Golf club plans to lure PGA

By Stacey Cameron, NEWS 9

Ed Evans, the new owner of Oak Tree Golf Club, wants to bring the PGA back to Oklahoma City.

He intends on doing so by toughening the links at Oak Tree.

"I'm thrilled to death. The opportunity to have such a piece of golf history in Oklahoma," said Evans. "We're going to work to make this a world class venue and see what we can attract."

If the PGA were to come back to the Sooner state, the visit would put more money into the Oklahoma economy.

"I think there is an opportunity for the PGA to look at some new venues," Evans said. "Certainly Oklahoma has proven to be a world class venue."

Proof for Evans is the PGA Championship last summer at Southern Hills. The tournament drove an estimated $60 million into the Tulsa economy, but according to Evans, Oak Tree will need a spruce up first. 

The legendary golf architect, Pete Dye designed Oak Tree in 1976, and Evans said he plans to invite Dye back to see if he's like to oversee the restoration design.

Once the restoration is complete, Evans said he think Oak Tree's chances of getting the PGA will increase.

Evans also said the USGA is visiting next month to talk about bringing an amateur event to Oak Tree.

Evans purchased the club from Don Mathis.

Oak Tree cost $3 million to build the club in 1974. Mathis was part of a group that purchased it for $3.5 million in 1994.