Let there be golf.
Borough President Markowitz spoke at the Marine Park Golf Course before an audience of civic and business leaders on May 15, using characteristically optimistic language to describe the borough’s future at a reception flaunting the renovations that continue to enhance the city’s largest public golf course.
“The Marine Park Golf Course is the ‘people’s golf course’ and Brooklyn’s very own public country club,” said Markowitz. “In a sport known for attracting the elite, this green jewel in south Brooklyn makes it possible for the average working man or woman, school children, and diverse communities to learn the game, and thanks to the new renovations, the greens have been transformed into one of the premier courses in New York City. And who knows — the golf legends of tomorrow may be hitting the links at the Marine Park Golf Course today.”
It was a wet, rainy day in Marine Park last Tuesday, but the weather didn’t stymie attendance, as a bevy of locals turned out to huddle beneath the course patio, gazing out at the lush greens as Markowitz elaborated on the who’s who roster of native celebrities scheduled to perform at the Barclays Center.
“Marty was very happy with the progress that Brooklyn continues to make and he announced that he was very close to finanlizing an appearance of Jimmy Kimmel and Barbra Streisand at the Barclays Center,” said Michael Giordano, who co-owns the course with his son, Adam. “He’s particularly proud that these Brooklyn natives are returning to perform for the first time, because there was never an appropriate venue. Now, we have a world-class venue.”
The course renovations, which are scheduled to be completed within the next three to four years, seek to add a country club aesthetic to the public course, and there are hopes that the course will become the future home to world-class golf tournaments.
“Better golfers right now will get in their car and leave Brooklyn to go to Long Island, and our goal is to keep them close to home and keep those dollars in Brooklyn,” said Adam Giordano. “We do have relationships with golfers on the LPGA tour and, I wouldn’t mention any names, but there are golfers who have expressed interest in holding events here in Marine Park.”
Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.
