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By RGG Business Journal Staff

EDINBURG, Texas — In a strategic move designed to elevate local quality of life, bolster municipal tourism, and catalyze economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley, the City of Edinburg has officially entered into a landmark management agreement with Troon Golf, Inc., the global leader in upscale golf course management.

During an official signing ceremony held at Edinburg City Hall, city leaders and corporate executives celebrated what they described as a “game-changing moment” for the municipality’s recreational and economic landscape. Under the terms of the agreement, Troon Golf will assume complete operational management of both municipal facilities — the historic Ebony Hills Golf Course and the championship-level Los Lagos Golf Club — beginning September 1, 2026.

The ceremony was introduced by Roxanne Lerma, communications and media director for the City of Edinburg, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Joining Mayor Omar Ochoa and Troon Golf Regional Vice President of Operations Jeff Thomasson were key municipal leaders, including Mayor Pro Tem David Salazar, Councilmen Dan Diaz, Jason De Leon, and Jerry Lozano, City of Edinburg Manager Myra L. Ayala, alongside economic development leadership from the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC).

Anchored in History: From 1927 to the Millennium

Addressing the assembled city staff, community stakeholders, and news media, Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa emphasized that golf in Edinburg is deeply intertwined with the community’s social and economic identity.

“This partnership with Troon is a hole-in-one — not a home run, but a hole-in-one,” Mayor Ochoa stated. “The history of golf in Edinburg is very special, and there’s a lot to it. It’s more than recreation; it’s family, it’s community, and it’s economic development. Golf in Edinburg is a pastime that’s been woven through the fabric of our own history.”

Ochoa highlighted the historical progression of the city’s municipal golf system, pointing back nearly a century to 1927, when visionary community leaders established Ebony Hills Country Club under the design of legendary architect John Bredemus, known as the pioneer who shaped Texas golf. Ahead of the facility’s centennial celebration next year, Ochoa reflected on the heritage of the course, noting that under its iconic ebony trees, generations of local families — including himself, starting at age four — learned the game and forged lifelong civic relationships.

The Mayor contrasted this historic foundation with the city’s bold turn-of-the-millennium investment in East Edinburg, an area that previously required targeted economic revitalization. In 2001, the city commissioned world-renowned golf architect Robert von Hagge to construct Los Lagos Golf Club. von Hagge sculpted 7,200 yards featuring 11 interconnected lakes and dramatic earthworks, creating a premier regional recreational anchor.

“That investment has truly paid dividends,” Ochoa explained, noting how Los Lagos became a powerful economic engine that anchored high-value residential neighborhoods, lifted property values, and attracted commercial activity — including one of Texas’s highest-performing Walmart locations, commercial plazas, and proximity to UTRGV Vaqueros athletics.

“From John Bredemus in 1927 to von Hagge in 2001 to Troon Golf today, Edinburg continues to lead, innovate, and invest in our city’s future,” Ochoa said.

Jeff Thomasson, vice president of operations for Troon Golf. (Photo credit: City of Edinburg)

Elevating Operations & Driving Regional Tourism

Municipal leaders stressed that maintaining these assets requires operating at the highest industry standards. Through the partnership, Troon will integrate existing course employees into its global operational framework while implementing advanced turf management, elevated hospitality protocols, and nationwide marketing reach.

Jeff Thomasson, Regional Vice President of Operations for Troon, expressed equal enthusiasm for the collaboration, committing to bring both facilities to the level of quality that residents expect while actively driving regional sports tourism into Edinburg.

“We are as equally as excited as the city to be involved in this partnership and to bring these golf courses to the level of quality that the residents deserve and expect,” Thomasson told attendees. “Our sales and marketing mechanisms will be brought to bear. We will drive an immense amount of interest and participation at both facilities.”

The City of Edinburg hosted a Signing Ceremony at city hall for a new agreement it has forged with Troon Golf, Inc. (Photo credit: City of Edinburg)

Community Inclusion, Youth Programs, and Operational Decisiveness

Thomasson framed municipal golf courses as essential civic centers that foster social cohesion and accelerate community relationships. He emphasized that Troon’s mandate extends beyond daily course maintenance to encompass structured youth development and outreach to underserved populations.

“We are all about youth. We are all about underserved communities,” Thomasson said. “Yes, it is a for-profit business, call it what it is, but the principal reason golf exists is to improve the quality of life for everyone and to create opportunities for children that may not ever get the opportunity to step foot on the golf course. We are committed to growing the game in the Rio Grande Valley and making these facilities a great source of pride for the City of Edinburg.”

Acknowledging the transitional work required leading up to the September 1 start date, Thomasson emphasized that establishing top-tier standards requires operational discipline and candid, collaborative decision-making among elected officials, administrative staff, and residents.

“There are going to be hard decisions to make, and we get that. That’s part of our business… But these things are necessary to drive the project forward. I’m here as your partner. We are not ever unsuccessful,” Thomasson said.

With ongoing capital investments across Edinburg — including a new clubhouse scheduled for Ebony Hills and the development of a Workforce Resource Center — city officials maintain that this partnership solidifies Edinburg’s position as the premier sports, leisure, and economic hub in the Rio Grande Valley.