New York State jacks up 2010 golf fees; senior rates to rise as much as 42%

When Bethpage Black opens up next Tuesday, April 13, New York State's premier public golf facility will be fully operational for the 2010 season.  As a welcome-back gesture that many area golfers wish was just a poor April Fools Day joke, the state will ask all players -- especially senior and juniors -- to dig a little deeper to cover rising rates at Bethpage, Sunken Meadow, Montauk Downs and the pitch-and-putts at Robert Moses and Jones Beach.

Regular resident rates at Bethpage Black will rise $15 for walk-ups and reservations, according to a Newsday report (subscription required).  But according to the new fee schedule published by Newsday from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, senior and junior players will take the biggest shot to the wallet.  Senior and junior walk-up rates on the Black will jump from $30 to $52, an increase of more than 42 percent -- the steepest hike in the entire state-golf system.

Regular rates on the other four Bethpage courses will jump $2, though for seniors and juniors the fees will float $6 on the Blue, Green and Yellow, $7 on the Red.  Similar rate hikes apply at Montauk Downs.

At the Robert Moses and Jones Beach pitch-and-putt courses, the regular rates have been held steady, though seniors will pay $2 more than they did in 2009.

The parks department did find it in its heart to decrease one fee, however.  It now costs $1 less to play a nine-hole round at Sunken Meadow -- during the week only.

Rate changes are effective April 9. 

Golfers 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.

See also:  New York State golf fee schedule (published by Newsday)