Bethpage Black is considered an extremely difficult golf course. It has a course rating of 78.1, meaning a highly skilled golfer with a 2 handicap is expected to shoot around 80 on it. For average players, the difficulty increases significantly, and scores above 100 are common for mid-handicap golfers. The course is known for its challenging design, treacherous bunkers, thick rough, and overall tough playing conditions, to the extent that a warning sign at the first tee advises that it is recommended only for highly skilled golfers.

Bethpage Black ranks among the hardest courses played by professionals and has a reputation for testing every aspect of a golfer's game, from tee shots to approaches and putting. It is also notable as the venue for major events like the Ryder Cup, and its difficulty remains a key story in those competitions.