Island’s End Golf Course Preserved

After four years of negations, the Town of Southold officially purchased the development rights to 126.71 acres of what is now known as Island’s End Golf and Country Club in Greenport.

“This is an exciting purchase and a great opportunity,” said Southold Town Supervisor, Scott Russell. “Not only was this the largest preservation project in the history of the town program, it ensures that the last remaining public golf course on the East End continues to operate for all to enjoy.”

Russell said the $5.1 million purchase announced December 6 could not have been done without the property owners and the Peconic Land Trust.

Town of Southold’s Community Preservation Fund made the acquisition possible, protecting all waterfront and shoreline within the Greenport property. Two separate development areas, nearing eight acres in total, are being allowed for limited development in relation to the overall property. Ownership of the land itself will be in the hands of the King and Turner families, along with Island’s End Golf and Country Club.

“This is a great outcome,” William King said, “and something my father would be proud of and always hoped would happen.”

“My late husband, Robert Turner, would be very proud that his father’s legacy will now continue to be enjoyed by the community that he so loved,” said Mary Pacinda-Turner.

Island’s End Golf and Country Club is the only 18-hole golf course on the North Fork open to the public, and is expected to be used by the local high school golf teams. Historically, Island’s End leased 93.85 acres from the two families and retained the golf property as a semi-private club, opened in 1961. It retains 800 feet of shoreline and 40,000 trees dotting the fairways, boasting mature wildlife, and is maintained through environmentally-friendly practices.

“We at Island’s End are most grateful to the Town of Southold, the staff at Peconic Land Trust, and the King and Turner families,” said Catherine Chaudhuri, president of Island’s End Golf and Country Club. “The Island’s End board and shareholders are thrilled our public course has been preserved.”

The vast acreage offers employment opportunities for new residents. Now, the Red Tail Hawk, Grey Horn Owl, foxes, and deer can keep the place they call home. The Peconic Land Trust has worked to preserve over 13,000 acres across Long Island since it was founded in 1983. This endeavor marks another successful moment for the nonprofit, as it works with landowners to protect wildlife while creating an equitable future for the community.

“For over half a century, Island’s End has provided a wonderful recreational resource for the residents and visitors to the North Fork,” said John Halsey, president of the Peconic Land Trust. “The conservation of this land — including all acreage along Long Island Sound and the mature wildlife habitat that is established within the fairways — is an extraordinary conservation outcome for all.”

nicole@indyeastend.com