Golf on Long Island

Town of Hempstead examining ways to restrict development of golf course properties

With an ongoing moratorium on development of The Woodmere Club golf course set to expire in August, the Town of Hempstead is now looking to utilize zoning changes to prevent its golf course properties from being overrun by residential building, according to Newsday.

Hempstead is currently exploring its options at The Woodmere Club, a century-old private golf facility in the Five Towns area that has been at the center of a debate among club owners and local residents since the club was sold last year.  Area homeowners have spoken out in opposition to developmental plans that could include several hundred new homes in addition to related traffic and environmental issues.  Meanwhile, the developers filed a lawsuit against the town in May in response to the moratorium.

While no specific building plans have been announced, the developers said they plan to keep the course open until 2022.

One option Hempstead is considering is the creation of a "golf course coastal residence district" that would restrict residential development due to environmental issues like flooding and impact on area wetlands.  This district would also cover two other coastal golf courses -- the private Inwood Country Club and the privately owned Golf Club at Middle Bay in Oceanside.  Among other options are the creation of a park district to keep much of the club as open space, or purchase of the club for conversion to a municipal golf facility.

The Town of Hempstead is not the first Long Island municipality to turn to zoning to protect golf properties.  Last year, the Town of Brookhaven created a zoning designation called "golf course district" in order to prevent residential, office or retail development on course sites.  Three municipal and privately owned golf courses are currently zoned under the new category.

[PICTURED: The Golf Club at Middle Bay, located on the water in Oceanside, would be included in Hempstead Town's proposed golf course coastal residence district.]

Harbor Links to host annual NYFAC Foundation Golf Outing on August 9

The eighth annual New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC) Golf Outing will take place on Thursday, August 9 at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington.  All proceeds will go toward NYFAC's mission to support autistic children and their families through various programs.

A 10:15 shotgun tee time will follow breakfast, registration and a morning putting contest.  On-course contests include longest drive, straightest drive and worst foursome.  Following the round, an awards dinner will feature an open bar, unlimited food and opportunities to win raffle prizes.  Soft drinks and beer will be available throughout the day. 

Entry fee is $450 for an individual golfer or $1,400 for a foursome.  To register as a player, foursome or sponsor, contact Alex or Mary at (347) 566-3122 x. 305/333 or register online.

NYFAC is a non-profit organization that assists children with developmental disabilities learn, develop and grow to their full potential, and brings together the best care for all individuals through comprehensive programs and services covering support, education, clinical services, recreation and advocacy.  Learn more at the NYFAC website.

For more on Harbor Links, check out the Championship Course and Executive Course flyovers.

Night golf on the schedule at Pine Ridge

One way to beat the July heat is to tee off under the cover of darkness.  You can do so this week at Pine Ridge Golf Club, which is staying open as the moon rises Friday for a nighttime nine-hole special.

The Coram course will host a night outing on Friday, July 20 with a shotgun tee time scheduled for 9 p.m.  Registration is $40 and includes nine holes (walking only), glow-in-the-dark golf balls and sticks, plus a pair of drink tickets.  Sign up in the Pine Ridge pro shop or call (631) 331-7930.

Whether it's day or night, Pine Ridge is a challenging, serene 18 with all holes ringed by by tall trees.  Built in 2006, it is one of Long Island's newest public golf courses.  For more on the layout, check out the Pine Ridge flyover.

Join the Islanders at Bethpage for the annual Islanders Children's Foundation Golf Outing on September 11

The New York Islanders will take to the fairways before they take to the ice for the 2018-19 season in an effort to raise money for the youth of Long Island.  

The 11th annual Islanders Children's Foundation (ICF) Golf Outing will take place on the Red and Blue courses at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 11, and fans have the rare opportunity to tee off alongside Islander players, coaches and alumni.  Whether they root for the Islanders or not, local players can support Long Island kids in an event that raises more than $100,000 each year.

Tee time for the outing is 12 noon.  Following a pre-round brunch, each foursome will go out with an Islander.  The $750 entry fee ($2,900 for a foursome) also includes BBQ lunch on the course, a cocktail party and dinner reception after the round and auctions for team memorabilia and fan experiences.

Since its inception in 2003, the Islanders Children's Foundation has raised more than $12 million for various efforts to support children in the Long Island community.  For more information, visit the ICF website.

To register the event or for information on sponsorship, see the event brochure on the Islanders website or contact Ann Rina at (516) 501-6870.

Eighth annual "World's Largest Golf Outing" returns to Pine Ridge on August 6

The "World's Largest Golf Outing" -- now in its eighth year as a nationwide fundraiser -- will tee off at more than 100 courses on Monday, August 6, and registration is open for tee times at Pine Ridge Golf Club in Coram, Long Island's lone event host.  The annual tournament is held at Billy Casper Golf properties around the country and raises money for military-related charities. 

Entry fee is $55 per player, with $10 from each registration plus all additional donations going to the Fisher House Foundation.  The fee covers cart, range balls, lunch, an awards reception and some golf parting gifts.  Format for the tournament is four-person scramble.

Tee time at Pine Ridge is 1 p.m.  Register for the event by visiting the World's Largest Golf Outing website, where you can also sponsor a team or make an online donation.

Since its initial event in 2011, Billy Casper Golf has raised nearly $4 million for various military charities, including the Wounded Warrior Project, through the WLGO.  The Fisher House Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides comfort homes for military and veteran family members at no cost while their loved ones receive medical treatment. 

For more on the local host course, check out the Pine Ridge flyover.  And for additional information on this year's charity, visit the Fisher House Foundation website.