Houston’s Premier Championship Golf Destination
Introduction
Memorial Park Golf Course is not just any municipal course; it is one of the finest public golf courses in the United States. Located in Houston, Texas, this historic course has hosted PGA Tour events, welcomed legendary golfers, and undergone a stunning redesign to make it a modern championship-level test for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a casual golfer looking for a scenic round or a competitive player wanting a challenge, Memorial Park offers an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of one of America’s largest cities.
General Information
- Full Name: Memorial Park Golf Course
- Location: Houston, Texas, USA
- Year Established: 1936
- Course Designer(s): John Bredemus (original), Tom Doak (2020 redesign)
Memorial Park Golf Course was originally built in the 1930s and has remained one of Houston’s premier golfing destinations ever since. In 2020, the course underwent a dramatic redesign by Tom Doak, one of the most celebrated modern course architects, in collaboration with PGA Tour star Brooks Koepka to elevate the layout for professional tournaments.
What Makes Memorial Park Unique?
Course Type & Layout
- Type: Parkland Course
- Number of Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,432 yards (Championship tees)
- Greens: Bermuda grass with advanced drainage systems for year-round playability
Memorial Park offers a championship-level experience at an accessible price, making it a rare gem among municipal courses. The redesigned layout focuses on strategy, precision, and risk-reward decisions, offering a compelling challenge for both professional and amateur golfers.
Signature Holes & Standout Features
- Hole 2: A stunning par-3 over water with a well-protected green.
- Hole 11: A long par-5 with strategic bunkering, forcing players to make a tough decision between laying up or going for the green in two.
- Hole 18: A dramatic finishing hole that has produced thrilling moments in PGA Tour competition.
Tournaments & Legacy
Memorial Park Golf Course hosts the Houston Open, a major PGA Tour event that draws some of the world’s top players. The tournament’s move to Memorial Park in 2020 showcased the course’s ability to host elite professional golf on a public stage.
Iconic Moments
- 2020 Houston Open: Carlos Ortiz secured a dramatic victory, marking the return of professional golf to Memorial Park after nearly 60 years.
- Legends Who Have Played Here: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods have all competed on this historic course.
Champions of the Last 5 Years
- 2024 Houston Open Winner: TBD
- 2023 Houston Open Winner: Tony Finau (-16)
- 2022 Houston Open Winner: Jason Kokrak (-10)
- 2021 Houston Open Winner: Carlos Ortiz (-13)
- 2020 Houston Open Winner: Carlos Ortiz (-13)
Memorial Park’s ability to test the world’s best players underscores its championship pedigree.
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Amenities
- State-of-the-art clubhouse with dining and event spaces
- Top-tier practice facilities, including a double-decker driving range and short-game areas
- Golf Performance Center offering lessons from PGA professionals
- Public access with affordable green fees, making it one of the best value courses in the U.S.
Unlike most PGA Tour venues, Memorial Park remains a fully public course, allowing local golfers to walk the same fairways as the pros.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
- Lowest Tournament Round: 63 (Scottie Scheffler, 2022 Houston Open)
- Course Record: 61 (Unofficial, set during a practice round)
- Longest Drive: Over 400 yards (Downwind during the 2023 Houston Open)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Memorial Park was originally a World War I military training camp before being converted into a golf course.
- The course has one of the largest urban park settings in the U.S., covering 1,466 acres of green space.
- Brooks Koepka provided strategic input on the 2020 redesign, ensuring the course remains a true championship test for PGA Tour players.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Memorial Park Golf Course is a must-play for any golf enthusiast. It combines affordability, elite course design, and PGA Tour prestige, offering an experience that few public courses in the world can match. Ranked among the top public courses in the U.S., Memorial Park is a true gem in Houston’s golf scene. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the history, this course delivers an unforgettable round of golf.
