Garnar: Golf Tournament at Risk Without Prompt En-Joie Upgrade

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says the future of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open in Endicott is in danger unless action is taken soon to fix En-Joie Golf Club's irrigation system.

Garnar released the results of an engineering study on Tuesday that outlined the steps needed to replace the system.

The county executive said "if it doesn't get replaced very, very soon, we will lose the entire golf course and one of the most well-known PGA tournaments" in the state.

The village of Endicott owns the golf course, which has been operated by the county since 2006.

Garnar said the county-commissioned report from the Ramboll engineering firm estimated it could cost about $8 million to replace the irrigation system. He said the county would pay for the work if the village turns over the ownership of En-Joie.

The study recommends that water for the new system come from the Endicott wastewater treatment facility, which is just west of the golf course.

Garnar said the treated water from the neighboring plant would mean En-Joie no longer would need to use the only well now used by the Endicott municipal water system.

The county executive said PGA officials have made it clear the irrigation system must be replaced if the annual tournament is to continue at the golf course.

Garnar said he hand-delivered a copy of the engineering report to Endicott village offices Tuesday morning.

According to a statement released by the village, an irrigation study is being completed by Hunt Engineers. The village will review both studies "to determine next steps, which will include an opportunity for community input and engagement, as we've promised."

The statement said "we remain committed to doing what is in the best interest of En-Joie Golf Course, Endicott residents, and the larger community."

The Endicott statement concluded that the village hopes "to work as partners with Broome County toward a solution."

Garnar said he hopes the village will reach a decision about turning ownership of the course over to the county by the end of the year.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A portion of the news conference held at the Broome County Office Building on November 19, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.