The 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black is five months away but its presence is already impacting the way golfers utilize the park golf courses this winter season.
Only the Blue Course will be open for play for at least the early portion of the 2018-19 winter season, according to a statement posted on the New York State Parks website. The Yellow Course, typically the other of Bethpage's two courses to remain open through the offseason, will be open "if needed," and for nine holes only.
Bethpage's Andrew Wilson says the temporary closure of the Yellow Course is related to the PGA's installation of access roads and gravel pads on areas of the course, which is set to begin this week. Once this work is complete, the construction of tournament tents, gates and other facilities will shut down a number of holes on the Yellow, leaving only half the course available for winter play, if necessary.
In addition, all golf at Bethpage this winter will be walk-up only. The NYS Parks website is no longer accepting reservations, and the phone service for park tee times was previously discontinued.