Suffolk County golf fee reductions made permanent for Veterans

The Suffolk County Legislature has unanimously approved legislation to make discounted golf fees for veterans and active military personnel permanent. This resolution, sponsored by Deputy Presiding Officer Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk), expands the pilot program which was set to expire on March 11, 2014. 

In 2012, Legislator Schneiderman introduced legislation which established a pilot program to charge military veterans golfing fees equivalent to those paid by senior citizens. Since the implementation of this fee structure approximately 1,000 veterans or active military personnel have played a round of golf at Suffolk County courses. “Members of the military serve to protect the freedoms of this country,” says Deputy Presiding Officer Jay Schneiderman. “This is one small way we can show our appreciation to the men and women of the armed forces.”
“I support Deputy Presiding Officer Schneiderman’s legislation authorizing reduced fees for our veterans at county golf courses,” said Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory. “The pilot program was a great success and many of our veterans took advantage of the reduced fees. I am in favor of anything we can do to support the veterans who protect our freedom every day.”
“Suffolk County will always look for ways to honor our Veterans and active military personnel,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I thank Legislator Schneiderman for introducing this legislation and that will make access to Suffolk recreational activities a bit easier for our heroes.”
Suffolk County Parks contains four golf courses which include Indian Island Golf Course in Riverhead, Bergen Point Golf Course in Babylon, Timber Point Golf Course in Great River and the West Sayville Golf Course. Each golf course is open from mid-March through December and is staffed by a PGA professional, a driving range, a practice green and a full service restaurant and catering facility.
This legislation now moves to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for his signature. Suffolk County Veterans can contact the Parks Department at (631) 854-4949 or go to Suffolk County Park locations where green keys are sold with proper proof of residency; veterans must submit DD Form 214 (Certificate of release or Discharge from Active Duty) or Suffolk County Veteran Resident ID card issued by Suffolk County Veterans Agency.

Representing the South Fork, Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call (631) 852-8400.

Source: Press release issued by Suffolk County, March 10.