The PGA Tour's Houston Open is played on the storied fairways of Memorial Park Golf Course, a truly unique public facility located in the heart of Houston, Texas. This article will walk you through the specifics of its current home, touch on the tournament's past venues, and give you a coach's perspective on what makes this Tom Doak-redesigned course a brilliant challenge for both the pros and amateurs lucky enough to play it.
Since 2020, Memorial Park Golf Course has been the proud host of the Cadence Bank Houston Open. This isn't your typical Tour stop. Unlike the pristine, exclusive private clubs that dot the PGA Tour schedule, Memorial Park is a municipal course, accessible to the public. This shift was made possible by the Astros Golf Foundation, which invested $34 million to completely renovate the course and its facilities, with a vision of bringing world-class golf back to the city center and creating a sustainable charitable tournament.
The redesign, completed in 2019, was led by the acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak, with consultation from PGA Tour star and major champion Brooks Koepka. The goal was twofold: create a layout that could challenge the best players in the world while remaining enjoyable and playable for the thousands of Houstonians who call the course home. The result is a strategic masterpiece that rewards thoughtful play and creative shot-making over pure power.
While Memorial Park is the current venue, the Houston Open has a long and nomadic history, having been played at several excellent courses throughout the Houston area. Understanding this history gives context to the tournament's deep roots in the community.
For nearly two decades, the tournament was held at The Golf Club of Houston in Humble. The a Rees Jones/David Toms design was known for its toughness, particularly its famously daunting finishing stretch. The 18th hole, a long par-4 with water guarding the entire left side, was the scene of countless dramatic moments. The course was specifically manicured to mimic the conditions of Augusta National, making it a popular final tune-up for players preparing for the Masters when the event was held the week prior.
Before settling at The Golf Club of Houston, the tournament graced the fairways of some other legendary Texas tracks. From the TPC at The Woodlands to the tree-lined corridors of Champions Golf Club - a major championship venue founded by golf legends Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret - the event has always been associated with quality golf courses. This storied past is what makes its current home at a revitalized public park so compelling.
So, what exactly did Tom Doak do to transform a beloved city-run course into a premiere Tour stop? From a coaching perspective, the design is both clever and demanding. It forces players to think and execute, rather than just mindlessly blaze away with the driver.
The original course, designed by John Bredemus in 1936, had great bones but had become outdated for the modern professional game. Doak's renovation was not a minor tweak, it was a total reimagining. He rerouted several holes, created dramatic new green complexes, and introduced strategic elements that force players to make decisions on nearly every shot.
One of the most significant changes was improving the infrastructure for water management and drainage, ensuring tournament-level conditions are possible year-round. This investment by the Astros Golf Foundation guarantees the course remains a high-quality asset for both the Tour and the public for years to come.
Memorial Park doesn't defend itself with thick, punishing rough like many PGA Tour venues. Instead, it uses strategic design elements to test players. Here’s what you’ll see the pros wrestle with:
The best part about Memorial Park is that you can play it. Playing a course you watch the pros compete on is one of the coolest experiences golf offers. If you’re planning a trip, here's what you need to know and how you can approach the round like a pro.
As a municipal course, tee times are available to the public. Houston residents have a priority booking window and receive discounted rates. Non-residents can also book times, typically a few days in advance. It's smart to check the official Memorial Park Golf Course website for the most current booking policies and green fees. It's one of the most in-demand tee times in the state, so be prepared to book as soon as your window opens.
If you get the chance to tee it up, don't let the professional pedigree intimidate you. But you should show up with a smart game plan. Here’s my coaching advice for having a successful and enjoyable round:
With very little rough, you might be tempted to grab driver on every hole and swing for the fences. That's a mistake. The key at Memorial Park is finding the correct side of the fairway. A shot from the "safe side" might leave a longer approach, but it will open up a better angle to the pin, taking bunkers or steep run-offs out of play. Think one or two shots ahead.
You will miss greens. When you do, you probably won't be in deep grass. You'll face tight lies, shots from woodchip areas, and awkward putts from way off the green. Before your round, spend 20 minutes on the practice green practicing these three shots:
Developing confidence in these shots will save you countless strokes.
When you get on the putting surface, take an extra minute to walk around your putt and see it from behind the hole. The slopes can be deceiving. Your primary goal should be to lag the ball into a "tap-in" circle on your first putt. On these large, contoured greens, avoiding three-putts is a massive victory.
You can't play defensively all day. Look for your opportunities. One of the short par-4s or a downwind par-5 might be your chance to get a shot back. The key is to commit fully to an aggressive play when you choose to make one, and to play conservatively to the big part of the green when you're not feeling confident. Smart course management is simply playing the percentages.
The Houston Open's return to Memorial Park Golf Course marks an exciting new chapter for the tournament, showcasing a brilliant and strategic layout that is a tremendous asset for the city of Houston. Combining its rich history with a forward-thinking public model, the event now provides a unique test for the pros and an accessible thrill for everyday golfers.
To tackle the specific strategic demands of a course like Memorial Park, knowing the right play for each shot removes uncertainty and builds confidence. With our app, Caddie AI, you have an expert in your pocket. You can get instant advice on how to play a hole or even a recommendation for a tough lie just by snapping a photo, helping you make smarter, more confident decisions so you can focus on swinging freely and playing better golf.
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