Legislature Discounts Green Fees for Local Veterans at County Golf Courses

The Suffolk County Legislature last week unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Legislator Jay Schneiderman, of Montauk, to make golfing on county courses less expensive and more accessible for veterans, including those on the North Fork.

In 2006 the Legislature voted to grant veterans the same discounts at county parks that Suffolk seniors enjoy — except for discounts on green fees.

Schneiderman's legislation will extend the senior discount to veterans for one year, on a pilot basis.

“The opportunity to give back to members of the armed forces is what this is all about," Schneiderman is quoted as saying in a statement from his office. "I encourage our Veterans to take advantage of the discount and benefit. It is the least any one of us could do to show our appreciation of and respect for the men and women who serve our country.”

New legislation will be required to renew the veteran discount or make it permanent.

According to Schneiderman's office, the Suffolk County Budget Review Office estimates that the legislation will lead to a small increase in revenue for the county, under a new fee schedule.

Under the new fee schedule, the cost for county residents is $28 on weekdays for a round of golf, and $30 on weekends. For senior citizens, the handicapped and veterans, the discounted rate is $17 weekdays. There is no discount on weekends.

The discounts would apply at all four county golf courses, including Indian Island in Riverhead, Bergen Point in Babylon, Timber Point in Great River and West Sayville in West Sayville.

The resolution now goes before County Executive Steve Bellone, who is expected to sign it, according to Schneiderman's office.

Once implemented, the discounts would become available at all county parks and offices were "green keys" are sold.