The Town of Hempstead golf courses at Lido Golf Club and Merrick Road Park are getting a bit of a refresh at the hands of one of Long Island's most prominent golf figures.
Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke is the new operator of the pro shops and instructional programs at the two Hempstead municipal courses, part of a 10-year contract with the town that also includes new logos, expanded web and social media marketing, and a rebranding of Merrick's course as "The Nine at Merrick." Brooke, the 2018 LPGA Professional of the Year and longtime contributor to The Golf Channel and several regional golf publications, currently operates similar programs at Bethpage and Montauk Downs.
GCA announced the agreement on social media earlier this week by posting new minimalist-style logos for Lido and Merrick, which will be featured on apparel and other course items, Brooke says. Players will notice changes immediately as work gets underway to revamp Merrick's long-barren pro shop. Brooke says the updated shop should be up and running as soon as next week. New course websites are set to launch this month and, like at Bethpage, there will be a heightened focus on connecting with area golfers through social media.
At Lido, the Town of Hempstead tore down the course's dilapidated clubhouse facility last season and currently has no permanent structure on the site. Brooke says a temporary trailer will be used this season to house a moderately sized pro shop.
GCA's wide variety of camps, lessons and other instructional offerings will be available at both sites, including kids' summer camps, adult 101 clinics, PGA Junior leagues and LPGA Girls Golf programs. Private lessons will be available from GCA pros.
The arrangement does not include any changes to the golf courses themselves or operation of the courses, Brooke says.
Brooke and Golf Channel Academy took over pro-shop and instructional operations at Bethpage State Park in 2018 and immediately bolstered the facility's social media presence and marketing reach. Several seasons later she became operator at Montauk Downs. Brooke has managed golf facilities across New York City and Long Island and launched programs for children with special needs and the economically disadvantaged, among other developmental initiatives.
For more on Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke and available instruction, visit the GCA website.
A fine choice. She was involved with the Randall's Island Range before that shut down several years ago. Was very concerned with the customers experience and wanted to know want could be improved.
Posted by: Ray Gorman | April 12, 2024 at 08:58 AM