A multinational golf course operator has been awarded the contract to operate golf and dining services at the state owned Deerfield and Garrison’s Lake properties.
Deerfield is located in the Louviers area near Newark and Garrison’s Lake is in the Dover area.
Deerfield is a popular location for meetings, weddings and other receptions.
Current operator Forewinds Hospitality operated Deerfield for 18 years and Garrison’s for a dozen years.
DNREC has been changing lessees of late in its park system through the bidding process.
Forewinds had a good reputation with golfers and others in the hospitality industry during its long run.
“They were a great partner for over 18 years and we wish every member of the Deerfield team the very best – all true professionals and dedicated to customer service. It was honor to work with them,” said Bill Sullivan, managing director for Courtyard by Marriott Newark – University of Delaware. The hotel often provided hotel rooms for out of town guests at weddings held at Deerfield
However, the bidding process from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control selected Troon which operates nine courses in New Castle and Sussex counties as well as worldwide.
The state acquired the courses nearly two decades ago on fears that the properties would be snapped up by developers.
A number of golf courses have closed over the years including Hercules, Brandywine and Hercules in northern New Castle County.
DuPont sold Deerfield, formerly Louviers to the former MBNA which upgraded the property and later sold it to the State of Delaware. A duPont family member became the co-owner of the DuPont Country Club near Wilmngton as the company disposed of real estate.
Golf has seen a surge in popularity during and after the Covid-19 pandemic making courses a more attractive proposition.
