I live in NYC, and my college roomate (we just graduated) lives about .5 miles from the club house. He isn't much into golf, but his dad is, although he is to scared to try the red or black, so they cant get me a time.... and I'm not calling up these shuttle people, it just doesn't interest me.
I find the best way to get on is to call up the day before and double check that the Black and/or Red will be open. Then I drive out there early in the morning on a weekday, if your not there before 10am, you dont have a shot, and as a single just get in line and pray there is an opening. Early summer (nowish) is the way to go, and weekdays are a must. There is no chance of getting on as anything other than a single this way, but its BPB so who cares!
You aren't going to be able to go straight out, so you will have plenty of time to hit balls on the range. If your plan fails and cant get on the black, the red is quite a treat as well, so make sure its also open on the day you are out there, and who knows maybe the times will work out and you'll get 36 in!