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Golf associations urge El Paso County to address failing conditions at Scarity Golf Course ahead of national events
Summary
Two representatives of local golf associations told the Commissioner's Court the county‑owned 'Scarity' golf course has deteriorated — fairways are dirt, tees are weedy, and greens lack aeration — and urged immediate maintenance to restore tournament business and membership.
At the March 2 Commissioner's Court meeting, in‑person public commenters representing local golf associations urged the county to invest more attention and maintenance resources at the county's Scarity Golf Course, saying the facility’s condition is costing membership and event revenue.
Rick Finny, speaking for the Scarity Golf Course Association and the Pan‑American Golf Association, said fairways are now dirt or roped off while greens have not been aerated or overseeded. "We're down to less than 150 [members]… there's nothing being fixed and nothing being done," he said, describing roped fairways, exposed cart paths and unattended tee boxes. Finny asked county staff to work with the associations and noted county staff had been responsive in offering follow‑up conversations; the court suggested Public Works Director Norma Rivera Palasios meet with the speakers after the meeting.
Peter Solis Jr., president of the Pan‑American Golf Association, told commissioners national tournaments bring hundreds of golfers who spend hotel and local service revenue. He said the course’s visible dirt and weed cover create a poor first impression and cited lost tournament opportunities. "We need help up there — it's just bad," Solis said, noting visitors’ spending and local tourism impacts tied to marquee events.
Why it matters: Speakers told the court that continued poor conditions reduce local membership and jeopardize planned national tournaments that bring visitors and hotel revenue to El Paso County. Commissioners and staff acknowledged the complaints and arranged follow‑up with Public Works.
What the court did: Public commenters completed their allotted time; the court did not take an immediate funding vote at the meeting but directed staff follow‑up conversations with the commenters and County Public Works to explore remedial steps.
Next steps: The county public works director offered to speak with the associations to review the course’s maintenance plan and identify near‑term and longer‑term corrective work. Commenters asked the court to prioritize maintenance ahead of the associations’ next scheduled events.
