BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — Adams Municipal Golf Course is set for its largest financial investment since its inception, including a leadership transition and a multi-million dollar greens rebuild project.
The course, established in 1963 and originally costing $317,000 or approximately $3.3 million in today’s money, was completely funded through private donations. This time, less than a quarter of the new project is funded with donations, the rest through taxpayer dollars.
Before the major investment, the city announced Golf Professional Jerry Benedict plans to retire in August and appointed Class A PGA Professional Jason Dochney as the interim director at July’s council’s meeting.
Dochney, currently the teaching professional at Adams Golf Course, has been praised for his contributions since joining earlier this year.
“Jason has been a great asset to Adams Golf Course since he began serving as the teaching professional earlier this year,” Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders said. “This appointment will allow for a seamless transition and maintain continuity in golf course operations following Jerry’s retirement.”
Benedict served as the Adams Golf Pro for 38 years, and the Bartlesville Sports Commission inducted Benedict into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022 for his contributions to the sport and the community.
Under the current city agreement, Benedict owns, operates and receives 100 percent of the revenue from the pro shop, beverage sales, golf cart rentals and range ball rentals.
Upon Benedict’s retirement, the city is contractually obligated to buy him out. The city will take over the operations of his business.
“We have been aware of Jerry’s plans to retire this year so the cost of purchasing his business is included in the 2024-25 Fiscal Year budget, which goes into effect on July 1,” Sanders said. “We anticipate the purchase will be final at the time of Jerry’s retirement, currently set for Aug. 16. At that time, the City will begin oversight of all aspects of Adams Golf Course.”
According to the city budget, $655,700 is listed as a separate line item for the Adam’s Golf Course Pro Shop, which includes approximately $124,000 for Benedict’s salary, $500,000 to help with the ownership transition and additional expenses. This line item is a 356 percent increase over last year.
City staff estimates that Benedict’s buyout could account for up to half the money earmarked for the transition.
In July, the City Council approved a $15,000 contract with JJ Keegan to conduct a strategic review of the Adams Golf Course management model. Sanders stated that the consultant will evaluate current operations and compare them to modern trends to determine the best way forward.
Greens rebuild project
A $2.2 million greens rebuild project is slated to begin later this year or early next year, replacing all 18 greens on the course. Public Works Director Micah Siemers indicated that plans for the project are nearing completion, with final details being worked out with the consultant.
The most recent greens at Adams were rebuilt in 2000, while the remaining greens, which are original to the course, date back to the opening in 1963.
“Generally, the serviceable life for greens is around 20 years before maintenance becomes difficult and playability degrades,” Siemers said. “We are working to finalize plans for the rebuild project and hope to have that wrapped up soon,”
The target date for completion is mid-2025, with construction tentatively scheduled to start in January 2025, depending on contractor availability and weather conditions, according to Siemers.
Preparatory work for the greens rebuild has been ongoing, including removing hundreds of trees to control erosion and promote grass growth.
This project’s funding comes from the 2018, 2020, and 2023 General Obligation Bond Elections and private donations.
Additional upgrades
Besides the greens rebuild, the project includes a new roof and covered patio over the north end of the clubhouse. Originally budgeted at $30,000, the cost has increased to $51,071 due to rising material costs, according to Siemers.
“This project was originally planned for Year 5 of the 2020 half-cent sales tax extension, but due to need was moved to year four (FY 2024-25) and the budget was increased based upon quotes received in December 2023,” Siemers said.
Financial overview and future operations
Currently, the city only receives revenue from the greens fees, locker rentals, and memberships, while the golf pro receives the revenue from range balls, cart rentals, and retail sales.
The city covers the salaries of the golf pro and maintenance staff, maintenance costs, and utilities, with operational deficits subsidized by the general fund.
“Adams Golf Course is an important asset to our community in ways some people may not even realize,” Sanders said. “Not only is it a service that the city can provide to Bartlesville residents, the golf course attracts visitors from surrounding communities and beyond, helping to bring additional sales tax dollars to our city.”
She added that while the course operates at a loss and requires general fund transfers, similar to other city services like swimming pools, it enhances the quality of life for residents and contributes to economic development.
“The fundraisers that are held at the golf course raise in excess of a million dollars each year, providing much-needed assistance to some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Sanders said.