What makes Bethpage Black so hard for weekend hackers?

It’s September! That means two things: school is back in session and the Ryder Cup is nearly upon us. In just a few short weeks, Farmingdale, N.Y., will become the epicenter of the golf world as a dozen Americans square off against their European counterparts for two years’ worth of bragging rights.

The Ryder Cup is always must-see TV, but with this year’s edition being contested at legendary muni Bethpage Black, the intrigue is at an all-time high and anticipation has reached a fever pitch.

Unlike the exclusive confines of, say, Augusta National or Cypress Point, Bethpage Black is open to the public — so long as you’re willing to work the phones for a tee time or sacrifice a little sleep in the parking lot. That accessibility only adds to the interest in this month’s event, as weekend warriors everywhere will be watching closely to see how the pros attack “The People’s Country Club.”

The Black Course has long had a reputation as one of the toughest tests in golf. And while the pros will undoubtedly rack up their share of birdies, don’t be fooled — it’s still brutally difficult.

So what makes Bethpage Black so tough? In a word: length.

From the tips, the course stretches to nearly 7,400 yards — and for the Ryder Cup, it’ll likely play even longer. If you want to go low on the Black, you’d best bring your driver … and a backup.

For most recreational golfers, many of the fairways are out of reach from the pro tees. According to Shot Scope data, the average driving distance for the typical golfer is 204 yards, meaning seven fairways — holes 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16 and 18 — wouldn’t be reachable off the tee. All but No. 13 are par-4s, but for an everyday golfer, they’d play more like par-5s.

It’s not just the par-4s that are daunting. The par-3 3rd measures 230 yards — out of reach for most recreational players who would need a solid drive and a chip just to find the green.

While the scorecard lists Bethpage Black as a par 70, playing it from the tips would feel more like a par 80 for the average player.

Good luck out there!

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3 thingson my mind

Cypress Point, revealed

If you want a peek at Cypress Point, make sure you flip on the tube this weekend and watch a bit of the Walker Cup — or check out our revealing behind-the-scenes tour of the club above. It may be your only chance to see the hallowed grounds.

Fall guys

We won’t see many stars on the PGA Tour this fall, but there’s still plenty of intrigue in the fall events. With status and playing opportunities for next season on the line, there’s lots to play for.

Beats counting sheep

If you’re an insomniac and a golf fan, October should be a good month for you. The LPGA heads to Asia for three straight weeks, so if you find yourself awake in the wee hours, you’ll have live golf to keep you company.