Last July, it appeared that the days were numbered for The Links at Shirley. Newsday's Mark Herrmann reported at the time on the course's "bleak future," brought upon by economics and dwindling demand. Mel Mindich, the Links founder who invested millions in the construction of an immaculate and challenging course, had come to grips with the idea that his work would eventually be sold and dug up for development.
One year later, the Links has slugged its way out of the corner. Herrmann spoke with Mindich earlier this month and found that the jewel on Suffolk's south shore is surviving and, compared to the summer of 2008, even thriving. Herrmann writes:
"It stands to reason that a public links championship would require resilience, patience and a knack for hanging in right to the end. Those are public golf qualities, ones that helped 19-year-old Josh Goldstein of the Grossingers resort win the 62nd Met Public Links Tuesday.
You could say those same traits belong to the host course, The Links At Shirley, which might not be as doomed as it looked a year ago. Although there was an agreement to sell to developers, the sale is far from definite. There might be life left in the public course that has lowered its green fees and is busier than ever (a record 295 golfers played July 3)."
(Newsday: July 9, 2009)
The Links at Shirley, highly regarded for its private club-type amenities and course conditions, is rated one of the top public courses on Long Island by Newsday.
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