--- title: "Whistling Straits vs Bethpage Black: Best Public Championship Courses (2026)" slug: whistling-straits-vs-bethpage-black description: "Comparing Whistling Straits and Bethpage Black: which public major championship course should you play first? Difficulty, scenery, and experience compared." date: 2026-01-12 author: Golf Courses Close-To-Me keywords: whistling straits vs bethpage black, best public golf courses, major championship golf courses --- # Whistling Straits vs Bethpage Black: Major Championship Golf Two legendary public courses that have hosted major championships. Both brutally challenging. Here's how to choose. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Whistling Straits, WI | Bethpage Black, NY | Winner | |--------|----------------------|-------------------|--------| | Majors Hosted | 3 PGA Championships, Ryder Cup | 2 US Opens | Tie | | Style | Links-style | Classic parkland | Tie | | Difficulty | Extremely hard | Brutally hard | Tie | | Green Fees | $500-600 | $150 (residents $65) | Bethpage | | Scenery | Lake Michigan cliffs | Classic NY forest | Whistling | | Accessibility | 1 hour north of Milwaukee | Long Island, NY | Bethpage | | Walk-ins | Reservations required | Lottery/camping system | Whistling | --- ## Choose Whistling Straits If... - Links-style golf is your preference - You want dramatic lake views - Budget is not your primary concern - You want guaranteed tee times (with advance booking) - You're in the Midwest Explore Whistling Straits → --- ## Choose Bethpage Black If... - Value is important to you - You want the US Open experience - You're near New York City - Classic American parkland style appeals - You enjoy the "challenge" of getting a tee time Explore Bethpage Black → --- ## The Bethpage Tee Time Challenge Getting on Bethpage Black is famously difficult. Options: 1. Camp overnight in the parking lot (free, starts at midnight) 2. Online lottery 7 days in advance 3. Higher fees for non-residents Many golfers consider the quest part of the experience. --- ## Honest Take Whistling Straits is more scenic. Lake Michigan views are world-class. Faux-links style is impressive. Bethpage Black is more authentic. It's truly a public course - no hotel, no frills, just legendary golf. Our recommendation: Bethpage for the bucket list experience and value. Whistling for pure visual drama. --- Explore All Golf Courses →