Red Course at Bethpage State Park Golf

About the club

Although outshone by the Black Course, the Red at Bethpage State Park, also designed by pioneering architect A. W. Tillinghast, is not without its appeal as a kind of lite-version of its more famous cousin. Thus the Red has, by comparison, fairways that are more generous, greens that are more even, far fewer bunkers, no water hazards, trees that tend to be decorative rather than strategic and considerably less length than the championship course. There is as a consequence proportionately more room for recovery from less-than-perfect tee shots and goofs along the greens. The upkeep is surprisingly good given how heavily the Red is used, for whatever its limitations, it remains one of the top public golfing facilities anywhere in Long Island. In sum, what the Red delivers is an enjoyable layout that is nevertheless intriguing and challenging, and that makes for a relatively relaxed experience