Troon
In an effort to move toward ecological restoration and enhanced playability, The Club at Starr Pass recently completed a transformative environmental project.
The Club removed invasive species such as Salt Cedar, African Sumac and Buffel Grass, opening the door for native plants to flourish and local wildlife to thrive. The primary focuses of the project was the restoration of the natural desert ecosystem and the improvement of the overall playability and sustainability of the golf course.
By eliminating non-native species, Starr Pass created space for native vegetation to return, offering critical support for native wildlife. This helps protect the region’s biodiversity, allowing local wildlife to grow and thrive in their natural habitat.
“This project marks a significant milestone for us as we work to balance a world-class golf experience with our commitment to preserving the beauty of the desert ecosystem,” GM David Loomis said. “By reintroducing native plants, we are restoring the landscape for both our guests and the local wildlife, ensuring that this environment will continue to flourish for years to come.”
The invasive species removal was carried out by a team of environmental specialists in partnership with local conservation experts, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural habitat. The project doubles with the Audubon certified club, and its emphasis on regenerative agriculture.
As part of a desert restoration initiative, Starr Pass introduced Operation Pollinator, a program designed to help golf courses create and maintain pollinator habitats in out-of-play areas. Targeting monarch butterflies, this project will also support other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The habitats will feature a variety of milkweed plants, essential for monarchs, and native wildflower mixes, adding both ecological value and aesthetic appeal to the course.
The desert restoration project exemplifies the club’s commitment to environmental stewardship, blending sustainability with the beauty of the desert landscape. By restoring native habitats and supporting pollinator populations, Starr Pass is not only enhancing the golf experience but also ensuring that the region’s natural ecosystem thrives for generations to come.
Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon, manages the golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, retail, and sales and marketing at The Club at Starr Pass, while Marriott leads resort operations.