Integrity Golf gets contract to operate Huntington's Crab Meadow, Dix Hills golf courses

The Huntington Town Board approved a five-year contract with Integrity Golf Co. of Winter Garden, Florida, to oversee Crab Meadow Golf Course and operate and manage the Dix Hills Golf Course.

The contract, which includes the possibility of three five-year renewals, was approved Nov. 6 in a unanimous 5-0 vote at the monthly town meeting.

The town will receive total payments over five years of $559,500 or 10 percent of the gross annual revenues, whichever is greater. Capital improvements of $125,000 -- or 1.5 percent of collected revenue -- will be undertaken throughout the initial five-year term.

Integrity Golf will oversee the day-to-day golf operations while the town will be responsible for the maintenance, town officials said.

At Crab Meadow, Integrity Golf will pay for a new clubhouse restaurant, make improvements to the men's and women's locker room, and update and enhance the bar area, renovate the Dix Hills pro shop, put new carpeting in all facilities, and add new golf mats in the driving ranges at both facilities.

The company will contribute $25,000 annually to a dedicated account for capital and aesthetic improvements at the two facilities. Integrity Golf will be responsible for utility costs and marketing, town officials said.

Gene Garrote, CEO and president of Integrity, thanked the town for the opportunity. "My company specializes in the management of golf courses and leases, and we are really looking forward to the renovations and being a part of the community," Garrote said at the meeting.

The contract begins Jan. 1.