The antiquated tee-time reservation system that required Bethpage and Montauk Downs golfers to suffer through busy signals and faxed driver's licenses is now firmly where it belongs — in the past.
New York State's Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation department has announced a new online reservation system for tee times at select state-park golf courses, most notably the five courses at Bethpage, and Montauk Downs. After a one-time online registration, golfers are free to book tee times directly through the NYS Parks website at parks.ny.gov/golf.
In addition to Bethpage and Montauk Downs, Long Island golfers can also book rounds at Sunken Meadow's Red, Blue and Green courses.
Per the NYS Parks website, state residents can still make tee times starting seven days in advance at 7 p.m.; non-residents can book reservations five days in advance. Residency status will be verified at the park on day of play.
For more info, visit the new NYS Parks reservation site.
[UPDATE: The park website indicates the phone system will still be in use in conjunction with the online system for this season only, but encourages online booking.]