A Hole-in-One for Housing? Brad Lander’s Controversial Plan to Repurpose NYC’s Public Golf Courses

The Proposal: Turning Greens into Neighborhoods

In an effort to address New York City’s entrenched housing crisis, left-leaning mayoral candidate Brad Lander has proposed an unconventional solution: paving over four of the city’s 12 public golf courses to build 50,000 new homes. The City Comptroller, known for his progressive stance on housing, unveiled this plan in a campaign video, framing it as a bold step to create not just roofs but vibrant neighborhoods equipped with green spaces, small businesses, and schools. Lander, who admits he’s “no pro golfer,” quipped that the plan is a “hole-in-one” for the city’s future. His vision is part of a broader 30-page housing plan that aims to declare a state of emergency on the housing crisis and construct 500,000 new homes over the next decade—a goal also championed by current Mayor Eric Adams.

Golfers and Community Members Push Back

However, Lander’s proposal has teed off a storm of criticism from golf enthusiasts and community members who view the city’s municipal golf courses as invaluable public spaces. Luis Ardila, assistant manager at Flushing Meadows Pitch & Putt Golf Course, called the idea a “terrible idea,” emphasizing the courses’ role as open spaces for recreation, wildlife, and community bonding. “Are you going to take away that enjoyment from people who love the game?” Ardila asked, urging Lander to explore alternative locations for housing. Tommy Hirrel, a regular golfer at the course, echoed this sentiment, warning that Lander’s plan could cost him the mayoral race: “He’ll never become mayor if he does that. That’s for sure!” Retired social worker Jeff Brooks, who both works and golfs at the Flushing course, added that the courses are already being used for the “good of the community in a healthy, positive way,” and that their value outweighs political promises.

A Debate Over Golf’s Popularity and Purpose

Lander’s plan argues that the city should rethink the use of its public golf courses, citing data from 2018 that suggests the sport’s popularity is waning. However, this assertion has been challenged by recent trends. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant surge in golf participation, with 47 million players in 2022—a 38% increase over 2019, according to the National Golf Foundation. While the city’s Parks Department did not provide specific data on usage at municipal courses, anecdotal evidence from golfers and course staff paint a picture of bustling activity, particularly on weekends and holidays. For many, the courses are more than just recreational spaces—they are cultural and historical landmarks.

The Historical and Cultural Significance of NYC’s Golf Courses

New York City’s public golf courses hold a special place in both local and national history. Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx, for instance, is the oldest public course in the nation, dating back to 1895. Over the years, it has hosted legendary figures such as Babe Ruth and the Three Stooges. Similarly, Staten Island’s LaTourette Golf Course features a historic clubhouse that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These courses are not just places for golf—they are living pieces of the city’s heritage, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, public access, and shared memory.

Balancing Housing Needs with Recreational Value

While Lander’s proposal acknowledges the city’s urgent need for housing, it has sparked a larger conversation about how to balance development with the preservation of public spaces. The plan calls for a feasibility study to determine which four courses could be repurposed, focusing on those with the most potential for housing. However, opponents argue that the city’s golf courses are already a precious resource, providing affordable access to a sport that, despite its perceived elitism, has a diverse and dedicated following in New York City. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Lander’s vision