Anticipation Builds at Bethpage State Park
The tent city emerged in April.
Despite a long and chilly spring in New York, it couldn’t dampen the excitement as Bethpage prepared for one of its most awaited summers.
Golfers arrived in droves, as always, parking in the white-lined asphalt around the Bethpage State Park clubhouse. By nightfall on the season’s opening day, the lots were filled with eager players from around the world, hoping for a coveted tee time. This trend continued throughout the summer’s heat, surprising park officials who thought nothing, not even the impending Ryder Cup, could escalate demand further.
The Bethpage Sleepover Tradition
The tradition of the Bethpage sleepover stands out as one of the course’s most cherished legacies, exemplifying the egalitarian spirit at the heart of Long Island’s premier municipal golf complex. The park reserves a limited number of tee times for those who spend the night in their cars, sharing drinks, food, and camaraderie. In the evenings, they receive tickets securing their spot in line for the morning tee times at an affordable price—around $80 for New Yorkers and double for those coming from out of state.
Excitement for Golf Enthusiasts
This atmosphere creates a joyful vibe in the parking lot, fitting for dedicated golfers willing to sleep in their vehicles. A tee time at Bethpage is considered a significant reward, and players would gladly pay ten times the fee. Thankfully, it remains a bargain, especially when the price of lost sleep is set aside.
A Legacy of Public Good
Bethpage State Park owes its existence to the “grand bargain” known as the New Deal. In the 1930s, it became one of New York’s significant achievements through the Works Progress Administration, aimed at employing the country’s huge number of unemployed individuals to build structures for public benefit.
The Visionary Behind Bethpage Black
Robert Moses, the influential figure behind the park, envisioned a golf course and enlisted renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast for the task, paying him $10 daily. The goal was to create a course Moses dubbed “The People’s Country Club.” With Tillinghast, along with a local golf pro, Joseph Burbeck, they developed what is now known as Bethpage Black, a famed municipal course known for its challenging design and prestigious reputation.
Sharing Legends and Anticipation
For many awaiting their turn in the parking lot, the ultimate prize is a round on “The Black,” a demanding 7,400-yard, par-72 course known for its rigorous nature. However, the true reward is the chance to play on the same course that has hosted legends during the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, the PGA Championship in 2019, and the upcoming Ryder Cup in 2025.
A Growing Excitement
As preparations for 2025 continue, including a major tent city linking the course from the first tee to the 18th, anticipation grows. While some renovations have been made, the primary excitement stems from the increased number of golfers flocking to Bethpage each night, amplifying the already vibrant atmosphere that the park is known for.
