To many Long Island golfers, the name Edward Wankel evokes visions of beautiful golf courses.

An esteemed parks and recreation professional for over 30 years, Mr. Wankel’s long time interest in golf, has prompted him to make many acclaimed contributions to promoting the game, expanding public golf opportunities, improving existing courses and overseeing the creation of new facilities.  He is widely admired for his ability to visualize exquisite and challenging golf courses then oversee their planning, design, development and management. 

In fact, he played a key role in bringing the U.S. Open to Bethpage State Park’s “Black Course” in 2002.  Judy Bell, former president of the Unites States Golf Association, wrote in her recent book to Ed Wankel “that without you the U. S. OPEN in 2002 at Bethpage Black would never have happened.”  In addition to negotiating the contract with the United States Golf Association on behalf of New York State, he directed the complete restoration of the course, ensuring that the features of the original 1934 design were preserved.  What’s more, with concern for the needs of the public golfer, he insisted that all tee boxes’ not just the championship tees-were restored so that public golfers could enjoy playing the course once the tournament ended. 

Currently the President of Long Island Golf Management, Inc., which was established five years ago, Mr. Wankel and his partner have established a reputation for expertise in handling any aspect of golf course planning, design, development and management.  “No matter what the issue may be, our organization has the knowledge and experience to guarantee excellence in our service.” 

But Mr. Wankel’s career encompasses much more than golf.  He has overseen the operation and maintenance of some the best park and recreation systems in the country, including regional neighborhood and state parks and playground as well as camping and water-sports facilities. 

For  the first 25 years of his park and recreation administration career, Mr. Wankel served in the public sector, holding several prestigious positions, including nearly four years as Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-to which he was appointed by the Pataki Administration.  In that capacity, he was responsible for the Long Island and New York City Regions, as well as for overseeing golf courses statewide and chairing the Statewide Golf Committee.

 He also spent over three years as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, managing over 30,000 acres of parkland and a budget exceeding $9 million.  And, he was Commissioner of the Town of Islip’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs for more than a decade, responsible for over 150 park and recreation facilities, including four public swimming pool complexes, three golf courses and seven marinas. 

“I enjoyed working in the public sector and had the best job in government.  I hopefully made people happy.  Hardly anyone ever gets mad at the Park’s Commissioner.” 

Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Wankel has spent most of his life as a Long

Islander, developing a keen understanding and love of the area and its extraordinary recreational facilities.  He also has come to appreciate the specific needs of the different people who enjoy those facilities.  “Long Island offers a wide range of recreational opportunities to everyone, including youngsters and the physically challenged.  When planning facilities, it’s important to consider everyone’s needs.” 

Mr. Wankel’s impressive credentials include a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Long Island University, C.W. Post Center; a Certificate in Labor Management Relations from the New York Institute of Technology; and Certificate in Contract Management from Cornell University. 

In addition to his training, he attributes a large measure of his success to being a good listener, multitasking proficiency and the ability to remain calm during a crisis.  “I try to get along with everyone.  It has taken me many years to get to this point.  Some of it comes from having many years of experience, but I also know a lot is due simply to maturity.  In addition to the skills I have acquired professionally I know that without the support of my family especially my wife Judy Gordon, also a parks professional, none of my success would have been possible.” 

Despite his full schedule, Mr. Wankel has always found time for community service.  He is a member of the Board of Director of the Suffolk County Police Athletic League and the Cutchogue/New Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Islip Arts Council and is an active member of the Southold Kiwanis 

What about the future?  “This is fun.  I intend to continue doing what I’m doing for as long as the good lord allows me.”

Edward Wankel

Long Island Golf Management, Inc.

PO Box 813

Cutchogue, NY 11935

631-369-7151

golf@LIGM.com