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Tam O’Shanter’s Fire Sale: Records Uncover Another Asset Dump
The Last Swing: Inside the Auction That Said Goodbye to Tam O’Shanter Country Club
A Place Full of Memories Goes Under the Hammer
Imagine walking into a giant room where every table, chair, and golf cart holds a story. That was the scene at the Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Glen Head, New York, on a recent Tuesday. After years of sitting quiet and closed, the club’s belongings were sold off in a massive auction—right down to the bare walls.
Quick Context: Tam O’Shanter wasn’t just any golf course. It was a 148-acre community hub where families celebrated weddings, bar mitzvahs, and lazy summer weekends for decades.
How We Got Here: The Short History of a Long Goodbye
Here’s the timeline, simplified:
- 2019 – A New Jersey developer buys the property for $11.8 million with plans to build 27 luxury homes.
- Summer 2021 – The golf course closes for good.
- Soon after – Construction hits a snag: toxins found in the topsoil delay the housing project.
- The developer’s application lapses – The plan falls apart.
- Last month – Property records show the land sold again (buyer not yet public).
- Meanwhile – The Village of Brookville tweaks zoning laws to encourage keeping the land as a golf course.
Important Point:
Toxins in the soil stopped the first housing plan cold. The village now hopes new rules will attract a buyer who wants to keep the greens, not bulldoze them.
Auction Day: What Happened When the Doors Opened
The Schedule
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Two-hour preview: bidders walk around, inspect items, kick tires (sometimes literally).
- 12:00 PM – Bidding starts.
- 3 hours later – 93% of items sold.
What Was for Sale?
The auction company, American Auctions, Liquidations, Appraisals Inc., listed a wild mix:
- Ground maintenance gear – tractors, excavators, mowers
- Golf carts (some… well-loved)
- Restaurant equipment – ice cream freezer, bar fixtures
- Gym gear – leg press, weights
- Office furniture & decor – plaques, pictures, a barber chair(!)
- Lockers, racks, tables, chairs – you name it
Fun Fact: Auctioneer Gerard Trimboli said ground maintenance equipment is usually the "hot ticket" at these sales.
The People: Why They Came, What They Bought
| Bidder | From | What They Wanted | What They Got |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Hirsch | Dix Hills | One last visit | Memories (his bar mitzvah was here—Broadway-themed!) |
| Matt Dowling | Brookville | Wooden locker + content props | 16 golf equipment racks for $10 each |
| Ravi Chopra | Old Brookville | Golf cart for home use | Walked away—carts needed too much repair |
Matt’s Story: Content Creation Meets Nostalgia
Matt runs Rookline, a Long Island golf brand. He didn’t just buy racks—he bought stories.
"Some people are repurposing for their club. We’re repurposing for content."
— Matt Dowling
He plans to use the racks in videos, photos, and social posts—giving old club gear a second life online.
By the Numbers
- 75+ registered bidders
- 93% sell-through rate
- $10 per golf rack (Matt’s steal)
- 148 acres of land in limbo
- 1 very sentimental Evan Hirsch
What Happens Next?
Nobody knows for sure. But here are the possibilities:
- A golf-loving buyer steps up, cleans the soil, reopens the course
- Another developer tries the housing plan (with soil cleanup)
- The land sits a while longer, waiting for the right vision
The village wants a golf course. The zoning now nudges that way. But money, cleanup costs, and market demand will decide.
Summary
- Tam O’Shanter Country Club held its final auction, selling 93% of its contents.
- The 148-acre property has changed hands twice since 2019; housing plans stalled due to toxic topsoil.
- Locals showed up—some to bid, some to say goodbye.
- Matt Dowling snagged 16 equipment racks for $160 total—to make golf content.
- Evan Hirsch came for closure: his bar mitzvah was here.
- The Village of Brookville updated zoning to encourage a golf course revival.
- The land sold again last month—next chapter unwritten.
FAQ
Why did the housing development fail?
Toxins were found in the topsoil. Cleanup is expensive and slow. The developer let their permit application expire.
Who bought the land last month?
Public records confirm a sale, but the buyer hasn’t been publicly named yet.
What does "tweaked zoning" mean?
The village changed local rules to make it easier and more attractive for someone to operate a golf course there—rather than build houses.
Why buy old golf racks for content?
Creators like Matt use vintage gear as props, backdrops, and storytelling tools. It adds authenticity—and looks cool on camera.
Could the golf course actually reopen?
It’s possible! The zoning supports it, and community interest is strong. But it needs a buyer with deep pockets for soil remediation and course restoration.
Thanks for reading. Whether you’re a golfer, a history buff, or just love a good "end of an era" story—Tam O’Shanter’s final chapter is one worth remembering.
