The Harbor Links Golf Course, off West Shore Road on the Morewood Property, opened last week. And, in fact, as a "dry run" for the staff the course unofficially opened recently allowing golfers to walk up and secure tee times and to hit balls at the driving range. However, the ceremonial grand opening and official ribbon cutting will not be held until Sept. 11 and 12.

Most of the golfers coming off the 18-hole course for the first time were very impressed with the conditions of the course. One golfer said, "It doesn't seem like a new course, it feels like the course has been here for a long time, it is so-well seasoned."

Another golfer added, "The front nine is great, but the back nine is awesome!"

In issuing the opening statement North Hempstead Town Supervisor, May Newburger said, "Our town employees have worked long and hard to make Harbor Links the best golf course in the state. Not only will the challenging 27-hole golf complex capture the attention of golfers, but we have designed a facility that has something for everyone."

The 400-acre park has a 40 stall grass driving range and in 1999 four athletic fields and a miniature golf course will be added. In addition, a nature preserve and trail system will be developed over the next few years.

Arnold Palmer Golf Management has been selected by the town board to operate the facility. Staff members have been staying at the Claremont in Roslyn for the last month or so to train Harbor Links personnel. Palmer Golf owns and managers about 30 courses around the United States including six courses owned by local municipalities. Newburger commented, "We've brought a top-flight management team on board for golfers in North Hempstead."

Course Management will include Craig Schleider as the Course Superintendent and Doug Tuohy as the Assistant Superintendent with Jim Lyman as the General Manager and Joe Wilkenson as the Director of Golf. An open house is scheduled in January and at that time all of the 1999 tournaments will be set. A $1,000 deposit is required to confirm the selected date.

Chief Operating Officer of Palmer Golf, Joe Redling said, "We're very excited about our new association with Harbor Links and the Town of North Hempstead. The course has been well designed and the golf experience on the course will be outstanding. We are committed to delivering a great golf course to the residents and guests of North Hempstead. We have experience managing municipal golf course across the United States and believe Harbor Links will be a tremendous success.

Further, Palmer Golf has signed on E-Z Links, an independent company based in the midwest to handle the booking of tee times. Regarding this association, Harbor Links General Manager, Jim Lyman said, "It enables us to provide better serve and equal access to everyone 24 hours a day."

E-Z Links is a unique call-in system that allows golfers to call and speak to a live operator. At any given time there are approximately 15-E-Z Links representatives answering phones vs the usual one or two people at the golf course. Golfers call the 24-hour toll free number (877) 342-7627 or (877) 3HARBOR and speak 'live' to an operator, ready to book tee time. North Hempstead Town Commissioner of Parks, Gerard Olsen added, "It is a fair, honest system that ensures accurate tee times."

Arnold Palmer Golf Instructors will be offering junior golf and a free clinic program. To help as many residents as possible to enjoy the facility they will run free weekly clinics for all levels of golfers. In addition, a free specialized junior clinic program will be open to all local residents under the age of 15. These programs encompass the town's commitment to local youth and Arnold Palmer's dream of accessible golf for all.

Golfers wishing the ability to make tee times prior to the general public may purchase a tee time membership card. In 1998 the cards for residents will be $35 and for non-residents $70 and in 1999 the resident cards will be $50 and non-resident cards will be $200. In order to get a card a resident must bring section, block and lot number of their property and a valid drivers license to the Town of North Hempstead Parks and Recreation office at the Senator Michael J. Tully, Jr. (PAC) facility off Denton Avenue, on Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park. For any questions, please call 327-3128.

To book a tee time call the toll free number at 1-877-342-7267 and speak to a representative about day and time. Callers must have American Express Card, Visa or Master Card in order to secure reservations. Cardholders are welcome to bring up to three guests. Each guest, who does not hold a tee time card, of a tee time cardholder will be charged a $10 sur-charge per person for the privilege of booking an advance tee time. This surcharge will be assessed at the time of reservation. If a cardholder does not have a tee time card at the time of signing in for tee time, they will be assessed a $10 surcharge. Tee time cardholders must present a card to pro shop when paying green fees.

Residents are accepted at 7 p.m. of the day listed below so everyone had an opportunity to book premium times:

Resident with cards: Six days advance (i.e. Monday, 7 p.m. for Sunday.)

Non-resident with card: Five days advance

General Public: Three days advance

Juniors: Space available basis

Hours of the course are as follows: Monday through Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to sunset. Friday-Sunday: Sunrise to sunset. The restaurant: Opens with the course and will close at 8 p.m. The pro-shop: Opens with course and will close at 8 p.m. Attire: Proper golf attire required: Soft Spikes only. General polices include: Golf carts mandatory on weekends. Weekends are considered Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and all legal holidays. Twilight rate in effect four hours prior to sunset. Harbor Links is a Soft Spike only facility. For a nominal charge, the staff at Harbor Links will be equipped to change spikes. Seniors: Classified as 60 years and older. Junior Rate: Up to and including 16 years old. Cart fee is $15 per person.

Rates are as follows:

		Resident	Non-resident
	Weekday:	$37	$60
	Twlight Weekday	25	35
	Senior Weekday	25	25
	Weekend	41	75
	Twlight Weekend	25	45
	Junior	15	15
	Cart fees	15	15

		Resident	Non-resident
	Weekday	$15	$18
	Twlight Weekday	15	18
	Senior Weekday	14	18
	Weekend	18	24
	Twlight Weekend	18	24
	Junior	10	10
	Cart fees	7.50	7.50

For many golfers, the nine hole executive -styled course will be the primary golf outlet. When the championship course is filled with an outing or tournament, Harbor Links will still accommodate golfers wishing to play. The course is a par 31 and measures 1,668 to 1,460 yards.

The executive course is also a walking course. While carts will be required during weekends on the championship course, this will not be the case on the executive course. Walking will be allowed at all times.

Harbor Links will have a double-sided driving range, anticipated to open at the end of the year, with a one side for instructional programs and other for golfers to warm up. Golf balls will be sold from a vending machine where cash, tokens or debit cards can be used. The debit car program allows golfers to pre-pay for their range balls. The driving range hours of operation will open until sundown during the season. Off season hours will be adjusted based on weather conditions.

Cost of range balls will be: 30 balls for $3; 60 balls for $6 and 90 balls for $9.