Hole 7 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

Par 5 • 553 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

Enhanced Content

Challenging

Bethpage Black's famous 7th hole presents a fascinating paradox - while it ranks among the most challenging for everyday golfers, touring professionals consider it one of the course's more manageable holes. This short par-5 transforms into a risk-reward opportunity during major championships, often playing as a par-4 to test the world's best players.

Tees:

553y502y489y

Green:30y × 28y

Fairway @250y:52y wide

5 Bunkers dogleg

Loading map...

Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Bethpage State Park (Black 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: 5
Yardage: 553 yds
Green: 5349 sq ft
Bunkers: 5
Course Slope: 152
Course Rating: 77

Navigate

Back to Bethpage State Park (Black Course)View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

A dependable fairway wood can turn this par 5 into a real birdie chance.

Shop Fairway Woods →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

This famous Bethpage Black hole offers a generous landing area with the fairway widening from 48 yards at 200 yards to 80 yards at 250 yards. For maximum distance and optimal positioning, aim for the 250-yard mark where you'll have the most room to work with.

approach

With bunkers positioned at 387.5 yards from the tee, your second shot strategy is crucial. This hazard sits right in the prime layup zone, so either lay up short of 387 yards or carry it completely to avoid the sand.

green

The green measures 30 yards by 28 yards with 5,349 square feet of putting surface - relatively compact for a par 5. Pin position will be critical, so focus on hitting to the correct tier rather than going for the flag on every approach.

hazard warning

Beware of the greenside bunkers at 467.3 and 488.9 yards from the tee. These guard the approach to this 553-yard hole and can turn a potential birdie into a bogey if you're not precise with your third shot distance control.

approach

At 553 yards, this hole perfectly exemplifies why it's the 'second easiest for pros but hardest for amateurs.' The length demands three quality shots from recreational players, so resist the temptation to force distance and instead focus on position and accuracy for each shot.

train this shot at home

This 553-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.

See launch monitors & simulators

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.

Play Bethpage State Park (Black 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

Can this par 5 be reached in two?

At 553 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.

How difficult is hole 7?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 7?

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

How big is the green on hole 7?

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 7?

This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.

Can I practice hole 7 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 →