The town of Oro Valley has found a new company to manage its golf courses.
Billy Casper Golf, which manages 140 courses in 29 states, will take over management of the Conquistador and Cañada courses from Troon within the next three months.
The agreement was first reported by ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Local Media.
Town Manager Mary Jacobs told the Star that Billy Casper Golf, based in Virginia and founded by PGA Tour legend Billy “Buffalo Bill†Casper, was picked out of five prospective bidders.
That came after a “long process†that included a team of evaluators, including HSL Properties, which sold the town the golf courses back in 2015.
“They went through the whole process and came to the conclusion that the most advantageous operator would be Billy Casper Golf,†she said, noting that contract has not been signed yet because “they are dotting all the I’s and crossing the T’s,†but it will be finished soon.
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The golf courses have been a polarizing topic for many in Oro Valley, as the town mulled closing down its golf courses and leased a third, Pusch Ridge, back to HSL.
Jacobs said the town made sure to notify community members about the golf course manager, to which it received “very positive feedback.â€
Jennifer LeFevre, the director of Oro Valley Thrives, a group that lobbied to keep the courses open, said she was looking forward to seeing what the new company brings.
“They’re basically certified cooperative sanctuary facilities and that is something they pride themselves on,†LeFevre said.
“It’s supposed to be reduced waste and promote environmentally efficient operation within the community around them, so it looks like they do a lot of good and we’re excited to give them a try here in Oro Valley.â€
The town had been searching for a new course operator since January, Jacobs said. That came after the Oro Valley Town Council included the stipulation to seek out a new golf course manager as part of an agreement to keep open the two courses.
Keeping Troon as the golf course operator was part of the sales agreement between HSL and the town back in 2015. The town had extended that agreement twice for six months, but Jacobs said this was because it didn’t want to make changes while figuring out what to do with the courses.
Chris Cornelison, the assistant town manager, who was on the evaluation committee, said that Billy Casper Golf “provided a strong overall proposal,†that included a “strong interview,†good financial proposal, and a wealth of experience.
“They focus on data analytics and evaluating their operations, which helps them make well informed decisions,†Cornelison said. “They had a very good track record of golf course maintenance, running their pro shop and food and beverage experience. … They’re very experienced and obviously that’s something we need to have for our club golf courses.â€
Photos: Flowing Wells High School 2020 drive-thru graduation
Flowing Wells Graduation

Sierra Moore watches fellow graduating seniors walks across stage as she wait for her turn in a line of vehicles during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Wearing a plague doctor mask Gabrielle Trede makes adjustments to cap and gown while walking towards the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Uyen-My Nguyen adjusts her mask as she makes her way to the stage to receive her diploma during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduated senior looks out of the backseat of a car while waiting to exit the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduating senior is assisted with her cap during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Sergio Vega Velderrain walks through confetti on his way to the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Graduating senior Chloe Luke drops her name card into a basket as she walks across the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduate holds balloons while waiting outside his vehicle on the way out of a drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduating senior exits a truck to take her turn walking across the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A truck's grill decorated with "2020" during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Hailey Moore wait to take the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A supporter of a graduate sits in the bed of a truck during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Family and friends of a graduate pop confetti in the air during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduating senior takes the stage to receive his diploma during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Uyen-My Nguyen makes her walks across the field at John M. Mead Athletic Arena to go back to her family's vehicle during a drive through graduation ceremony at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

A graduated senior has his photo taken during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Vehicles make their way around John M. Mead Athletic Arena during a drive through graduation ceremony at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Melanie Perla Linares waits to take the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Wearing a plague doctor mask Gabrielle Trede makes adjustments to cap and gown while walking towards the stage during the second night of drive through graduations at John M. Mead Athletic Arena at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Flowing Wells Graduation

Vehicles make their way around John M. Mead Athletic Arena during a drive through graduation ceremony at Flowing Wells High School, on May 20, 2020.
Jamie Donnelly is a University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ student who is currently an apprentice for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.