What Once Was, Is No More
Three Crowns Golf Club resides in the Platte River Commons, formerly known as the Amoco Refinery. The refinery was first operated by Midwest Refining Company in 1913, to process petroleum from the Salt Creek Field, located about forty-five miles north of Casper. In 1923, the Salt Creek Field peaked at 100,000 barrels per day. Standard Oil of Indiana took controlling interest and invested $10 million to expand it. In 1941, refining was modified to supply the military with fuel oil, toluene for explosives and aviation fuel. In 1953, the refinery began making commercial aviation fuel and increased the octane of motor gasoline. Standard Oil’s Refinery was said to be the largest plant in the world for volume of gasoline produced (615,000 gallons per month). At the height of production, 48,000 barrels of oil were processed, and the refinery employed approximately 750 people.
The former Amoco Refinery, located on the western side of Casper, was the lifeblood of the community’s economy for over 60 years, since its beginnings in the early 1900’s. It provided thousands of well-paying jobs and refined petroleum products to Casper and the nation. The refinery process area occupied approximately 340 acres, which was supported by a tank farm, to the north, of approximately 700 acres.
Beginning in 1981, prior to the time of the refinery shutdown, Amoco began to implement a plan to clean up the site and prevent the underground flow of contamination. It did so by installing several groundwater recovery wells and accompanying pumps. Around 120 recovery wells have been installed within the golf course and along the barrier wall. These wells pump groundwater out at a rate of 700 gallons per minute. The oil and other chemicals are then separated through a series of filtering wetlands, which serve as water hazards on the golf course.
Notable Awards
Since opening in 2005, Three Crowns Golf Club has received numerous awards and accolades from national publications. Below are just a sampling of awards and honors:
Golfweek #2 Public Course in the State of Wyoming
Golfweek Best Courses You Can Play State By State 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 & 2006
In 2013 Three Crowns Golf Club ranked ahead of Teton Pines in Wilson (#3), Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club in Jackson (#4) and Bell Nob GC in Gillette (#5)
Best New Courses In The Country
Golfweek Magazine in 2006 ranked #20 in Top 50 ranking of courses that opened in a 2 year period.
Green Award – Golf Inc Magazine (2009)
“Golf Inc. is pleased to recognize Three Crowns for its unique and innovative approach to environmental sustainability,” said Katina Cavagnaro, publisher of Golf Inc. “The judges commended Three Crowns as a great example of how effective partnerships can transform a blemished site and create a sustainable end use that provides outstanding environmental economic and social benefits to the community.”
Phoenix Award (2006)
Acknowledging excellence in Brownfield redevelopment. This coveted award recognizes environmental successes in renovating industrial areas and resulted in national publicity for Three Crowns in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and many other major publications.
Top 5 Best Public Golf Courses in Wyoming - 2012, 2010, 2008
Three Crowns Golf Club received the honor of being in the “Top Five” of all public courses in Wyoming. This was awarded to Three Crowns Golf Club on three separate occasions.
National Golf Foundation Customer Loyalty Award
Three Crowns Golf Club was honored in the “Top Three” of all daily fee facilities that have a peak rate in the range of $40-$70. Three Crowns had the second highest loyalty scores amongst the courses nationally in this category! Factors that included overall course conditions, condition of greens, pace of play, friendliness/service of staff, food and beverage service, overall experience, the condition of tees, bunkers, fairways and other key factors that drive customer loyalty.
