Hole 10 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

The tee shot strategy centers on avoiding the fairway bunker positioned around the 250-yard mark on the right side. For most golfers, this means either laying up short of the bunker with a controlled iron or hybrid, or carrying it with a well-struck driver. The trees lining the entire left side create a natural boundary that must be respected throughout the swing. Target the left-center portion of the fairway to provide maximum room for error while staying clear of the trees. Players who can consistently carry the ball 260+ yards can challenge the bunker with driver, but the risk-reward calculation favors a more conservative approach. A 3-wood or long iron from the tee leaves an ideal approach distance while eliminating the bunker from play entirely.

From the optimal tee shot position, golfers face a mid-iron to short-iron approach to the small green. The key is committing to the selected club and focusing on center-green targeting rather than chasing pin positions. The compact green size leaves little margin for error, making distance control paramount. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your target line. Front pins require precise carry distances, while back pins allow for more aggressive play. The surrounding areas can be unforgiving, so err on the side of caution and aim for the heart of the green. Club selection should account for any elevation changes and wind conditions that are common on Long Island.

The small green demands respect with your putter. Focus on speed control and reading the subtle breaks that can be deceiving on shorter putts. The compact surface means most approach shots should leave reasonable birdie opportunities, but three-putting from long range can quickly turn a scoring chance into bogey. Study the grain and slope carefully, as the small target area amplifies any misreads. Conservative lag putting to the center of the green often proves more effective than aggressive attempts at distant pins. The green's size makes it crucial to leave yourself in the lower portion of the putting zone.