Renderings by GSB of the proposed new clubhouse at Earlywine.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/earlywine1a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/earlywine2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/earlywine3.jpg

just a fyi this was funded by a previous Go bond vote

I lobbied and voted for this project. Probably to early to tell by the rendering but that is butt ugly for 12.4 million. I like the lighted driving range enhancements, but why oh why can’t it look similar to Lincoln. I don’t understand why they changed architects. I’m sure Hefner’s renovation will look exponentially better.

I had a good customer and friend that was very involved in building the new clubhouse at Lincoln. I haven’t seen him in a few years but at the time it was finished he told me that Earlywine would be very similar to Lincoln but better because they will have learned from their mistakes... it’s an understatement to call those renderings even a huge disappointment... they kinda look similar to what the clubhouse looks like currently and that is not good any way...

I don't think this looks too bad - to be honest the Lincoln clubhouse reminds me of Bass Pro Shop.

Is Earlywine a municipal course?

Huh...I thought the renderings looked nice. Oh, well.

Is Earlywine a municipal course?

yes

and i also think this looks pretty good .. kind of a mid-century feel

I like it. Giving me slight Streamsong Black clubhouse vibes. Will all depend on the quality of the materials and the quality of construction

15333

I liked them too.

they kinda look similar to what the clubhouse looks like currently and that is not good any way...

Yeah... I had to do a double take and ask myself if it was a rendering of what is already there.

Yeah... I had to do a double take and ask myself if it was a rendering of what is already there.

Especially pics two and three. They look almost identical to the current clubhouse.

It looks like a run of the mill municipal building to me. Does anyone of pics of the current clubhouse for comparison?

Building permit applications have been filed for this project.

I had a good customer and friend that was very involved in building the new clubhouse at Lincoln. I haven’t seen him in a few years but at the time it was finished he told me that Earlywine would be very similar to Lincoln but better because they will have learned from their mistakes... it’s an understatement to call those renderings even a huge disappointment... they kinda look similar to what the clubhouse looks like currently and that is not good any way...

It appears that this is more of a remodel than a demolition and new construction. It is a far cry from what Lincoln Park got. I would also add that based on the 2nd rendering I hope they don't have the steps on the east side leading into a stone wall :)

I actually like the look of the exterior. Keeps with the prairie mid-century vibe, but either way, it's been the interior of that building that has desperately needed an upgrade. I'm 38 and started going there when I was 5 and I can't honestly remember it ever looking anything short of a dump.

Per Mayor Holt’s Twitter this project broke ground today:

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1405559017959792643?s=21

Not much has been happening here, as they had to deal with asbestos removal.

But today they filed for a demo permit for the existing clubhouse, so we should start to see this project start to move forward again.

New renderings have been published per the KFOR story below.

https://kfor.com/news/local/okc-golfers-get-ready-as-earlywine-golf-course-takes-next-steps-toward-big-renovations/

Pete - The article references the bond issue at $8.5MM. I recall the bond issue was actually $12MM. Thoughts? I’ve been worried about this project as I’ve felt we would get short changed on the final product compared to Hefner and Lincoln. Also, seemed odd that the renderings didn’t surface until now.

This is a bit off topic but I was visiting with some folks this weekend who are pretty involved in the golf community in the metro, and they were really raving about how nice the Kickingbird renovations will be. Lincoln, Hefner and Earlywine were discussed too, but it caused me to pull up the renderings for Kickingbird and they do look nice. The metro has some really nice public golf facilities especially with all the improvements being made. John Conrad just completed a course update as well and re-opened a few weeks ago.

https://www.edmondok.gov/371/KickingBird-Golf-Club

New renderings have been published per the KFOR story below.

https://kfor.com/news/local/okc-golfers-get-ready-as-earlywine-golf-course-takes-next-steps-toward-big-renovations/

Pete - The article references the bond issue at $8.5MM. I recall the bond issue was actually $12MM. Thoughts? I’ve been worried about this project as I’ve felt we would get short changed on the final product compared to Hefner and Lincoln. Also, seemed odd that the renderings didn’t surface until now.

Yes, the budget had been $12.45MM and square footage was 22,000 (as of 2019); it's now at 18,600.

John Conrad just completed a course update as well and re-opened a few weeks ago.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but the redone John Conrad should be the model for muni golf throughout the state when it comes to the actual course. I'm a member at Twin Hills but we've been playing JC a lot since it's reopened and it's easily become both my favorite muni in the city (and I love the Lincoln courses and James E Stewart - which has also improved drastically in the last couple years) and what I believe is the ideal for municipal golf.

The course is now wide open after extensive tree removal with firm wide fairways (that I'm sure will continue to improve over time), allowing novice and less skilled golfers to have a fighting chance.

The greens are easily the best public greens in the city (though I suspect Kicking Bird will compete) and are better from a fun and design perspective than most private courses. They're wacky (in a good way) without being too over the top and provide a great defense against good golfers while allowing less good golfers to hit all sorts of fun and crazy putts and shots.

I think it's important that great municipal golf (and really, all good golf courses should do this) allow the average/below average golfer to enjoy themselves while maintaining a challenge for above average golfers and I think they hit it out of the park with this renovation.

It's not really a hidden gem at this point as the tee sheet is completely packed but if you would have never given JC a second thought in the past (like I admit I would not have), definitely recommend checking it out, especially this fall as they won't have to soak the greens to keep them alive (they're bent grass, so they've needed all the water they could get this summer).

Yes, the budget had been $12.45MM and square footage was 22,000 (as of 2019); it's now at 18,600.

Any explanation for the change? if anything I would have thought the budget would have been increased due to inflation.

My o my have metro golf course club houses changed since I played golf in the 70s and 80s. I can't believe that dining area.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but the redone John Conrad should be the model for muni golf throughout the state when it comes to the actual course. I'm a member at Twin Hills but we've been playing JC a lot since it's reopened and it's easily become both my favorite muni in the city (and I love the Lincoln courses and James E Stewart - which has also improved drastically in the last couple years) and what I believe is the ideal for municipal golf.

The course is now wide open after extensive tree removal with firm wide fairways (that I'm sure will continue to improve over time), allowing novice and less skilled golfers to have a fighting chance.

The greens are easily the best public greens in the city (though I suspect Kicking Bird will compete) and are better from a fun and design perspective than most private courses. They're wacky (in a good way) without being too over the top and provide a great defense against good golfers while allowing less good golfers to hit all sorts of fun and crazy putts and shots.

I think it's important that great municipal golf (and really, all good golf courses should do this) allow the average/below average golfer to enjoy themselves while maintaining a challenge for above average golfers and I think they hit it out of the park with this renovation.

It's not really a hidden gem at this point as the tee sheet is completely packed but if you would have never given JC a second thought in the past (like I admit I would not have), definitely recommend checking it out, especially this fall as they won't have to soak the greens to keep them alive (they're bent grass, so they've needed all the water they could get this summer).

i agree with you on conrad it is really nice now (i hope the maintenance staff can keep in that way)

i will say it is completely absurd that they use 7 min tee times with 5 person groups ...

they also don't accept cash ... which is crazy for a muni ..

i will say it is completely absurd that they use 7 min tee times with 5 person groups ...

they also don't accept cash ... which is crazy for a muni ..

Definitely agree on the tee times. Have had a couple of agonizingly slow rounds. And is very weird they don't accept cash. Also surprised they don't have a beverage cart. With so many people on the course I'd assume it would be a profitable endeavor.

7 minutes is really short these days. With pandemic a lot of courses that were 7-8 pre-pandemic went to 10 and some to 12-14. A lot of those have settled back in to 10 now. I know it is all about $$, but the user experience should come into play a bit even on a muni.

Also surprised they don't have a beverage cart. With so many people on the course I'd assume it would be a profitable endeavor.

They have been slowly disappearing... at least at the courses I play.

New renderings have been published per the KFOR story below.

https://kfor.com/news/local/okc-golfers-get-ready-as-earlywine-golf-course-takes-next-steps-toward-big-renovations/

Pete - The article references the bond issue at $8.5MM. I recall the bond issue was actually $12MM. Thoughts? I’ve been worried about this project as I’ve felt we would get short changed on the final product compared to Hefner and Lincoln. Also, seemed odd that the renderings didn’t surface until now.

This is the response I received from OKC: "There has not been reduction in the funds for this project, the total budget is $ 12 million. The project’s soft costs for the overall project pay for architecture and engineering fees, permits, studies, art, and project management, construction management, etc. and are the initial costs charged to the project. The construction budget is $ 8.5 million. The size of the facility is the same as Lincoln."

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/earlywine010423a.jpg

This project is also delayed with a expected completion date of Oct/Nov 2023. Project was reduced by over $100k at todays council meeting.

That's a real shame. The Southside continues to be an afterthought of the city.

That's a real shame. The Southside continues to be an afterthought of the city.

the project is fully under construction and this change order only added 20 more work days ...

how is it a "afterthought"

the project is fully under construction how is it a "afterthought"

Because they reduced the project by over $100k so they could get it occupied quicker because it's a project that should have been done some time ago because the Southside is an afterthought.

Because they reduced the project by over $100k so they could get it occupied quicker because it's a project that should have been done some time ago because the Southside is an afterthought.

nope they eliminated 2 things to have available funds for extra electrical work and other extra work and still fit into the budget ..

and had those funds left over ..

they are not finishing phase 4 and 5 of parking any more ..

nope they eliminated 2 things to have available funds for extra electrical work and other extra work and still fit into the budget ..

and had those funds left over ..

they are not finishing phase 4 and 5 of parking any more ..

Unfortunately you are incorrect, below is the document that was used by the city council today. I highlighted their justification.

17984

Press release:

***********

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/earlywine061124a.jpg

Earlywine Golf Club Clubhouse Grand Opening July 10
06/11/2024

The community is invited to the grand opening of the Earlywine Golf Clubhouse, 11600 S Portland Ave, at 10:30 a.m. on July 10.

The new, 8,000-square-foot clubhouse features a full-service restaurant and bar called The Overlook Restaurant and Pub, patio seating with golf course views, a grab-and-go café, a banquet room for 200 guests, an event lawn and a 12-seat conference room that can be rented for private events.

“The new clubhouse is a first-class destination for dining, socializing and community get-togethers,” Dan Langford Jr., Earlywine Director of Golf said. “Earlywine Golf Club is a destination that will be highly sought after.”

The clubhouse also includes 24 covered and lighted driving range bays.

“The practice facility is protected from the weather. It is heated, shaded and lit for nighttime use,” Langford added. “It will be recognized as the best in the region.”

The $8.5 million clubhouse is funded by the voter-approved Better Streets, Safer City Bond election.

Earlywine Golf Club includes two 18-hole golf courses. Tee times can be booked online at okcgolf.com.

Great to hear. I guess that the building itself will be open and they will move out of the trailers. Would be shocked if they are completely done with all construction by that date. The driving range and parking lot still have some work left. That being said, Hefner will have a high bar to clear to be on the same level as Earlywine.

The time it has taken to complete this building is insane. Same with the Altmonte Library and the Senior Health & Wellness Center #4.

Good to see it'll have a lighted driving range. Anyone know where else in OKC there's a lighted range?

Good to see it'll have a lighted driving range. Anyone know where else in OKC there's a lighted range?

Kickingbird; open until 11PM.

Good to see it'll have a lighted driving range. Anyone know where else in OKC there's a lighted range?

Does Top Golf count?

Good to see it'll have a lighted driving range. Anyone know where else in OKC there's a lighted range?
There is also Jimmie Austin in Norman and JRs right off of I44 in Moore, north of Newcastle exit.

There is also Jimmie Austin in Norman and JRs right off of I44 in Moore, north of Newcastle exit.

JRs is like 5 miles west from Moore city limits lol. I would totally confused had I not known what you are talking about.