For thirty-five years from 1951 to 1986 we raised our three boys on Wantagh, Long Island a fifteen minute drive from Bethpage State Park which has five excellent golf courses.
I enjoyed a round of golf at least once every two weeks on the Yellow, Blue, Green or Red Courses at Bethpage from 1951 until 1967. Many people have heard about the sacrifice Bethpage players had to make by arriving at the park in the wee Saturday morning hours, 5 A.M. or earlier, just to get on line to buy your ticket for an early tee time at 7, 8 or 9 o’clock. But we were young in those days and we did it.
One day in 1967 a friend said “Let’s try the Black Course today.”
“Sure, why not,” I replied.
No golf carts were used. You walked. After the second hole, numerous strokes, lots of lost balls, I said: “I’ve had it,” and returned to the clubhouse. I put my clubs in the garage when I got home and said to the Mrs. “I’m finished with golf.”
From that point on I took up tennis. I didn’t touch a golf club until I retired to Florida in 1986.
Today there is a sign at the Black Course which reads: "Warning-The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for Highly Skilled Golfers." I don't recall if that sign was there the day we played the course. If it was we blithely ignored it. I should have paid closer attention.
Watch the Open at Bethpage this weekend. Appreciate the talents of these PGA Tour players.
I know I will. But we will also witness some embarrassing high scores among a few of the pros at that diabolically tough course. It will be fun to watch.
As for me, I'll stick to playing at the Kings Point Par 3 or Executive Courses in West Delray Beach.
