A multi-phase project that includes rebuilding the greens at Adams Golf Course moved forward Monday after a contract was awarded for an updated golf course master plan and design on the first half of the planned Greens Rebuild Project.
The City Council on Monday approved a contract with Heckenkemper Golf Course Design to update the master plan, last updated in 1999, and to provide design services later this summer for Phase 1 of the greens rebuild, which involves half of the greens on the course.
A portion of the funding for Phase 1, $700,000, was approved by voters in the 2020 General Obligation Bond Election. Another $500,000 will be provided by private donations. Voters will consider funding for Phase 2 of the project, $1.2 million, to rebuild the remaining greens, during an election set for Oct. 10.
According to City Golf Professional Jerry Benedict, upgrading the greens is needed to protect the golf course, which is an important investment for the community.
“The greens are vital to the overall health of the golf course,” Benedict said. “The economic impact our golf course has on the community is more far-reaching than many people realize. Not only does the course bring people to Bartlesville, but it is an important tool for local non-profits that count on the fund raisers held at the golf course that keep their doors open and provide services to our citizens.”
Benedict said the annual United Way tournament, for instance, raises roughly $1 million every year. This year’s tournament is set for Sept. 12.
“The United Way tournament brings a thousand players and 300 volunteers to our community — people who stay in our hotels and eat at our restaurants,” he said. “Other organizations raise another $1 million in addition to that. These tournaments have more of an economic impact on our community than most people know.”
According to Director of Engineering Micah Siemers, the serviceable life for greens is around 20 years before maintenance “becomes difficult and playability degrades.” The newest greens at Adams were rebuilt in 2000. The rest of the greens are original to the course, which was constructed in the early 1960s, Siemers said.
“It is estimated that the majority of the greens have lost 25 percent to 35 percent of the playing surface due to encroachment of the fringe,” he said.
Heckenkemper Golf Course Design will update the Adams Golf Course Master Plan for a fee of $39,500 and add design services as a contract amendment later this summer to target beginning construction on Phase 1 of the greens rebuild next spring.