Hole 4 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

Par 5 • 517 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Challenging

Known as the "Great Hazard Hole," Bethpage Black's fourth is a signature par 5 that exemplifies the course's championship pedigree. This uphill double dogleg features strategically placed cross-bunkers and tree-lined fairways that demand precision and course management. It's a hole that has tested professionals and public golfers alike on this legendary U.S. Open venue.

Tees:

517y461y438y

Green:30y × 25y

Fairway @250y:32y wide

5 Bunkers dogleg

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Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 5
Yardage: 517 yds
Green: 4658 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 152
Course Rating: 77

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Strategy Tips

hazard warning

This is Bethpage Black's infamous 'Great Hazard Hole' - the fairway completely disappears at both 200 and 250 yards from the tee, forcing a strategic layup or requiring precise placement to navigate the cross-bunkers that define this double dogleg.

tee shot

With no defined landing zone from the tee and fairway width of zero at key distances, your tee shot must be positioned short of the cross-bunkers or threaded through the narrow gap - consider a controlled fade or draw depending on pin position to set up the best angle for your second shot.

approach

The strategic bunkers positioned at 459, 467, and 487 yards create a gauntlet for your second shot - plan your approach to avoid these hazards while considering the uphill nature of this 517-yard par 5 that plays longer than the yardage suggests.

green

The relatively compact green measures just 4,658 square feet (30x25 yards), demanding precision on your approach - with the hole playing uphill and bunkers guarding the entrance, focus on distance control and center-green strategy rather than attacking pins.

approach

As a 517-yard par 5 with severe fairway restrictions, most players should treat this as a three-shot hole - the risk of finding the cross-bunkers or rough far outweighs the reward of trying to reach in two, especially given the tight green target.

train this shot at home

This 517-yard par 5 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Scoring on par 5s starts with a smart second shot. Laying up to your favorite wedge distance gives you the best birdie chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 517 yards, Reachable in two for longer hitters. Consider laying up short of hazards if going for it is risky.

How difficult is hole 4?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 4?

Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 4?

The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.

What's a good score on hole 4?

This hole is a solid birdie opportunity with smart layup strategy. Most golfers can reach in three. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge.

Can I practice hole 4 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Park (Black Course). You can play this exact par 5 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 →