Discounted greens fees for vets made permanent

A pilot program that offered reduced greens fees for veterans was expanded to permanent status this golf season by Suffolk County lawmakers, and is now in effect as the weather starts to turn and golfers start to dust off the clubs.

The program offers discounted rates to golfers at the county’s four municipal courses, including Riverhead’s Indian Island Golf Course. Other courses include Bergen Point Golf Course in Babylon, West Sayville Golf Course, and Timber Point Golf Course in Great River.

County leaders started offering vets discounted rates for park fees on all activities beside golf, starting in 2012. The following year, a pilot program was pitched by Legislator Jay Schneiderman, and after 2013’s trial run, the discounts were made permanent by lawmakers earlier this month.

The discounts are as follows: Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), $17.00; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays, $30.00; twilight hour rate, $11.00.

County golf courses opened up on March 14.