Ferry Point Park & Golf Course

Ferry Point Park Golf Course is located adjacent to the East River beneath the historic Whitestone Bridge. A truly unique site with fantastic views of Manhattan, the property will be transformed into a new tournament quality link-style signature golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The 7,200 yard layout provides two “returning nines” that meander through grass dunes reminiscent of the links courses of Scotland and Ireland. All of the golf holes require a balance of strategy and power, and while each hole will be unique, they all maintain a unified look and feel. Multiple tees will allow golfers of all levels to enjoy an unforgettable experience, yet the course is still designed to provide a great challenge to advanced players.

The course, which will be operated by a concessionaire, provides ample spectating and corporate hospitality areas. Construction began in October 2009 and is expected to be complete in November 2011.

via Golf Course : Ferry Point Park Development : New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Ball is finally on the green for Bronx’s PGA golf course

Here’s a write up from today’s Daily News about Ferry Point.

By Bill Egbert

The long drive to build a PGA-level golf course in the Bronx may be heading to the 18th hole.

With the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course finally taking shape at Ferry Point, the city is now looking for a contractor to operate the facility, according to a contract published in the City Record.

The long-awaited links, where construction began in 1998, are expected to open in 2011 – a decade later than the original developer promised.

“The adage ‘Good things come to those who wait’ is certainly true in this case,” said City Councilman James Vacca (D-East Bronx), who has been pushing for a golf course at the former city dump since 1977.

“After years of unimaginable indecision and then intolerable delays, we are now in the final stretch,” Vacca said. “Those of us have been teed off many times may soon be teeing off!”

The original developer of the golf course, Pierre Gagne’s Ferry Point Partners, spent years dumping dirt and construction debris at the site, constantly changing the design in ways that always seemed to demand even more fill.

The group ultimately spent eight years dumping 2 million cubic yards of fill at the site just east of the Whitestone Bridge – creating not the promised links-style golf course, but a huge mound of dirt that locals dubbed “Mount Gagne.”

The city finally dumped Gagne from the project in 2006 – after paying him a $7 million termination fee – just months after a Daily News investigation exposed mob-connected firms that were profiting from dumping construction debris at the former landfill.

Rather than take chances trying to find a new developer, Mayor Bloomberg had the Parks Department take over the project, resolving to finish the long-promised golf course at city expense.

The city hired a Florida firm, Sanford Golf Design, to finish the course, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011 at a total cost of $70 million.

The Parks Department has issued a request for offers for the operation and maintenance of the 18-hole course, driving range and other facilities. Bids are due by March 30.

The Parks Department will have final approval on greens fees and will seek a fee structure affordable to local residents, but the details will be subject to negotiation with the winning bidder, according to the agency.

Wounded Warrior Tournament at Pelham Bay

A November Golf Classic to benefit The Wounded Warrior Project on Monday, November 2nd, 2009. Played at the newly renovated Pelham Bay Golf Course as we honor our heroes
and benefit The Wounded Warrior Project.

Round Report – Dyker Beach Golf Course

Dyker Beach is my go to NYC golf course. Living in Manhattan, Dyker offers decent access via bus, train and cab. The wide open layout offers a chance for all level of golfers to score. The new club house finally came online in the last month. I get the sense that the team there is still working things out. The pro shop has room for more merchandise. The dining room is a huge step up from the trailers that served golfers the last few years.

LaTourette Round Report – June 2009

Latourette Round Report – Play date 6/27/09b