Just played Links at Ferry Point. Course is in great shape, and the fescue is incredibly penal if you don’t keep it in the fairways. It is a little pricier compared to the bethpage courses.

No shortage near Bethpage. Oyster Bay has a couple, Eisenhower Park has 3, and Ferry Point is public. What type are you looking for? On a business trip Bethpage was booked but I was able to get on at Eisenhower. Needed an early time on a Saturday morning to catch a later flight from LaGuardia.

Oh yeah, I've been meaning to hit up Centennial and Eisenhower. Nearby courses I've played are

Hudson Hills
Patriot Hills
Saxon Hills
Maple Moor
Rock Spring
Knollwood
Middle Bay
Harbor Links
Montauk Downs (not as near)
most of the city courses.

It's hard to not play Red every week because I can always get a time, so I'm not sure what I'm really looking for exactly. Just wanted some more adventure I guess.

In Mt. Sinai on Long Island, Willow Creek Golf and CC is a very nice course with friendly staff. Usually not very difficult to get a tee time.

a friend always mentioned Spook Rock over near Westchester area. I haven't played there, but they have hosted NY metro events

People don't have any idea how many great courses are in that NY area. Having grown up at a private club in Westchester, even I hadn't seen the majority of them. Too bad it's such a short season.

Don’t overlook Bethpage Red. If Black didn’t exist Red would get a lot more praise.

Played Black a lot growing up, still don't see the big deal. It's long for sure, but there's so many better courses in that area.