Architect Robert McNeil is leading a renovation of the nine hole Orchard Hills Golf Course in Paramus, New Jersey.

McNeil, along with project manager William Buchanan and contractor Turco Golf Construction is building two new holes – the fourth and fifth – at the Bergen County municipal venue. All tees and bunkers are also being reconstructed. A major tree removal programme, led by Downes Tree Service, preceded the work. 

The course, once a prominent 18 hole private club originally built in 1925, now sits on roughly 70 acres adjacent to the Bergen County Community College. The college bought the property, including the golf course, in 1969, later developing the campus on a portion of the course, leaving today’s nine hole Orchard Hills layout. Safety issues along the boundaries of the property prompted the revisions and ultimately the overall redesign of the course.

“Municipal work has always been an important part of our design portfolio,” said McNeil. “The significance of accessible, playable facilities can’t be understated in this challenging golf market. Orchard Hills provides residents of the region an experience that engages the eye and the skills of players of all levels, over an impeccably maintained course cared for by Peter Evans and his able staff. 

The project began in April and is scheduled for completion later in 2011.