Hole 13 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 554 yds
- Hazards
- 3 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 28 yds deep × 28 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 554 yards
The plan for No. 13
The 13th hole at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) presents a deceptively straightforward par 5 that has evolved into one of the course's most strategic challenges. Stretching 554 yards down a generous fairway corridor, this straight-away hole invites aggressive play while demanding precision from championship tees that have been pushed back over the years. The absence of major hazards might suggest simplicity, but the hole's true test lies in positioning for the approach to a compact, relatively straightforward green complex. Players face critical decisions on their second shot - whether to lay up for an optimal angle or attempt to reach in two. With its clean lines and strategic depth, the 13th exemplifies Bethpage Black's reputation for rewarding bold, well-executed golf while punishing careless play on this storied championship venue.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize fairway position over maximum distance. The rough at Bethpage Black is notoriously thick and punishing - as noted by tour professionals, missing the fairway here significantly limits your options for reaching the green in regulation. Aim for the center of the fairway with a controlled driver or strong 3-wood, focusing on a smooth tempo rather than maximum power. The straight layout allows you to take dead aim, but club selection should ensure you stay in the short grass above all else.
Approach & recovery
For most golfers, this becomes a strategic lay-up followed by a scoring wedge. Position your second shot in the optimal landing zone - typically around 100-120 yards from the green - to set up the best angle for your third shot. Longer hitters who find the fairway may consider going for the green in two, but the small green size demands pinpoint accuracy. A mid-iron to long-iron approach from the fairway offers the best chance for close proximity to the pin, while any shot from the rough severely limits your options.
On the green
The green has been described as "fairly simple" by course experts, which is welcome news on a course known for its challenging putting surfaces. Focus on getting your approach shot below the hole when possible, as uphill putts will be more manageable than downhill attempts. The smaller green size means precision on your approach is crucial - missing the green here often leads to difficult up-and-down situations that can quickly turn a birdie opportunity into bogey or worse. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents clear risk/reward decisions based on your tee shot execution. Finding the fairway opens up aggressive options for longer players to attack the green in two, potentially setting up eagle opportunities. However, the penalty for missing the fairway is severe enough that conservative play often proves more rewarding. The smart play for most golfers is treating this as a three-shot hole, ensuring you stay in play and give yourself a legitimate birdie chance with a short iron approach. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-handicap players** should view this as a prime scoring opportunity, using driver off the tee when confident in their accuracy and considering the green-in-two option from ideal fairway position. Focus on course management and take advantage of one of the few "gettable" holes on Bethpage Black. **High-handicap players** should adopt a conservative three-shot strategy, using fairway wood or hybrid off the tee to ensure accuracy, then laying up to their favorite wedge distance. The key is avoiding big numbers by staying out of trouble - par here is an excellent score that keeps momentum for the challenging holes ahead. The 13th hole represents a crucial scoring opportunity in the midst of Bethpage Black's relentless test, but only rewards those who respect the course's punishing rough and execute with precision.
Watch for
- 3 mapped bunkers influence club selection and recovery options on this hole.
- Fairway width is roughly 34 yards at the landing zone.
Hole 13 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,007 sq ft
How did Hole 13 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 554 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 554 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How big is the green on hole 13?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.