Trump Organization hands over Ferry Links New York golf course to gaming giant Bally’s

The Trump Organization has formally handed over control of its New York golf course in a deal believed to be worth millions, after a long battle with Big Apple politicians who want to erase the family name.

With stunning views of Manhattan and the East River, the 18-hole links course at Ferry Links in the Bronx was one of the jewels of Donald Trump’s golf empire.

But a battle with the city and Bill de Blasio’s failed bid to terminate the contract after Jan. 6 tarnished its reputation.

Eric Trump has struck a deal with casino and gaming giant Bally’s so they can immediately take control of the old landfill.

He called it an “exceptional offering” on the 7,400-meter public course, which charges $171 on weekdays and $205 on weekends.

It means the Trump name will be removed – and the door will be open for the construction of a new casino if a lucrative gaming license is approved.

Bally’s plans to continue using the land as a golf course for the time being, but sources told DailyMail.com that the 180-hectare site is a prime location for a new property.

A freeway adjacent to the trail and the Whitestone Bridge that connects Queens and the Bronx is used by 40 million motorists annually – and it is just a 10-minute drive from La Guardia Airport.

The former president received a 20-year lease from Mike Bloomberg in 2015 after the city spent $127 million to convert the former landfill into a track designed by Jack Nicklaus.

“We would like to thank the City of New York for giving us the opportunity to develop and operate Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point Park,” Eric Trump told DailyMail.com.

“After the City wasted hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars in its previous failed attempts to complete this project, the Trump Organization, at the request of Mayor Bloomberg and the NYC Parks Department, has delivered to the people of the City of New York what is widely recognized as one of the finest public golf experiences in the world,” he added.

‘Although we had no prior intention of selling this trophy, Bally’s Corporation stepped in and made us an exceptional offer.

“We wish them tremendous success and are confident that Bally’s will continue to operate this exceptional facility in the same world-class manner.”

The former president secured a 20-year lease from Mike Bloomberg in 2015, after the city spent $127 million to convert the former landfill into a track designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Eric Trump has struck a deal with casino and gaming giant Bally’s so they can immediately take control of the old landfill

With sweeping views of Manhattan and the East River, the 18-hole links course at Ferry Links in the Bronx was one of the jewels of Donald Trump’s golf empire

Guests meet on the back patio after the clubhouse opening at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in 2018

For years, the city struggled to find a company willing to take on the project.

Trump’s company managed the course built on top of a landfill and earned $8 million in revenue in its first five years.

Meanwhile, taxpayers paid $1 million in utility bills.

Under the original deal with the city, the Trump Organization’s lease would have lasted until 2035.

But the sale will allow the family-owned business to focus on its eleven other courses in the US and new developments in Scotland and Oman.

Former New York Mayor de Blasio said in 2021 that he would scrap the contract with the Trump Organization, claiming Trump incited the rioters.

Trump subsequently filed a lawsuit and the Manhattan Supreme Court rejected de Blasio’s argument.

The decision has sparked delight among Democrats, including Comptroller Brad Lander.

He celebrated that Trump’s name will no longer “damage” the city park.

The New York City Parks Department said, “We support the transfer of the Ferry Point Golf Course to Bally’s, and we are confident they will provide New Yorkers with a high-quality golf experience.”