilled golfers,” serving as a potent reminder to both amateur enthusiasts and the world-class professionals competing in the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup.

Unlike many exclusive golf venues, Bethpage Black holds a unique status as a publicly owned municipal course, one of five within Bethpage State Park. Its original design prioritized strategic difficulty over everyday playability, understanding that regular members wouldn`t desire such a demanding course weekly. According to Rees Jones, a celebrated golf course architect who has overseen multiple redesigns of Bethpage over the past two decades, the course demands significant strategic thinking, particularly from the tee.

“That`s not the case for some of these championship golf courses, where they`ve taken out the trees and widened the fairways to 50 yards,” Jones noted. “Quite often, courses are penal. This is a penal golf course, but there`s also a lot of strategy.”

The strategies adopted by Team Europe and Team USA on this demanding course will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the victor of the 45th Ryder Cup. To provide an insightful preview, we`ve consulted with Rees Jones for a detailed, hole-by-hole analysis of how the course is expected to play out during this prestigious event.

A Hole-by-Hole Strategy Guide for Bethpage Black

Hole 1 – “The Format Will Change Things”

Par 4, 397 yards

The first hole`s tee position has been adjusted for the event, altering its usual sharp dogleg. Players will face a decision: attempt a daring shot over trees towards the green or play safer with a hybrid or iron to navigate the dogleg. Unlike much of the course where trees mostly define holes, they are a significant factor here. Despite its potential for difficulty, it`s not considered an overly tough hole. The Ryder Cup format will influence play; expect caution in foursomes, while in four-ball, one player might aim aggressively for the green. The narrow green entrance suggests most will opt for a layup.

Hole 2 – “They`ll Probably Lay Up”

Par 4, 389 yards

The second hole presents another early birdie opportunity. This short, straight par four features an elevated green. Players are likely to lay up with a hybrid or fairway wood to ensure a full shot into the green, as the flag`s base won`t be visible due to the elevation. Avoiding the right rough is crucial due to the challenging side-hill lie, which hinders ball spin. If the pin is positioned at the front, the hole becomes less intimidating, though visualizing the shot without a clear view remains a challenge.

Hole 3 – “Used to Be Shorter”

Par 3, 210 yards

This par three was extended significantly before the 2002 U.S. Open. The organizers might place the pin in the back-left position on days when they want to encourage birdies, aligning with the Ryder Cup`s goal for excitement rather than the extreme difficulty of a U.S. Open. The rough, both on the fairway and around the green, will be managed to keep balls accessible for players, favoring their skill and promoting aggressive play.

Hole 4 – “Hard for Amateurs, Easiest for the Pros”

Par 5, 517 yards

This famous short par five will likely play as a par four during the Ryder Cup. It`s notoriously difficult for amateurs but one of the easiest for professionals. Regular players struggle with the second shot, needing to clear a deep glacier bunker followed by an elevated fairway. Professionals, with their greater distance, can land short of the bunker with a mid-iron off the tee. The green slopes from front to back, so shots lacking spin can roll off into a chipping area. This hole is a definite birdie opportunity, making three out of the first four holes potential birdie chances.

Hole 5 – “Where Bethpage Starts to Show Its Teeth”

Par 4, 478 yards

The fifth hole marks where Bethpage Black truly begins to challenge players. Its design echoes Pine Valley`s 16th, with a tree line on the left obstructing shots to the green. Players must favor the right side, flirting with an extended sandy area, to avoid being blocked. Despite professionals` hitting distance mitigating some concerns, the elevated, heavily undulated, and well-bunkered green still demands precision. Achieving par here is a strong accomplishment.

Hole 6 – “All About the Drive”

Par 4, 408 yards

This short par four is defined by its tee shot. The fairway drops significantly after 280 yards. Players can either risk challenging bunkers or play a shorter shot to remain on the ridge. A successful drive through a `slot` can leave a short flip shot to the green, which is entirely surrounded by bunkers. Keeping it on top of the ridge, however, means a longer 170-180 yard shot. The choice off the tee is critical and challenging.

Hole 7 – “The Hole Players Whine About”

Par 4, 524 yards

Originally a par five, this hole was converted to a par four for the 2002 U.S. Open and has remained so. It`s known for its difficulty, particularly the sharp dogleg and trees encroaching from the right. A key strategic decision here is the drive; players will likely flirt with the trees to secure a shorter approach shot. As a par five, a left-biased play would be preferred. The green is well-contoured but offers an open entrance.

Hole 8 – “Only Hole with Water”

Par 3, 210 yards

This is Bethpage Black`s sole hole featuring water, a downhill par three. For a back-pin location, players must aim for the ball to release to the pin, as flying it too far will lead to a difficult recovery. A front-pin position requires careful spin control to avoid the water, even with a potential backstop on the green. This hole`s playability will vary significantly daily, with middle-pin positions likely used when birdies are desired.

Hole 9 – “Watch the Massive Bunker”

Par 4, 460 yards

A strategic dogleg, this hole features a massive bunker at the turn. Players must hit a long drive over this bunker to land on the deck and avoid rolling right, ensuring the easiest approach to a well-protected, low-profile green. The green, like most on this course, is heavily bunkered, demanding precision.

Hole 10 – “Where Sergio Gave the Crowd the Finger”

Par 4, 502 yards

This hole gained notoriety during the 2002 U.S. Open for its unplayable conditions, leading to frustration (e.g., Sergio Garcia`s infamous gesture). The fairway has since been extended towards the tee, making it more accessible. However, it remains bracketed by multiple bunkers, ensuring they come into play off the tee, regardless of tee placement. Despite being a wide target for top players, this is a tough hole. Holes 9, 10, 11, and 12 collectively form the core challenge of the course.

Hole 11 – “Can Change on Any Match, Day”

Par 4, 435 yards

This hole changes direction from the 10th, meaning wind conditions (tailwind, headwind, or crosswind) will vary. Its slight angle allows organizers to significantly alter its character daily by adjusting pin positions. A back, elevated pin spot presents a difficult challenge, while a middle-front position would likely be used to encourage birdies.

Hole 12 – “Only Hole That Requires Driver”

Par 4, 496 yards

Hole 12 stands out as the only one typically demanding a driver, requiring a carry of 280 yards over a bunker that extends left. While this bunker might intimidate some, especially in the 2002 U.S. Open, modern players are less likely to be deterred and will probably aim to clear it.

Hole 13 – “A Birdie Hole”

Par 5, 608 yards

Despite its length, Hole 13 is considered a birdie opportunity. A cross bunker located about 30 yards short of the green will typically not affect players unless they find the rough off the tee. Although the tee has been extended over time, it will likely be played shorter during the Ryder Cup. The green is relatively straightforward, so expect numerous birdies here.

Hole 14 – “Easiest on the Course”

Par 3, 161 yards

This is the easiest hole on the course: a short par three guarded by bunkers on the front and left. The green features a narrow “tongue” on the front left, which, if used as a pin position, makes the hole exceptionally difficult to access. Players might opt for a safe play to the middle and putt from there. Otherwise, it promises to be a “birdie wall.”

Hole 15 – “Hardest on the Course”

Par 4, 477 yards

Hole 15 is identified as the most challenging hole. It has a highly contoured green and no fairway bunkers, allowing players to drive aggressively. While right-side rough might be a factor, extensive hospitality areas could mitigate its impact. The green is a two-tier design with a very steep front, essentially rendering the front inaccessible. This forces players to target the back, making the second shot critical and demanding precision to a very small, elevated target protected by three substantial bunkers. Missing right leads to a difficult recovery down a large slope.

Hole 16 – “Drive Has to Go Left”

Par 4, 539 yards

The green is defended by two large bunkers on the right. Players must counteract their visual instinct and aim their drive to the left side to achieve the best angle of approach, especially if the pin is tucked to the right. The organizers have the option to hide the pin effectively on the right for several days, making the drive`s placement crucial.

Hole 17 – “A Muscle-Tightening Hole”

Par 3, 179 yards

Hole 17 is a dramatic and impressive par three. Its length will be adjusted due to spectator stands. It features a two-tier green with a lower right area and an upper left area, both heavily bunkered and not very deep. Shots can easily go long into a bunker or come up short depending on impact. If matches reach this stage, this hole is known for “muscle-tightening” pressure.

Hole 18 – “The Hole Scheffler, Rory Like to Play”

Par 4, 411 yards

The final hole presents a significant birdie opportunity. It is bracketed by numerous bunkers on both sides. If players lay up and hit right, they will be penalized. Due to a long left bunker, many might opt against using a driver, although a successful driver over it could lead to a penalty area. The elevated, heavily bunkered green is a small target. Effective tee shots are key to capitalizing on this birdie chance. The course`s demand for strategic thinking off the tee, contrasting with championship courses that often widen fairways, is appreciated by players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.