An updated Iowa classic turns to Troon

Troon has been selected to manage the Legacy Golf Course at the 19, a semi-private club in Mason City, Iowa. Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon, will manage golf operations, agronomy, and food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing.

The Legacy Golf Course at the 19 has a history dating to 1915, when Tom Bendelow designed the former Mason City Country Club. The classic Bendelow design featured moderately sloped greens, bunkers close to the greens and short walks from greens to tees.

In 2022, the deteriorating club was purchased by Iowans Joe and Pam Pritchard, who immediately set out to enhance and improve the historic community asset. Architect Kevin Norby oversaw a significant course renovation that was completed last year and included a new irrigation system, new water features and bunkers, the realignment of fairways, and the addition of forward tees. New greens were built on the first, second and 10th holes, and the 11th hole was completely redesigned.

Two-time major champion John Daly was also involved in the renovation process, adding length to numerous holes and coining the nickname “Bad Boy Corner” to holes 11, 12 and 13.

Joe Pritchard, president and CEO of Pritchard Companies, a national automotive enterprise, renamed the course the “Legacy” to represent his family’s generational connection to the property. His father, Bill Pritchard, worked as a caddie at Mason City Country Club for his first job.

“We continue to invest in the success of Legacy,” Pritchard said. “Our goal has been to restore a North Iowa treasure and create a destination golf course and facility for everyone to enjoy. When you think of Troon, you think of golf excellence. Our members and guests will be able to enjoy the Troon experience at the Legacy and their facilities around the world. It is an incredible honor to be invited to be part of their organization.”

Troon operations SVP Phillip Martin added that the company is “honored and humbled to work with the Pritchard family at the Legacy Golf Course at the 19. By partnering with Troon, it is evident that they are committed to making the member and guest experience the absolute best it can be.”