The Florida-based company that is now operating both the Crab Meadow and Dix Hills Park golf courses will improve the practice facilities, modernize dining options and make changes to course maintenance procedures, according to company e-mails sent to local golfers this month.
Integrity Golf Company, which won a bid in November to operate the two Town of Huntington courses for five years, detailed its improvement plans in three separate e-mails distributed earlier this month to members of Crab Meadow's mailing list. The letters from executive vice president of golf operations Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of food and beverage operations Arto Rahmani and regional director of agronomy Steve Schendel outline the new operator's vision for the facilities both on and off the course.
Crab Meadow's practice area will undergo a "first-class facelift" with new driving-range mats, additional target areas and redesigned putting greens, according to Nairn.
"Another change being evaluated is having the hitting area lighted, heated and canopied, making Crab Meadow one of the top year-round practice facilities in the New York Met market," Nairn said.
A new fleet of golf carts will be available at Crab Meadow by the spring, in addition to new pull carts, range balls and ball dispensers. At Dix Hills, the range will also get new practice balls and target areas.
Schendel said Integrity will collaborate with the Town of Huntington's maintenance staff to continue improving conditions at both courses. "One example of some cultural programs Huntington is open-minded in trying are use of plant growth regulators and the practice of using greens rollers," Schendel said, "both of which should enhance the consistency and speed of Crab Meadow's greens."
Food and dining options will be upgraded at Crab Meadow and Dix Hills, according to Rahmani. Crab Meadow's restaurant will have a new look and menu, and the pro shop will offer more "grab-and-go" food items. Family-oriented Dix Hills will offer simple items like pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream. Community food and dining events are also in the works.
Nairn added that he hopes to introduce The First Tee junior golf programs to Crab Meadow.
Integrity Golf, based in Winter Garden, Florida, won the bid to operate the municipal courses in November. According to Newsday, Integrity will pay the town $559,500 or 10 percent of gross annual revenues as part of its five-year contract.
For more on Crab Meadow and Dix Hills Park, check out the course flyovers.
Comments