Hole 9 at Bethpage State Oark (Red Course)
Par 4 • 466 Yards • Farmingdale, New York
The 9th hole at Bethpage Red represents the culmination of the front nine on this historic Long Island course, built on land that once housed the original Lenox Hills Country Club designed by Devereux Emmet in 1923. This challenging par-4 finale demands precision and strategy as golfers navigate one of the more demanding tests on the Red Course.
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 466 yds
- Green
- 6646 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 9
- Course Slope
- 130
- Course Rating
- 75.1
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Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Strategy Tips
This 466-yard par 4 demands accuracy off the tee, as the fairway narrows significantly from 75 yards wide at the 250-yard mark to just 49 yards wide at 200 yards. Favor a controlled tee shot that finds the wider landing area around 250 yards to set up the best approach angle.
Three strategically placed bunkers guard the approach zone at 441.6, 430.2, and 411.1 yards from the tee. These hazards are positioned to catch both aggressive drives and poorly executed approach shots, making club selection and accuracy paramount on this hole.
With bunkers positioned around 430-440 yards from the tee, your approach shot will likely be from 170-190 yards to a generous green measuring 6,646 square feet. The large putting surface gives you room for error, so focus on finding the correct tier rather than attacking tight pin positions.
The substantial green dimensions of 31 yards by 36 yards provide ample target area, but this size often means multiple tiers and subtle breaks. Take time to read the green carefully and prioritize getting below the hole for easier uphill putts on this sizable putting surface.
At 466 yards, this hole requires strategic positioning rather than maximum distance. The fairway's narrowest point at 200 yards (49 yards wide) suggests laying back with a 3-wood or hybrid to avoid the squeeze and ensure you're in the optimal 250-yard zone where the fairway opens up to 75 yards wide.
This 466-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWith bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 466-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, heavily bunkered.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?
Key hazards include: 3 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 9?
The green is fairly large with multiple pin positions. Lag putting becomes important on longer putts.
What's a good score on hole 9?
This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.
Can I practice hole 9 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Oark (Red Course). You can play this exact 466-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →
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For course operators and clubs
Play This Course at Home
Practice Bethpage State Oark (Red Course) Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 466 yds
- Green
- 6646 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 9
- Course Slope
- 130
- Course Rating
- 75.1
Navigate
Recommended Gear
Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.
Shop Wedges →Get the Free Strategy Guide
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