Renovations To Five Bergen County Public Courses Completed

A 13-year renovation of five Bergen County public golf courses has been completed with the final touches taking place at Valley Brook Golf Course in River Vale.

The relationship between the Northeast Golf Company, led by architect Robert McNeil (ASGCA) and Bergen County Golf Courses, headed by former general manager Kevin Purcell, began with a small tee renovation at Rockleigh Golf Course in 2001.

In the fall of 2014, the work at Valley Brook was finished by Turco Golf, completing an 81-hole, five-course renovation.

On Jan. 1, Purcell became executive director of the New Jersey State Golf Association.

The work at Valley Brook was precipitated by the desire to develop a bunker style that was more maintainable for the limited municipal staff while also presenting a bold flowing style. The work included solving a variety of drainage problems on holes that simply rendered the golf course unplayable following rain events.

The project was a team effort between Turco Golf under the creative direction of McNeil, the daily oversight of golf course superintendent Gary Arlio and the management of Purcell. The project was well received by the County and the playing public.