Karsten Creek - Andrew Green Renovation

Karsten Creek in Stillwater, Oklahoma opened in 1994. The $1 million gift from John Solheim of PING golf was the source of the Karsten namesake for the golf course. Budget to construct the 1994 course was between $3 and $4 million. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course garnered critical acclaim and has hosted prestigious university national championships.

Oklahoma State University announced a $120 million donation from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation with approximately $31 million allocated for renovation updates to Karsten Creek golf course. Past golf coach and athletic director Mike Holder is credited for the initiative to build the course for the Oklahoma State University golf team.

Ivan Salas from McDonald & Sons led the golf construction effort as onsite project manager with Eddie Ruvalcaba from Heritage Links leading irrigation installation. GCBAA has an interview with Eddie Ruvalcaba from Heritage Links. Cart paths and the irrigation system have been rebuilt. Advanced Drainage Systems supplied sub-surface infrastructure pipes and valves.

Golf architect Andrew Green started the renovation in October 2023. Back tees were 7,400 yards prior to the Andrew Green changes. Requirements for additional back tees championship golf length to challenge college golfers was part of the build. Convention has changed at Karsten Creek with no tee markers and par removed from each hole on the scorecard.

Additionally, a state of the art heating and cooling system sub-surface drip irrigation SDI hydronics will be installed beneath the greens, ensuring optimal temperatures year-round. The hydronic system transforms labor requirements by reducing hand watering the greens during the summer and reduces water requirements. Sub-surface hydronics also reduce the necessity for fans for air circulation. By effectively managing the turfgrass, challenges from summer heat are minimized where the grass cannot photosynthesize properly becoming stressed to recover from ball marks or withstand foot traffic.

Kyle Callahan is the grow in superintendent for the next chapter of Karsten Creek with a grounds crew strength of 28+ people. Oklahomas's climate support both C3 and C4 grass types. Cool season C3 grasses like ryegrass and tall fescue will combine with warm season bermuda or zoysia C4 grass types. Greens are planted in bentgrass./p>

Andrew Green has degrees from Virginia Tech in Landscape Architecture and Turfgrass Science. In recent years, Green has found championship golf re-design acclaim at Congressional Country Club's Blue Course, site of the 2022 Women's PGA Championship, and Oak Hill Country Club, site of the 2023 PGA Championship.