Three days. Two nights in the parking lot. One of the hardest tee times in golf. That’s the backdrop for Soba Golf’s latest story: capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of Bethpage Black before it shut down to prepare for the Ryder Cup.
This isn’t just another golf vlog. It’s a love letter to one of the sport’s most iconic public courses—and to the people who line up, camp out, and swap stories for a chance to walk the same fairways as Tiger Woods, Lucas Glover, and Brooks Koepka. For a modest green fee, you’re stepping onto hallowed turf—proof that Bethpage Black is, as the locals say, “the people’s country club.”
The Grind Before the Glory
The video opens in the pre-dawn dark, car windows fogged from a night of restless sleep. Players wait in the walk-up line, hoping for the golden ticket: a numbered “bakery ticket” that grants access to the clubhouse and a coveted tee time.
This ritual—part endurance test, part community-building exercise—has been going on for decades. Strangers swap snacks, tips, and war stories. One golfer even orders a tent and air mattress off Uber Eats mid-line, turning his parking spot into a makeshift campsite.
It’s gritty, yes. But it’s also electric. The Ryder Cup stands loom in the background, the course buzzing with anticipation. “This is probably as close to Ryder Cup conditions as we’re ever going to get,” one player says. “You can’t just pay to get on—you’ve got to earn it.”
Golf, Sobriety & the Long Game
What elevates this video beyond a travelogue is the vulnerability threaded through it. One golfer speaks candidly about starting the game during the pandemic and how his journey from a 30-handicap to a 3 mirrors his sobriety journey.
Golf, like recovery, demands humility, patience, and a willingness to start over—again and again. “You’ll never have a perfect round,” he reflects. “But you can always get better. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
It’s a theme our community knows well: the joy is in the process, not just the scorecard. Like a great round of golf, a sober life is built one shot, one choice, one day at a time.
Local Flavor, Lasting Bonds
Between tee times and tent naps, Soba Golf highlights the neighborhood gems that make this pilgrimage special. From La Piazza’s legendary buffalo chicken slice to a decades-old coffee shop the narrator keeps secret “to protect the vibe,” these stops are more than food—they’re tradition.
By the end of 72 hours, new friendships have formed, old memories have been rekindled, and everyone has a story to tell. Bethpage Black isn’t just a course; it’s a backdrop for connection, nostalgia, and self-discovery.
Why This Matters
Soba Golf’s short video isn’t just about golf—it’s about belonging. It’s about the sacredness of sport, the grit of showing up, and the quiet spiritual moments you find on a fairway at sunrise.
For anyone walking their own recovery or wellness path, it’s a reminder that community, perseverance, and a touch of adventure can transform a simple tee time into a life-affirming experience.
Bethpage Black may be closing its gates to prepare for the Ryder Cup, but its spirit—its camaraderie, its challenge, its people’s-club magic—lives on in stories like this.
SOBER SPORTS: Introducing Soba Golf – the Intersection of Sobriety, Wellness, and Golf
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SOBER SPORTS at The Sober Curator celebrates the connection between sobriety, wellness, and an active lifestyle. This section features articles, interviews, and personal stories from athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are thriving without alcohol. By showcasing the benefits of sober living—and the powerful role sports and fitness play in maintaining recovery—we’re reframing what wellness looks like and promoting a positive, empowering approach to life after booze.
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