There's no way around it: this has been a huge week for the man they call "The Donald."
His courses are hosting not one but two PGA Tour events, and now, there is an official opening date for his long-awaited Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx.
Assuming the snow melts, golfers will take to the course starting April 1, with Trump Ferry Point tee time bookings becoming available online at 10 a.m. this coming Wednesday, March 11.
The Jack Nicklaus-designed course has been in planning for more than a decade and some $200 million-plus in permitting, land preparation and construction later, it comes to fruition under the Trump brand.
Donald Trump, true to form, has already declared Trump Ferry Point "one of the country's great courses."
But how good is Trump Ferry Point really? Well, we have an early answer for you.
Even though it is not officially open, one of our insiders was invited to a preview round this past October. Here's what he had to say:
"No doubt that Trump Ferry Point will quickly join Bethpage Black as the preeminent public golf option in the New York metro area." What may be most incredible about the Trump Ferry Point golf course has nothing to do with the playing experience -- it is less than a 20-minute drive from the Upper East Side of Manhattan (albeit with no traffic). When we played the Trump Ferry Point golf course, the experience was more akin to what you would expect to see at a high-end private than a muni. In particular, course conditions were superb. The course is certainly not devoid of trouble and it will be interesting to see what happens to pace of play with a busy tee sheet, especially given that the golf course is heavily exposed to the wind."
"Ferry Point was created to be a unique public golf experience and it is our collective hope that the golf course will add to New York City's global reputation, enhance New York's reputation for quality golf, and give its proud residents a place to play and call home,” said Nicklaus in a statement. “Donald Trump has a deep-rooted love for New York City and he deserves a great deal of credit for getting Ferry Point to the finish line and for delivering it to the golfers and golf fans of New York."
The 14th course in the NYC Parks system, Trump Ferry Point occupies a unique piece of land--a former landfill that has been cleaned up and readied for safe recreation, all in the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge, which connects the Bronx and Queens (Ed. note: changed from "Manhattan"...thanks to reader Martin Mylott for the catch).
Rates will be at the higher end of the spectrum as far as public golf goes, but per our insider's mini-review, it shouldn't necessarily deter you from experiencing the Trump Ferry Point:
| Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) | Weekends (Fri-Sun) & Holidays | |
|---|---|---|
| NYC resident | ||
| 18 holes | $141 | $169 |
| Twilight | $108 | $151 |
| Seniors | $87 | -- |
| Juniors | $54 | -- |
| Non-resident | ||
| 18 holes | $190 | $215 |
| Twilight | $154 | $197 |
| Seniors | $137 | -- |
| Juniors | $104 | -- |
OTHER FEES
Golf cart: $35/per rider
Forecaddie: $35/per player
Caddie fee: $75/per bag
What are your thoughts on the latest addition to the Trump golf empire? Is it on your must-play list for 2015? As always, let us know in the comments.
In God we trust
Nice try, Donald. Calling it a "muni" and charging country club rates--and you thought New Yorkers wouldn't see that for what it is?
Something wrong. Too expensive for a municipal course. And I hear Trump onky has to pay 7% to the city while other muni's have been paying 29%. What gives?
$ 141.00 green fee
$ 35 cart
$ 35 forecaddie
9% tax
Eh....don't think so
can't wait to play there a step up from Van Cortlandt and Split Rock
Martin--
Whoops; thanks for the catch. Updated to "Bronx and Queens."
--Tim
hope your insider wasn't driving if he thinks the Whitestone Bridge connects Manhattan and the Bronx