The Town of North Hempstead recently signed a 20-year contract with Brooke Holdings LLC to operate Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington. Brooke Holdings was founded by Kelley Brooke, an LPGA golfer and the owner of Bethpage Golf Group, the company that runs the driving range, pro shop, carts, and instruction at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.
The new contract separates the town from a management fee agreement to a concession contract with a promise of greater returns and capital improvements, Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said, “It is inconceivable to me that the old contract was extended for 26 years with absolutely no change to the terms. Harbor Links is a Town gem that’s been overlooked. This new deal protects our taxpayers while delivering top-notch facilities and greater access for residents who golf there.”
The new agreement will have Brooke Holdings take in every cost and pay rent directly to the Town of North Hempstead, along with a percentage of the profits. Previously, North Hempstead paid $200,000 per year to Century Golf Partners, the previous managers of Harbor Links. Century Golf Partners has managed the property since it opened in 1997. The Town has also taken on all expenses and liability and the profits average approximately $400,000 per year. As part of the deal with Brooke Holdings:
- North Hempstead will gain a guaranteed amount of $750,000 in the first year. The rent will go up to $850,000 during years two through five; $900,000 during years six through ten; $950,000 during years eleven through fifteen; and $1 million during the last five years of the contract.
- North Hempstead receives 15% of the revenue over and beyond $7 million annually.
- Brooke Holdings takes on all liability and compensates the Town for potential incidents that could occur on the property.
- Brooke Holdings will ensure that the facility has a proper staff, merchandise, and any consumable goods needed for the running of the facility. Food and beverages for catering operations will also be included.
Brooke Holdings will also invest over $2.3 million in capital improvements such as:
- A new driving range featuring covered bays and In Range technology placed at each bay
- Construction of a new Golf Performance Building
- The rebuilding and repair of golf cart paths on the course
Brooke has become the first female director of golf at Harbor Links. “Supervisor DeSena is an avid golfer and I’m thrilled that she and the Town Board have put their trust in me. We’re going to deliver a better golf experience overall and we’re going to put North Hempstead residents first,” she stated.
Keeping that promise, North Hempstead residents will be given a 14-day preference for tee times and reservations. The general public will also be privy to reservations five days prior to the requested dates and times, while residents have nine days in advance. Additionally, greens fees will stay at their current levels and are not expected to increase for at least three years.
“This is another win for the Town all around. It delivers a better golf course and puts more money in taxpayer pockets. Best of all it lets us focus on what we were elected to do, which is govern,” Councilman Dennis Walsh said.
The new agreement is anticipated to earn $18 million in Town revenue. Harbor Links is located along the Hempstead Harbor and is 168 acres. There are both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, event rental space, and miniature golf. It also features 50 acres of wetlands, native grasses, and wildlife habitats.