By Dan Hust
KIAMESHA LAKE — February 27, 2007 — Fans of the famous Monster and International golf courses will find them in the same state this year as the rest of the former Concord Resort: closed.
But they’ll by no means be empty – or silent.
According to Concord Associates/Sullivan Resorts consultant Henry Zabata, the promised refurbishment of both world-class courses will commence this summer, as will the construction of a new clubhouse and hotel.
As part of owner Louis Cappelli’s desire to return the resort property to a “5-star experience,” Zabata said the Monster and International will each undergo extensive replacement of their irrigation/drainage systems and cart paths.
While only the 50-year-old International will see some course redesign, the circa-1960s Monster course will be closed for this season and 2008’s, said Zabata, due to dredging of silt-filled ponds and the Kiamesha Creek. The International will reopen in 2008.
The Monster’s 2009 reopening will likely coincide with the opening of a 200-room hotel at the old Concord – the first part of Cappelli’s planned billion-dollar rebirth of the once-great resort.
During all this, the 50-year-old clubhouse – best-known of late as housing Fibber’s Restaurant, a popular banquet facility – will be demolished to make way for a 63,000-square-foot replacement. Zabata said they’re just waiting for the state to finish its review of the plans.
For those looking for a similar golfing experience this year, Zabata recommended Cappelli’s other major Sullivan County property: Grossinger’s.
The Liberty golf course was refurbished in 2000 and will remain open during the Concord’s reconstruction period, he said.
But eventually, the wrecker’s ball will arrive there, too, to turn the faded resort into a 200-room hotel and simultaneously expand the clubhouse.
Such plans, however, will wait until Grossinger’s sister resort makes her grand return.
“We’ve concentrated exclusively on the Concord,” said Zabata – the goal being, he added, to return her to the 5-star level guests and golfers long knew her for.
For more information, contact the golf courses’ management at 794-4000.