Today, Mayor G.T. Bynum, Tulsa Parks officials, the PGA of America, and members of the Citizens Golf Advisory Committee announced their renewed commitment to the future of municipal golf courses in the City of Tulsa.
“Our golf courses are city-owned assets, and we want them to be something everyone is proud of,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “This renewed commitment is a plan of action between the city and the community to invest in our courses, so they last for future generations of Tulsans.”
In January, the Tulsa City Council approved $1 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for capital improvements pending a match of those funds from the private sector.
Along with the city’s contributions, the PGA of America, through its foundation PGA REACH, announced they will be donating $250,000 towards the community fundraising drive. This generous donation kicks off the Citizens Golf Advisory Committee’s fundraising efforts.
“PGA REACH is pleased to donate the first $250,000 dollars in support of this most important municipal golf public/private project,” Kennie Simms, PGA REACH Senior Director said. “Through our A Place to Play Program and in our championship markets, we are committed to leaving a legacy that helps deliver inclusive PGA programming through the hard work and dedication of PGA Professionals and our PGA sections like the South-Central section here in Oklahoma. We hope this gift inspires others to lean in and support the project.”
A host of improvement projects are being considered, including repairs to bunkers, cart paths, sodding of turf, pump station renovations, irrigation improvements, and bridge repair at Mohawk, along with numerous other projects.
“The Citizens Golf Advisory Committee continues to work with Parks Director Anna America and golf course operator, Troon Golf Management, to ensure that city-owned golf courses are maintained to the standards that all golfers expect,” Nick Sidorakis, Citizens Golf Advisory Committee member and general manager at Southern Hills Country Club said. “In the future, we hope to create more PGA golf programming through clinics, lessons, and accessibility for all Tulsans.”
Improvements are already underway at Mohawk, with the bridge repair project recently completed in February. Last week, work began at Page Belcher to improve the greens by removing trees and improving sod conditions.
“This collaboration between Tulsa Parks, community members, and user groups will only help expand and improve our programs and services so more Tulsans will want to use our public courses in the future,” Anna America, Chief of Recreation and Culture and Parks Director said.
Citizens can also take part in this grassroots fundraising effort. Donations can be made to the Tulsa Community Foundations online at www.tulsacf.org/golf. All donations are tax-deductible.
