High winds and rain have caused some delays with the voter-approved Adams Golf Course Greens Project, but plans to reopen the course are still set for the first week in September, Director of Engineering Micah Siemers said today.
“We have had to adjust some things because of the high winds and multiple days of rain a while back. But overall, we are still on target to reopen the course the first part of September,” Siemers said.
The project, which got underway last fall, includes the replacement of all 18 course greens, along with the nursery, chipping and putting greens, and upgrading the course’s drainage system.
High wind gusts experienced by the Bartlesville area in recent weeks displaced some of the topsoil on the new greens, resulting in some delays in sodding. Jonesplan, the contractor on the project, replaced the topsoil as necessary and mitigated the issues with continuous watering.
However, the issue now is seeding, Siemers said.
“We were targeted to begin seeding today, actually, but those plans have been pushed back due to the wind,” Siemers said. “This is a really fine seed, so it’s impossible to do this portion of the project with the wind the way it currently is.”
Jonesplan is tentatively planning to complete the seeding later this week, said Adams Golf Course Superintendent Jody Shahan.
“It’s looking like Thursday would be the best day to begin the seeding process,” Shahan said. “They are finishing up some shaping this week, and the growing consultant will be here this afternoon, so we’ll start immediately prepping everything for the seed.”
New Director of Golf
The City recently hired Dee Roadman as Director of Golf for the course. Roadman, who previously served at Battle Creek Golf Club in Broken Arrow, took over the leadership role on April 7.
“We are excited to have Dee on-board,” said Sanders. “We are currently working out some of the details that will be involved in reopening the course, including hiring new staff for the Pro Shop and Clubhouse and determining fees, memberships and other items related to reopening the course.”
Other golf course updates
The City Council recently approved the purchase of new carts, EZ-GO carts with GPS and 10-inch touchscreens.
“We anticipate receiving the new carts this summer,” Sanders said.
Also, discussions are currently underway to offer customers and events better food options.
“We are working on ways to enhance the golfing experience at Adams Golf Course,” said Roadman. “In addition to improving food and drink options, we are working to build a Golf Operations Team that will be focused on offering a welcoming and fun atmosphere.
“We want the golfers who have been playing here for many years as well as the new golfers who are just starting out to feel welcome and enjoy playing and practicing at Adams Golf Course. Our main goal is to create a fun environment where everyone feels welcome.”