FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 30, 2024
MEDIA CONTACTS: Umberto Mignardi, Kevin Higgins, Danielle Benjamin, Michael Anderson (516) 869-7794
press@northhempsteadny.gov
New contract agreement expected to generate $18 million in Town revenue
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board announced the signing of a 20-year contract with Brooke Holdings LLC for Harbor Links, the Town’s only municipal golf course. The founder of Brooke Holdings is LPGA golfer Kelley Brooke who also owns Bethpage Golf Group, the entity which runs the pro shop, driving range, carts, and instruction at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.
The new contract moves the town away from a management fee agreement to a concession contract while promising greater returns and capital improvements. Supervisor DeSena noted, “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.”
Under the new agreement, Brooke Holdings absorbs all costs and will pay rent directly to the Town of North Hempstead along with a percentage of profits. The Town previously paid $200,000 per year to Century Golf Partners who had managed Harbor Links since it first opened in 1997. The Town also assumed all expenses and liability, with profits averaging approximately $400,000 per year. Details of the new Brooke Holdings agreement include:
- The Town will receive a guaranteed $750,000 in year one. The rent will increase to $850,000 for years two through five; $900,00 for years six through 10; $950,000 for years 11 through 15; and $1 million for the final five years of the contract.
- The Town will also receive 15% of revenue over and above $7,000,000 annually.
- Brooke Holdings takes on all liability and indemnifies the Town for potential incidents that may occur on the property.
- Brooke Holdings will guarantee that the facility has proper staff, merchandise, and any consumable goods necessary for the running of the facility. This includes all food and beverage for catering operations.
Additionally, Brook Holdings has agreed to invest more than $2.3 million dollars in capital improvements that include:
- A new driving range with covered bays and In Range technology installed at each bay,
- Construction of a new Golf Performance Building,
- And the reconstruction and repair of golf cart paths throughout the course
Brooke Holdings owner Kelley Brooke becomes the first female director of golf at harbor Links. She added, “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.”
To that end, Town residents will be given a two-week (14-day) preference for reservations and tee times. Reservations will be open to the general public five days prior to requested tee times giving residents nine advance days to reserve desired tee times. Additionally, greens fees remain at current levels and are guaranteed not to increase for at least three years.
Councilman Dennis Walsh added, “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.”
Situated along Hempstead Harbor, the 168-acre Harbor Links boasts both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, miniature golf, and event rental space. With native grasses, wildlife habitats and 50 acres of wetlands, the public course is considered one of Long Island’s most unique golfing excursions. The address is 1 W Fairway Dr, Port Washington, NY 11050.