In 2018, a golf course architectural assessment of Duluth's public courses was conducted to identity issues and help prioritize future projects. Potential improvements were categorized into critical, competitive and comprehensive.
In December 2020, the Public Golf Committee approved a motion to focus on Enger's ten critical improvements-those improvements which are in greatest need of being addressed and would play the most significant role in reducing repairs and on-going maintenance and in increasing revenue through increased daily fee rounds. A large portion of the critical items includes a new irrigation system and irrigation pond. Other items include course drainage improvements, fairway and bunker renovations, and clubhouse renovation.
Prior Golf Course study and findings documents related to Duluth Public Golf are available at: https://duluthmn.gov/parks/golf/duluth-public-golf/.
Project Update
The Enger Park Golf Course Renovation Plan was approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission on September 15, 2021 and by City Council on September 27, 2021.
Enger Park Golf Course renovation Phase I items have completed final design, including a new irrigation system, irrigation pond, improvements to fairways, and potential minimal restoration of Buckingham Creek. Phase I is planned to start in the Fall of 2023 with the excavation of the irrigation storage pond. The irrigation system will be installed in 2024. Should minimal restoration of Buckingham Creek and the fairways occur, the work will coincide with the 2024 schedule.
The Phase I scope of work for irrigation improvements, which includes the excavation of a new irrigation pond and installation of the new irrigation system on 18 of 27 holes was approved by Council on June 12, 2023 with work expected to commence after Labor Day in 2023.
Funding Sources
The Phase I of this project will be paid for with $5.5 million sourced as follows:
- $2.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding for local government revenue replacement;
- $2 million of bonding to be financed by golf revenues;
- $.5 million from undedicated excess 2022 tourism tax receipts; and
- $.5 million from General Fund reserves.
The Phase I irrigation system replacement project does not include new irrigation piping and sprinkler heads on the final 9 holes at Enger Golf Course, the $1.5 million additional cost of which is beyond the City's immediate financial capacity.
Timeline
Enger Golf Course Phase 1 Project Timeline
2023
27 holes and range open for play through Labor Day.
At least 18 holes and range open for play after Labor Day through end of season.
2024
At least 18 holes and range open for play all season.
2025
Initial construction phase complete, 27 holes and range open for play.
