Lincoln Hills Golf Club under new ownership group

Indigo Golf Partners, the ownership company that manages Lincoln Hills Golf Club, was acquired on Jan. 4 by Troon, one of the world's largest golf management companies. Formerly known as Billy Casper Golf, the management company with more than 160 golf courses in 26 states was rebranded as Indigo Golf Partners in late October, as rumors began swirling about the golf course's potential sale. "We are thrilled to be combining two incredible companies and look forward to the future opportunities this acquisition presents our respective clients, associates, members and guests," said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz in a news release. "This transaction supports our continued growth and reach in the industry, while bringing additional support, expertise and resources to associates as well as current and prospective clients." Lincoln Hills Men's Golf Group President Pete Saco is aware of Troon's "very high reputation throughout the golf industry." Saco, who has served on the Lincoln Hills Men's Golf Group Board for six years, said that the acquisition by Troon is a win for Lincoln Hills players and residents. "If you live in this community, the value of your home is going to increase as the golf course maintenance has gotten better," Saco said. "I don't know what the big drawbacks are. I think the community has got to be happy." Saco has noticed a "big boom" in golf play during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people working from home, he said, more people come to play in the late afternoon. Saco said a new greens superintendent was hired in October to help maintain Lincoln Hills' two 18-hole courses. Since then, according to Saco, grass has been cut, rough areas of typically longer grass surrounding the fairways have been kept short and well-maintained, and irrigation issues have been addressed. "People in this community that don't play golf don't understand how much work the maintenance staff has done. It's been dramatic," Saco said. "There's still work to be done, no question. But I'm pleasantly surprised with the work that's been done. The pace of play is kept to a minimum and it's helped the game dramatically." Sun City Lincoln Hills Community Association general manager Bob Richardson said the new ownership group, to his knowledge, plans to retain all existing employees. "(Troon) certainly is a strong professional organization with a long track record of professional management of golf courses," Richardson said. "They have reached out to us and we've had initial conversations. We're looking forward to continued open communication. But at this time, I don't see any significant changes to the day-to-day operations of the course."