Town of Huntington, NY - News Details
10/26/2015 - Crab Meadow Golf Course Marks 50th Anniversary
Northport, NY – With music and decorations harkening back to 1965 – as well as golf course employees dressed in “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club” garb -- the Town of Huntington celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Crab Meadow Golf Course October 21st with a special commemorative outing.
More than 80 golfers took part in the outing, which golfers played at reduced prices (greens fee of $25, reduced prices for cart, driving range and food). The outing began with the ceremonial first tee shots by Phil Ammirato and Jean Stump, who were club champions in the 1960s, and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. Among those joining in the festivities was Maureen Lieb, who started working at the course the year it opened as a cashier and who rose to become the club manager.
At the end of the day, prizes -- a round of golf and a 50th anniversary logo towel -- were awarded for lowest foursome scramble score, closest to the pin on a selected hole and longest drive on a selected hole, with separate awards in that category for men and women.
Although the course opened in 1965, its story goes back to 1961, when then-Supervisor Robert Flynn first tried get voters to approve a $2.5 million bond issue to purchase 700 acres throughout the Town for parks, including property at Crab Meadow that would be used to create a new golf course. That referendum failed, but the next year, after Flynn obtained backing from groups including the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, the referendum was approved. The Town retained William F. Mitchell to design the course, which originally was part of the Northport Country Club.
Today, the Crab Meadow Golf Course hosts over 42,000 annual rounds of golf a year and features a restaurant, concession stand, locker rooms, a golf store, and active social clubs open to all. It is currently managed by Integrity Golf Company, LLC, of Winter Haven, FL. Integrity’s president and CEO, Gene Garrote – a former Long Islander – took part in the outing and Integrity provided the prizes.
In the photo (l-r): Gene Garrote, president, Integrity Golf; Jean Stump; Parks Director Don McKay; Councilman Mark Cuthbertson; course manager Steve Dietz; Phil Ammirato.