Troon and local committee outline repairs and water concerns at High Bridge Hills golf course

Representatives from Troon and members of the golf committee discussed the condition and funding needs of High Bridge Hills golf course during the Borough Council's visitors segment on March 14.

Jay Palmer, identified as Troon's on-site general manager, and Ryan Phelps described maintenance and capital projects the course requires as it marks a 25-year anniversary. They and committee representatives (including Kyle Denies) highlighted irrigation system problems, bunker and barn repairs, and constraints posed by a limited maintenance budget. Mr. Denies and Phelps also discussed water-conservation measures and options for improving the irrigation system.

Council members asked questions about water use and whether reducing the course’s water footprint was feasible. Councilman Silvestri raised concerns about customer treatment, hours covered by employees, maintenance standards and the lack of amenities for players; Councilman Nowell specifically asked about adopting water-saving course changes. Mayor Michele Lee said the borough would explore creative methods to revitalize the golf course while noting the debt-service impact and the limits that Green Acres and Highlands restrictions may impose on what can be done with the property. Councilman Silvestri agreed to attend a golf committee meeting to refine capital-plan options.

No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; the discussion concluded with direction to continue evaluating repair priorities, water-conservation possibilities and capital planning options with committee input.