Another operation at Texas A&M University has been outsourced.
An Aggie owned company from Massachusetts has been selected to run the school’s golf course and perform its first makeover in 40 years.
The course, which was closed this past Sunday, will undergo a $5 million dollar renovation starting October 1.
Assistant General Manager Mark Haven says it’s the first update since 1973. The number one issue is replacing the irrigation system. New grass varieties will be used, and the project will include three new holes for research and educational purposes.
Mark Haven visits with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.
Until Monday, the golf course had been operated A&M’s Recreational Sports Department. Director Dennis Corrington says eight full time and 15 part time employees are affected and says almost everyone will be accomodated by the outsourcing. The contract with A&M and Sterling Golf Management is for 10 years.
Here is the news release from Texas A&M University:
Texas A&M officials have selected Sterling Golf Management to operate the university golf course, beginning with major renovations designed to make it one of the best of its type on a college campus.
The renovations will necessitate the golf course being closed until the fall of 2013, announced officials of the Massachusetts-based firm. Sunday was the last day of operations by Texas A&M staff, and work to upgrade the 18-hole course is scheduled to begin about Oct. 1.
Sterling Golf Management, which currently operates several country club courses and driving ranges, was selected after a request for proposals was distributed nationally, and an extensive review process was conducted by university officials.
Jeffrey D. Blume, a 1989 Texas A&M graduate in landscape architecture, will oversee the renovation and new design for the 18-hole university course. Blume, who now operates his own design firm after having previously been associated with two companies that specialize in golf course design, has almost a quarter-century of experience in course design. In addition to having been responsible or heavily involved in the design or renovation of courses in the United States — including many in Texas — he has designed courses in Japan and Mexico and is currently working on one in China.
In addition to renovating the 18-hole course on the southeast quadrant of the Texas A&M campus, the site will include space for three new holes for research and educational purposes when the course is reopened, university officials note.
Dennis Corrington, executive director of Texas A&M’s Department of Recreational Sports, which has had responsibility for operation of the course, said the renovation is much needed and well deserved for its loyal customers and members.
“We are extremely excited about this renovation,” Corrington said. “It is something that our loyal customers and members deserve. Most of all, we would like to thank all of our dedicated customers and members for the support they have provided over the years.”