High winds nearly derailed this Oklahoma municipal golf course renovation

USA Today

17-05-2025

High winds nearly derailed this Oklahoma municipal golf course renovation
BARTLESVILLE, Oklahoma — The winds have been relentless, but the momentum at Adams Golf Course hasn't slowed.
Despite gusty weather and rain delays, the voter-approved $2.4 million greens renovation at Bartlesville's historic public course remains on track, city officials confirmed this week. The course is still expected to reopen in early September.
'We have had to adjust some things because of the high winds and multiple days of rain a while back,' said City Engineering Director Micah Siemers. 'But overall, we are still on target.'
The project, launched last fall, represents the largest investment in Adams Golf Course history, according to longtime Superintendent Jody Shahan. The project includes a full redesign of all 18 greens — 14 of them original to the 1963 course — plus upgrades to the chipping area, putting green and nursery green.
In addition to the visible redesign, the project also tackles some of the hidden challenges that had plagued the course for years. Decades-old drainage systems beneath the greens had clogged with organic material, creating soggy conditions and fostering fungal diseases like root rot. This resulted in struggling turf and poor playability.
To address those issues, crews removed large swaths of overgrowth and dozens of trees to increase sunlight exposure and air movement, helping dry out the course and improve overall turf health. The redesign also restores significant surface area — with some greens gaining nearly 50% more playable space.
The new greens will be seeded with 007XL Creeping Bentgrass, a modern variety prized for its durability, resilience, and smooth roll.
'This new grass we are using is better in about every way,' Shahan said.
Greens renovation at Adams Golf Course delayed by high winds
Recent wind gusts caused topsoil to shift across the greens, forcing the contractor, Jonesplan, to rework several areas before sodding and seeding could begin. Continuous watering helped mitigate the damage, but high winds have now pushed back seeding efforts.
'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,' Siemers said.
Shahan said crews are tentatively set to begin seeding immediately, assuming conditions cooperate.
"They are finishing up some shaping, and the growing consultant will be here," Shahan said. "We'll start immediately prepping everything for the seed."
Veteran pro Dee Roadman joins Adams Golf Course as director
While construction crews shape the course, newly hired Director of Golf Dee Roadman is shaping the future of golf in Bartlesville.
Roadman took over the role April 7, bringing years of experience from Battle Creek Golf Club in Broken Arrow. His first impressions? A course with strong bones and a community that cares.
'Adams Golf Course is a great and challenging layout and really fun to play,' Roadman said. "The local players are very fortunate to have such an outstanding public course to play in Bartlesville."
Roadman said he was drawn to Adams in part because of the community's appreciation for it as a recreational asset."I also enjoy and appreciate the history and small-town feel of Bartlesville," he said.
Roadman plans to continue improving turf conditions, particularly in weaker areas, and said tree removal efforts in recent months, guided by USGA recommendations, will help sunlight and airflow across the fairways.
But his broader goal? Making Adams not just a good course, but a good time.
Roadman lays out roadmap to improve player experience
Roadman said he has a simple, proven approach to managing the golf course — make it fun and welcoming.
"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," he said.
That means building a golf operations team focused on service, introducing themed tournaments and upgrading amenities. It also means bringing some 21st-century flair to the fairway.
The City Council recently approved the purchase of new EZ-GO carts equipped with GPS and 10-inch touchscreens — expected to arrive this summer. Discussions are also underway to enhance food and drink options for both daily players and event crowds.
'My hope is that when Adams Golf Course reopens later this year, they will appreciate the newly renovated greens and the other course improvements,' Roadman said.
City leaders are still ironing out the logistics of reopening, including new staff hires, membership structures and clubhouse operations. With greens nearly complete and a seasoned pro at the helm, Adams Golf Course isn't just bouncing back — it's aiming higher.
And if the wind dies down? Even sooner.