The relationship between Robert McNeil, ASGCA, and Kevin Purcell, golf director for Bergen County, New Jersey’s five golf courses, began with a small tee renovation at Rockleigh Golf Course in 2001. In fall of 2014, the work at Valley Brook Golf Course in River Vale, N.J., was finished by Turco Golf, completing a 90-hole, five-course renovation over 13 years.
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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 presenting a bold flowing style. The work also 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. The project was also the last for McNeil and Purcell, who was named the new executive director of the New Jersey State Golf Association in January.
