Chicago, Illinois, United States: Troon has announced a 10-year management agreement renewal with the Chicago Park District to manage the City of Chicago’s eight golf facilities.

Indigo Sports, a Troon company, will continue to operate and maintain Chicago’s six golf courses, three driving ranges and one miniature golf course, while providing guest services and innovative golf programmes focused on increasing engagement of under-represented communities.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Chicago Park District. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences at the Parks’ golf facilities,” said Matt McIntee, Troon’s Senior Vice President and Regional General Manager for the Chicago Park District’s golf facilities.

“We are excited to continue and build upon the many community engagement initiatives that we have deployed in supporting the Chicago Park District’s mission of providing people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighbourhood.

“Our team is looking forward to another successful term and to exceeding the expectations of our customers,” added McIntee, who is based in Troon’s Chicago office where the leading golf management company supports operations at 25 facilities in the Chicago land area.

The new management agreement is through December 31, 2034, with up to two additional three-year extensions, potentially extending the contract through the end of 2040.

As part of the agreement, Troon will support various capital improvements during the initial 10-year term and has committed to award annual scholarships, programming, and resources to local community youth groups.

Indigo Sports will continue to execute teaching and outreach programmes designed to increase public awareness and engagement of under-represented communities including minority, female, junior, senior, socio-economically challenged, and cognitively and/or physically disabled golfers.

Chicago Park District facilities include Jackson Park Golf Course, Columbus Park Golf Course, Diversey Driving Range, Douglass (Anna & Frederick) Park, Marquette Park Golf Course, Robert A. Black Golf Course, South Shore Golf Course and Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course.

“Chicago Park District golf facilities are beautiful and unique spaces offering golfers affordable, accessible and one-of-a kind experiences throughout the city,” said Rosa Escareño, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.

“Working with Indigo we seek to further elevate the park golf experience attracting new golfers through thoughtful programs, events and other opportunities,” added Escareño.

Indigo Sports has managed Chicago Park District’s golf facilities since September 2009 and immediately delivered a 30 per cent increase in rounds and revenue in the first year of operation without material increases in rates or access, just improved conditions, marketing, service levels and overall experience.

In the years since, the team has built strong relationships in the community, touching a wide array of groups from professional organisations, non-profits, small local groups, individuals, and numerous golfers and golf courses across the city and country.

With more than 150 municipal courses, Troon is the largest operator of municipal golf facilities in the US, with relationships structured as management agreements, lease agreements or a combination of both depending on the needs of the municipality.

The company also provides consulting services to municipal golf courses on operations, marketing, agronomy, customer service, community engagement, capital projects and more.

*Troon is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.