--- title: "Torrey Pines vs Bethpage Black: Public Golf Legends Compared (2026)" slug: torrey-pines-vs-bethpage-black description: "Comparing Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black: US Open venues, playability, coast vs links, and which legendary public course to play." date: 2026-01-05 author: Golf Courses Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/torrey-pines-vs-bethpage.jpg keywords: torrey pines vs bethpage black, bethpage or torrey pines, best public golf courses, us open courses --- # Torrey Pines vs Bethpage Black: Public Course Legends Two of the greatest public golf courses in America. Both have hosted US Opens. One sits above the Pacific; the other is a New York brute. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Torrey Pines (South) | Bethpage Black | Winner | |--------|---------------------|----------------|--------| | Setting | Pacific Ocean cliffs | Long Island parkland | Torrey Pines | | Difficulty | Very challenging | Brutally hard | Bethpage (harder) | | US Open History | 2008, 2021 | 2002, 2009, 2025 | Tie | | Green Fee | $200-300 (San Diego res: $70) | $80-170 | Bethpage | | Booking Difficulty | Moderate | Extreme (overnight line) | Torrey Pines | | Walking | Recommended | Required | Tie | | Rating | 74.6/137 | 76.6/152 | - | --- ## Choose Torrey Pines If... - Ocean views are essential - You're visiting San Diego - Booking flexibility matters - You want challenging but fair - Weather matters (SoCal is reliable) Explore Torrey Pines → --- ## Choose Bethpage Black If... - You want the ultimate test - Value is important (great price) - You can handle the overnight booking line - You're in the NYC area - Bragging rights matter Explore Bethpage Black → --- ## Final Verdict For Setting: Torrey Pines is breathtaking. For Pure Challenge: Bethpage Black is relentless. --- Explore Torrey Pines → | Explore Bethpage Black →