Hole 9 at Bethpage State Park (Blue Course)

Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal distance and angle for your approach. Most players will benefit from a controlled driver or strong 3-wood, aiming for the center-left portion of the fairway. This target line provides the best angle to the green while avoiding any subtle trouble that might exist on the right side. The key is avoiding the temptation to overpower this hole - at 360 yards, position trumps pure distance. A well-struck fairway wood leaving you with a comfortable wedge or short iron will typically yield better results than a driver that finds marginal lies or creates an awkward yardage.

With the small green as your target, precision becomes paramount on your approach shot. Plan for a wedge to mid-iron depending on your tee shot distance and pin position. The compact green size means you'll want to be aggressive with your target - aim for the center of the green unless you're feeling particularly confident with a specific pin position. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing that prioritizes accuracy over distance. The small green won't forgive misses, so ensure you're taking enough club to reach your target comfortably rather than trying to squeeze every yard from a shorter iron.

The small green demands respect with your putting approach. Expect subtle breaks and potentially faster speeds than you might anticipate on such a compact surface. Take extra time to read your putts carefully, as the smaller target means less margin for error on both approach shots and putting. Focus on lag putting for longer attempts, as two-putting from anywhere on this green should be considered a success. For shorter putts, be decisive with your read and stroke - the compact nature of the green means most putts will be relatively straight.