The 2002 U.S. Open was one of the greatest debuts in golf history. Bethpage Black’s introduction to the world ranks right up there with Francis Ouimet at the 1913 U.S. Open, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island’s hosting of the 1991 Ryder Cup and Tiger Woods’ 12-shot victory at the 1997 Masters in his first major as a professional.

Although Woods won his second U.S. Open at Bethpage and the clear fan favorite was runner-up Phil Mickelson, the real star was the A.W. Tillinghast layout, which had undergone a Cinderella-like transformation from scruffy muni into an immaculately conditioned test.

Given how well Bethpage functioned as a U.S. Open site—the course, location, logistics, spectators—it was no surprise that the USGA returned to Bethpage just seven years later. Which means that many of the holes are still vivid in our memories.

As you watch the Open this week, keep in mind the following list in which we rank each hole on the Black. These are the holes that will produce heroic shots or spectacular disappointments over the next four days. Start your tour by clicking on the link below.

---

>> Best hole: No. 4