7.24.19 - New Renovations Unveiled at En-Joie Golf Course Ahead of DICK’S Sporting Goods Open

(ENDICOTT, N.Y.) – Senator Fred Akshar and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar joined officials from En-Joie Golf Course and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open to unveil new course renovations and upgrades ahead of this year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Open PGA TOUR Champion’s event.

The $350,000 upgrade includes:

• The re-engineering and construction of the spectator/tent area and wall at hole #18, replacing a 35-year-old crumbling structure;
• Pond liner installment and re-contouring;
• Enhanced irrigation around green sides and fairway bunkers; and
• Various cart path and parking lot repairs.

Operated by Broome County Community Charities Inc., the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open is the largest professional sporting event in Central New York. The weeklong tournament draws an estimated 100,000 people to En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott and generates an estimated $12-16 million in direct spending and economic activity to Endicott and the surrounding region. In 2018 alone, the tournament also contributed $830,000 to local advocacy organizations in 2018, and has donated nearly $17 million back to charity since the tournament’s inception.

Senator Fred Akshar secured a $350,000 state grant to help fund the project.
 

Senator Fred Akshar said, “The DICK’S Sporting Goods Open is not only an incredible and essential economic driver for the Southern Tier, it’s the marquee tourism attraction for our community. When you look at the millions of dollars this event generates for our local economy and millions the tournament contributes to local charities, these repairs and upgrades are a worthwhile investment in every aspect. I was proud to do my part in securing funding in Albany to generate a positive return on investment for taxpayers in the 52nd Senate District.”

“Events such as the DICKS’s Sporting Goods Open are one of the many phenomenal reasons to both visit and live in Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Our team at En-Joie Golf Course does an amazing job ensuring the facilities are world-class and thank you to Senator Akshar for helping secure funding for these upgrades so that En-Joie can continue to draw people in from far and wide.”

PGA Professional Michael Deuel said, “The funding secured by Senator Akshar for these much needed improvements at En-Joie will guarantee that we will be able to keep the golf course in top-notch shape all season long for our everyday golfers, as well as provide the best conditioned golf course possible for the touring professionals that visit each fall for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open. The golf course is very thankful to Senator Akshar for securing this funding and we look forward to another fantastic DICK’S Sporting Goods Open in August.”

DICK’S Sporting Goods, founded in adjacent Binghamton in 1948, has been the title sponsor of this tournament since 2007. This year will mark the 46th year of professional golf in the Southern Tier community.

"We are so thankful that Senator Akshar realizes the importance of the DICK'S Sporting Goods Open to our community and are truly thankful for him securing this grant", said Tournament Director John Karedes.

The 2019 DSGO PGA Champion’s TOUR events tee off on August 12th, concluding on August 18th and features Keith Urban in concert on Friday evening at the 18th green.