Broome County Releases En-Joie Golf Course Irrigation Study

Complete Replacement Needed, Will Cost $8 Million

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - On Tuesday afternoon, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds announced the results of the irrigation study conducted by Ramboll Engineering at the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott.

The study, conducted from June to October 2024, evaluated the aging irrigation system, which currently uses 180,000 gallons of water per day from the Village of Endicott's only source of water, but requires 400,000 gallons daily for proper maintenance of the course. Ramboll Engineering, a global leader in engineering, architecture, and consultancy, completed the $45,000 study and highlighted a number of operational challenges with the current system.

The findings confirm that the irrigation system has exceeded its lifespan and must be replaced to ensure the long-term viability of the course. The study recommends that the new irrigation system be supplied from the Endicott Waste Water Treatment Plant, which will save approximately 10 million gallons of fresh water annually for the Village of Endicott residents. This approach would generate revenue for the treatment plant and village ratepayers.

Upgrading the irrigation system is essential to maintaining En-Joie's reputation as a premier PGA-quality golf course. The Dick's Sporting Goods Open, hosted at En-Joie, generates an annual economic impact of nearly $3 million, has contributed more than $20 million to local charities, and features one of upstate New York's largest music events, drawing over 20,000 attendees each year.

The study estimates a total replacement cost of $7.8 million, before engineering costs. Currently, the Village of Endicott owns the golf course, with Broome County managing it under a contractual agreement. However, Broome County has expressed interest in taking ownership of the course to make the necessary infrastructure improvements and secure the golf course's future.