Just finished my round at bethpage. I suppose my overall impression was that this is indeed an incredibly difficult course and it gave me a real feeling of what a US open course is like ( having no previous experience)
It is the most exacting test of driving I have ever played. Many fairways 25 yards wide with 2 yards of fist cut before getting to the most dense rough I have ever played. I think it is overly penal as the penalty often outweighs the crime but I suppose the masochism is part of the appeal at bethpage.
It's obviously still a great course. The front 9 in particular is awash with great holes in my opinion that would just benefit from some widening. The back 9 I found more a long very difficult slog but with some fine moments, particularly enjoyed 17 and near birdie on 18.
The greens were very true and understated. I'm not convinced they are partilarly weak as if you add difficult greens to a near impossible long game course it would be a complete nightmare! but yes they certainly do not have much wow factor about them ( compared to Essex that I played prior)
So overall, probably the toughest course I have played, great holes but overly penal rough for minor driving errors. Would love another crack at it in the future though