Hole 8 at Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

Par 3 • 210 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Brutal

The 8th hole at Bethpage Black stands as one of the course's most notorious challenges, earning its reputation as the hardest or second-hardest hole for everyday players at this legendary Long Island venue. This demanding par-3 exemplifies the unforgiving character that has made Bethpage Black a proving ground for major championships and will test Ryder Cup competitors in 2025.

Tees:

210y191y152y

Green:38y × 43y

Water dogleg

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Bethpage State Park (Black Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 210 yds
Green: 8356 sq ft
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 152
Course Rating: 77

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Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 210-yard par 3 demands precision over power - focus on club selection and accuracy rather than trying to overpower the hole, as there's no fairway to bail out to if you miss the target.

green

The generous green measures 8,356 square feet (38y x 43y), giving you a large target to work with - aim for the center of the green and let the size work in your favor rather than attacking tight pin positions.

tee shot

With no identified bunkers protecting this hole, your main challenge is distance control and staying on the putting surface - missing the green likely means difficult recovery shots from rough or native areas.

approach

The rectangular green shape (38y x 43y) offers different strategic options depending on pin position - use the green's width to your advantage by playing to the fat part of the green away from trouble.

tee shot

This hole exemplifies the pro vs. amateur challenge at Bethpage Black - while pros find it relatively easy due to their precision, recreational players should focus on conservative club selection to ensure they reach and hold this sizable green.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 210 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 8?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3, water in play, large green requiring good lag putting.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 8?

Key hazards include: water at 163.6 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 8?

The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 8?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 8 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 3 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 →