Hole 4 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

The key strategic decision comes immediately off the tee. Longer hitters face a tempting opportunity to cut the corner over the right-side trees to set up a potential eagle attempt, but this aggressive line carries significant risk. The safer play targets the left-center of the fairway while respecting the out-of-bounds that runs the entire left side. For most players, a controlled driver or strong 3-wood aimed at the right-center portion of the landing zone provides the best combination of distance and safety. This conservative approach keeps the ball in play while still allowing for a manageable second shot. The downhill nature of the tee shot will add extra roll, making club selection crucial for finding the optimal position.

The approach strategy varies dramatically based on your tee shot success and skill level. Players who successfully cut the corner may have a mid-iron into the green, while those taking the safer route will likely face a longer approach or need to lay up strategically. The green sits uphill and is described as small and circular, surrounded by bunkers that demand precision. When going for the green in two, target the center and allow for the uphill lie to take some distance off your shot. The compact target leaves little room for error, making this a true test of approach shot accuracy. For lay-up shots, position yourself in the ideal wedge range while avoiding any fairway bunkers or rough areas that could complicate your third shot.

The small, circular green requires precise distance control and careful green reading. Uphill putts will play slower than they appear, while any downhill putts on this compact surface can quickly get away from you. Focus on getting your first putt close rather than being overly aggressive, as three-putting from long range on a small green can easily happen. Pay attention to the pin position - with limited green space, even slight changes in hole location can dramatically affect your approach strategy and putting angles.