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CANTON \u2014 Two anonymous letters from a group that claims to be members of Partridge Run Golf Course call on village officials to address what they describe as declining course conditions, maintenance concerns and a need for stronger leadership at the facility.<\/p>\n
The letters are not signed.<\/p>\n
Kevin Maginn serves as the Director of Golf at the course. But it\u2019s been without a superintendent since Scott Nickerson left the position in January of 2025. Although the village advertised the\u00a0 position in February of 2025, it has remained vacant since. However, Canton Village Superintendent Timothy Bacon is filling the role as an interim superintendent.<\/p>\n
He pointed out that the loss of an irrigation pump caused some issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have gained a lot of ground repairing the greens since we lost the irrigation pump last year, but it takes time,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got a good crew that does well for a municipal course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two anonymous letters sent to the Canton Village Board raised concerns about the condition of the course during the 2026 season, including complaints about mowing, pace of play, course upkeep and the absence of a full-time golf course superintendent.<\/p>\n
The first letter, dated May 25 and signed by \u201cmembers, public visitors and travelers,\u201d said golfers have expressed concerns about what they described as a noticeable decline in course conditions.<\/p>\n
The letter cited inconsistent mowing and course maintenance, long rough areas that have contributed to slower rounds, mowing during busy golfing hours and standing water in areas where it has not historically been an issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany golfers have stated that this is the worst condition they have ever seen at Partridge Run,\u201d the letter stated.<\/p>\n
The writers said the concerns could affect the course\u2019s reputation, with some newer golfers questioning whether they would return and some longtime players reconsidering future memberships.<\/p>\n
A second letter, titled \u201cImmediate Action Needed to Restore Partridge Run Golf Club,\u201d used stronger language and called on village officials and course management to take immediate action.<\/p>\n
The anonymous letter, signed by \u201cThe Concerned and Fed Up Members of Partridge Run Golf Club,\u201d said members were frustrated with what they described as deteriorating conditions.<\/p>\n
Among the concerns raised were the condition of the greens, the length of rough areas, pace-of-play issues and the lack of a golf course superintendent.<\/p>\n
\u201cHiring a qualified full-time superintendent should be the Village\u2019s highest priority,\u201d the letter stated.<\/p>\n
But given the large annual deficits, it\u2019s not clear where the revenues would come from.<\/p>\n
The group requested that the village hire a superintendent, create a plan to restore course conditions, increase mowing efforts, maintain the greens, enforce pace-of-play policies, improve communication with members and hold course leadership accountable.<\/p>\n
The letter also stated that members have promoted Partridge Run as a premier course in the North Country but warned that continued issues could lead golfers to seek other courses.<\/p>\n
\u201cPartridge Run deserves better. Its members deserve better. The taxpayers deserve better,\u201d the letter stated.<\/p>\n
The concerns come as the golf course continues to operate at a financial deficit, according to financial data provided for the course.<\/p>\n
For the 2025-26 fiscal year, Partridge Run reported revenues of $396,384.62 and expenses of $518,312.47, resulting in a deficit of $121,927.85.<\/p>\n
The financial report shows the course has operated at a deficit each year since at least the 2016-17 fiscal year. Deficits during that period ranged from $24,341.97 in 2021-22 to $219,923.43 in 2023-24.<\/p>\n
A members meeting was expected to be held Tuesday, July 21 to address the concerns.<\/p>\n
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