Bus Driver Sells Visitors on Farmingdale

Kelly Hicks flashed a broad smile as she opened the bus door. The Farmingdale real estate broker is moonlighting this week as a shuttle bus driver for The Barclays Tournament.

You couldn’t ask for a better community ambassador than the 49-year-old Farmingdale resident. Not only does she know how to navigate the back roads, Hicks does it with an infectious attitude.

If the PGA Tour stop offers Farmingdale a rare chance to sell itself, then locals such as Hicks are the closers. 

“I wanted to be a part of this,” said Hicks, who also volunteered at the 2002 U.S. Open working concessions. Her son, Christopher, 21, drives the spectator bus from Jones Beach. 

A broker by trade, Hicks has unique insight into the state of the local economy. She’s seen a busy summer of properties selling and potential buyers qualifying for loans. The housing market – at least in Farmingdale – is marching ahead once more. 

But she sees an even greater opportunity to jump-start the local economy with this week’s PGA Tour event calling home. 

“It’s nice to have outsiders come in and talk about our community,” Hicks said. “It generates business. And it’s good for restaurant owners.” 

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano of The Barclays at $34 million. Despite complaints by locals, upset with , this week’s golf tournament should be a real opportunity for local merchants.

“Hopefully, it will put Farmingdale even more on the map and generate some business for the community,” Hicks said. 

All eyes are on Bethpage Black this week for world-class golf. 

And that passionate local at the wheel ushering you to and from Bethpage State Park? She just might have you thinking about a return trip to Farmingdale.

Follow The Barclays from our Bethpage Black topics page.