Hole 1 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

Par 4 • 417 Yards • Farmingdale, New York

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Challenging

The opening hole at Bethpage Blue stands as one of only three holes remaining fully intact from A.W. Tillinghast's original 1935 design, serving as a historic gateway to what's considered one of Long Island's most challenging front nines. This authentic Tillinghast par-4 sets the tone for the demanding test ahead.

Tees:

417y397y379y

Green:30y × 28y

Fairway @250y:42y wide

1 Bunker dogleg

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Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 417 yds
Green: 4775 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 124
Course Rating: 71.7

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Hole 2

Par 4 • 451y

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway maintaining excellent width at both 200 yards (44 yards) and 250 yards (42 yards), focus on accuracy over distance. This generous landing area allows you to play conservatively with a 3-wood or hybrid, ensuring you stay in the short grass for your approach to this elevated green.

approach

The approach shot requires a carry over the valley to reach this elevated green measuring 30 yards by 28 yards (4,775 sq ft). Take at least one extra club to account for the elevation change and ensure you clear the hazard fronting the green.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 408.5 yards are well beyond the green, but be aware of the valley carry that defines this hole. Missing short of the green will leave you with a difficult recovery shot from below the putting surface.

green

The relatively compact green dimensions of 30 yards by 28 yards demand precision on your approach. With Bethpage's characteristically tame greens, focus on hitting the correct tier and leaving yourself an uphill putt when possible.

tee shot

At 417 yards, this par-4 offers scoring opportunities if you can position yourself properly. The consistent fairway width of 42 yards at the 250-yard mark gives longer hitters confidence to take driver and set up a shorter iron into the elevated green.

train this shot at home

This 417-yard par 4 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

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 417-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 1?

Key hazards include: 1 greenside bunker. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 1?

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 1?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Bethpage State Park (Blue Course). You can play this exact 417-yard par 4 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 →