Hole 9 at Bethpage State Oark (Red Course)

Par 4466 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

Enhanced Content
Brutal

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.

Tees:
466y452y434y
Green:31y × 36y
Fairway @250y:75y wide
9 Bunkers dogleg

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 & Simulators

Amazon · 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

Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

Shop Wedges

Strategy Tips

tee shot

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.

hazard warning

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.

approach

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.

green

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.

tee shot

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.

train this shot at home

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 & simulators
Scoring Tip

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

Play Bethpage State Oark (Red Course) from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

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

Reviews & Tips

Only signed in users can add reviews.

Sign in to Review

Be the First to Review

Played this hole? Share your thoughts and help other golfers know what to expect.

Content like this — for all 18 holes, customized for your course. Delivered in 48 hours. See pricing →

For course operators and clubs

Get the Free Strategy Guide

All Bethpage State Oark (Red Course) holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.