Adams Municipal Golf Course might look a little different these days as a tree removal effort is underway in preparation for a much larger project later this year.
“We are on the verge of a major renovation at the golf course,” said Jody Shahan, golf course superintendent. “We are about nine months out from starting reconstruction on all 18 of our greens.”
The City-owned golf course is set to close Oct. 31 for the $2.2 million greens rebuild project. The course is anticipated to be closed in November and December with a partial opening planned in January.
Funding for the project comes from the 2018 and 2023 General Obligation Bond Elections, as well as private donations.
Part of the plan preparation includes the removal of about 200 trees from the golf course, including invasive trees such as western red cedar, in an effort to control erosion and promote grass growth. Shahan said that about 80 trees have been removed thus far.
“It sounds like a lot, but those were the small trees,” said Shahan. “We still have the big trees left to take out, so that’s going to be our focus between now and when the contractors start rolling in at the end of the year. Lots and lots of trees to be taken down, which will help improve the turf, improve the golf course, speed up play and make it look a lot more manicured.”
Shahan noted that the reduction in trees will also help with air movement across the greens, which is vital to a healthy green. Some of the greens at the course currently have fans installed to help mitigate the lack of air movement.
“If we can keep air moving across those greens, that’s huge,” said Shahan. “Some of the greens that we have problems with right now do not get any air movement across them. Some of them have fans installed for that simple reason.”
Despite the ongoing work, Shahan said the golf course has been buzzing with activity lately.
“With the weather we’ve been having, it’s just been crazy,” he said. “People are getting out and enjoying it.”
For more information, including tee times and golf lessons, contact the Pro Shop at 918.331.3900.