EDMOND (Okla.) — Residents who want to play at KickingBird Golf Club will have to wait.
Officials from the city have approved spending $564,931.48 more to install a water pumping station to increase water pressure for irrigation, fire suppression, and domestic consumption. The facility will be reopened later in the year.
Edmond will spend $20.119,924.70 total to rebuild the clubhouse, renovations the greens, and update the irrigation system. He also plans to purchase and install furniture, fixtures, and other equipment.
The renovations will be completed, among other things, in order to bring a PGA Tour Champions event into town.
In October, contractors installing the irrigation system for the course noticed “very low” water pressures. This led course officials to ask the water department of the city to monitor water pressures at the development’s supply lines.
Officials based on this data determined that there was not enough water pressure available to supply the course and clubhouse.
Kingbird project costs rise
Edmond signed an original contract worth $13,478,500 for the rebuilding of the clubhouse, and $4,840 909.50 to rebuild greens and overhaul irrigation system.
If no changes are required, the cost to build the clubhouse is estimated at $14,531.290 after the 11th change order.
Brian Soerensen is Edmond’s director for golf. He looks out over the excavation that will be Kickingbird Golf Club’s underground cart storage space beneath the clubhouse. After major renovations, the course was due to reopen in fall 2022. (Photo by Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman).
The 50-year-old clubhouse and course were renovated by city leaders a little more than a year ago. They noted that the overhaul could bring Champions to the area, as well other events that could boost revenues and play.
The project included the construction of a new clubhouse as well as an underground cart barn, event area, short game practice area and indoor teaching facility.
The course received irrigation upgrades, and greens were redesigned. Two holes were also completely redesigned. Tee boxes were replaced, bunker modifications were made, and tee boxes were also replaced.
Brian Soerensen was Edmond’s director for golf. He told council members that the changes will delay plans to open the clubhouse.
He acknowledged that the setback was disappointing but said, “The silver lining is that all the facilities will be open at once.”
Soerensen stated that a specific date for opening will be announced in the latter part of this year.
