Last week's letter (Golf Fees Too High) was right on the money, our money! In it, Edward Brown cited the fees of various courses in the near area, all considerably less than the proposed green and cart charges for the eagerly awaited North Hempstead's Harbor Links. As the name implies, Links as opposed to park land which defines nearly all of the courses on Long Island does not require a fraction of the costly maintenance and care. Does it, however, require higher fees?

In Queens County, the nearby Clearview GC is a beautiful example of one of the several courses managed and operated for NYC by the American Golf Association. During the week a senior resident can play with cart, 18 holes, for less than $22.

In any of the literature that I have acquired about Harbor Links, First Golf Corporation is the only name that I have seen. Was the American Golf Association involved in the bidding for management? Is it possible to open the fee scale for negotiation? If not, and they are not lowered, there may be no need for a tee-time $50 permit. Just play when ready! The serious hackers and couples who try to play once or more a week will continue to play on their more affordable courses.

James C. Sheridan