Northport golf course sustains $124G in vandalism, officials say

Rewards totaling $10,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrests of vandals who caused an estimated $124,000 in damage to Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport.  

Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said during a Thursday news conference at the course that the vandalism — dozens of holes and scrapings across four greens — occurred between 9 p.m July 30 and 2 a.m. July 31 in an unlit area with no electricity or cameras.

The damage at the public course, at 220 Waterside Road, appears to be more than just a prank, Lupinacci said.

"We're speculating here, but it appears to have been caused by a blunt object — a shovel, a pick, an ax," Lupinacci said. "It wasn't some rowdy teenagers having fun at night. This was actually premeditated ... and it looked like it was using large intrusive instruments."

Of the four greens damaged, one was repaired by town employees but the others sustained major damage, he said. Three temporary greens have been established for golfers to use until the damage is repaired, which is expected to be within three weeks.

Lupinacci said the cost will be covered by insurance, after a $50,000 deductible, and money from the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Reserve Fund.

The act of damaging the course was "vicious," he said, but will not derail a summer of golfing for enthusiasts at one of the town's "crown jewels."

 The $5,000 Town reward has been privately donated, Lupinacci said. Suffolk County Police are also offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest

Town officials have approved a 10 percent discount off all greens fees, excluding the demand-based pricing implemented earlier this year, until repairs are completed.

Carole Sellerberg, a retired teacher from the Northport-East Northport school district who goes to the course at least once a week, said witnessing the damage was upsetting.

"My heart was broken when I saw squares dug out from the greens," she said. "That people did that purposely and willfuly to destroy, so inappropriate."

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Lupinacci said security measures at the course are being changed.

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