Golf on Long Island

Golf fees may rise as New York State threatens to close parks, slash services

Long Islanders pining for the warmth of spring and summer as they dig out from the blizzard of 2010 received some bad news Thursday when a Newsday report (subscription required) by Bill Bleyer revealed that New York State is threatening to close up to ten state parks on Long Island and either raise fees or cut services at many more. 

For area golfers already dealing with the loss of several weeks of the winter golf season underneath the heavy blanket of snow, the news comes as an added kick in the shins.  The state park system includes two of Long Island's cornerstone golf facilities at Bethpage and Montauk Downs, as well as nine-hole courses at Sunken Meadow and Sag Harbor and pitch-and-putts at Jones Beach and Robert Moses.

Though specific rate changes have not yet been announced, the Newsday report quoted a source at the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation who confirmed that increased golf fees are under consideration statewide.  None of the golf courses are located at parks targeted for closure.

Perhaps worse news for golfers, the state's proposed service cuts include reduced course maintenance at Bethpage, according to Newsday.  Golfweek ranked Bethpage Black #1 and Bethpage Red #20 on its 2009 list of America's Best Municipal Courses.  Montauk Downs appeared on the list at #38. 

Disgruntled Long Islanders threatened with the loss of their state parks and higher fees for golf courses, beaches and other recreational services can contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at (518) 474-0456, or call the Long Island regional office at (631) 669-1000.

Robert Moses Pitch-and-Putt to close Nov. 1

This is the final week of the 2009 golf season at the Robert Moses State Park Golf Course in Babylon.  The oceanside pitch-and-putt course will close for the season on Sunday, November 1. 

Until then, the course will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for players craving some low-key wedge work.

Flyover: Cedar Beach Pitch-and-Putt

The golf course at Cedar Beach is located on the south side of Ocean Parkway, about five miles west of the Robert Moses Causeway and Captree State Park.  It is an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course with no hole longer than 100 yards. 

Pitch-and-putt golf is a great way for families, beginners and young kids to get into the sport without the hassle and expense of chasing balls around an active and overwhelming full-length course.  At Cedar Beach -- and at the nearby pitch-and-putts at Robert Moses and Jones Beach State Parks -- a quick round of short-game golf can easily be incorporated into a summer day in the surf.

LAYOUT:
Cedar Beach's 18 holes range from 55 to 100 yards.  Many of the course's longer holes face the ocean, so you'll have to put a bit of a charge into shots to get them through the stiff winds blowing off the Atlantic.  On shorter holes facing away from the beach, you'll need a more delicate touch as ocean gusts at your back can carry your pitches into no-man's land -- or Ocean Parkway.

A patch of thick shrubbery (above) serves as a hazard on the 11th hole.  The 15th hole is the only one with any bend.  A wooden pole stands tall as a visual aid.  Bring extra balls, especially if you or your playing partners are new to the game.  Many of the holes are bordered closely by bushes and dense vegetation, and a sign next to the clubhouse (left) makes it clear that reaching in for lost balls may not be in your best interests.

As of July 2009, a round at Cedar Beach costs $7 for Town of Babylon residents and $8 for non-residents.  Players can also rent equipment -- $3 per club, $1 per ball.

NEARBY COURSES:
Robert Moses State Park Pitch-and-Putt (6 miles)
Jones Beach State Park Pitch-and-Putt (11 miles)

CONTACT:
Ocean Parkway, Babylon 11702
(631) 321-4562

Have thoughts and opinions on Cedar Beach?  Share them with other Golf On Long Island readers by posting in the comments section below.

Robert Moses Pitch-and-Putt Tourney to be held July 15

Confident in your short game?  Show it off at the Robert Moses Pitch-and-Putt Tournament next Wednesday, July 15, at Robert Moses State Park in Babylon.  Entry fee for the event is $39 and includes a shirt, ball, breakfast and lunch.  Awards and prizes will be given for various feats.  Start time is 9:00, and in the event of rain, the tournament will be pushed back to the following Wednesday, July 22.

The course at Robert Moses State Park is located at the west end of the park near field 2.  Call (631) 321-3510 for additional event information.