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Changes to Bethpage Black for the 2009 U.S. Open

The USGA will have photos and a write up. The biggest change in my eyes is the shrtening of 6 one day to be a driveable par-4.  The green was almost entirely encircled by sand, so it’ll have a high pucker factor, and those greenside bunkers are tough.

Hat tip:  Peter McNally, GCA.com:

“Hole 1:  430 yards–no change;
Hole 2:  389 yards–no change;
Hole 3:  232 yards–+27 from 2002;
Hole 4:  517 yards–this is the risk/reward hole with plenty of chipping areas around the green.  The new 542 yard tee not used;
Hole 5:  478 yards–+27 from 2002;
Hole 6:  408 yards–the fairway will extend all the way to the green in 2009.  Possibly a shorter tee around 340-350 to encourage a drive at it;
Hole 7:  525/489 yards–+36 from 2002 and a regraded fairway so the 525 tee ground can be used;
Hole 8:  210 yards–green extended in front towards pond;
Hole 9:  460 yards–+42 from 2002–probably will be 0.125 stroke harder in 2009 than 2002;
Out:  3649 yards par 35

Hole 10:  508 yards–+13 from 2002.  Fairway extended 40 yards back to tee, 224 to reach fairway;
Hole 11:  435 yards–no change;
Hole 12:  504 yards–left corner bunker reduced to encourage aggressive play down left side;
Hole 13:  605/554 yards–+51 from 2002.  Fairway regraded and work done around the green;
Hole 14:  158 yards–+0 from 2002, but almost new green, two new back hole locations and a little tounge in the left front (which would probably play in the 140 yard range);
Hole 15:  459 yards–no change;
Hole 16:  490 yards–+11 from 2002;
Hole 17:  207 yards–no change;
Hole 18:  411 yards–slighly tighter and deeper bunkers and same green that’s out of place with the rest of the course
In:  3777 yards, par 35

Total:  7426 yards par 70″