The Inside Swing

Memorial Park Golf Course

Houston, Texas

Completely reimagined by Tom Doak in 2019, Memorial Park is a world-class municipal course and current host of the Houston Open. The renovation transformed this Depression-era layout into one of America's finest public courses.

History & Heritage

Memorial Park Golf Course dates to 1936 when it was built as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression on the site of a former World War I military training camp. The course served Houston golfers for decades as one of the busiest municipal facilities in the country.

In 2019, Tom Doak completed a comprehensive renovation that transformed the course into a world-class public facility. PGA Tour champion Brooks Koepka consulted on the redesign, helping ensure it would test the best players in the world. The renovation reimagined every hole, adding strategic variety, new water features, and modern green complexes while respecting the property's mature tree-lined character.

The PGA Tour's Houston Open moved to Memorial Park in 2020, bringing professional golf back to a public course in Houston. Memorial Park is now widely considered one of the finest public courses in America.

Signature Holes

1
Hole 1 Par 4 · 522 yards

A bold opening hole that functions as a mission statement for the course. The long par 4 demands a well-placed drive and precise approach to a green with characteristic Doak contours.

15
Hole 15 Par 3 · 165 yards

A short par 3 with a creek along the left side. One of Brooks Koepka's favorites from the consultation process. Despite its brevity the green is well-defended.

17
Hole 17 Par 4 · 330 yards

A drivable par 4 and one of the most unique holes at Memorial Park. Strategic options off the tee create compelling risk-reward decisions.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 475 yards

A brutal finishing hole that regularly plays as one of the most difficult on the PGA Tour, demanding two strong shots to reach the well-defended green.

What to Expect

Memorial Park is a mature, tree-lined parkland course set within Houston's iconic Memorial Park. The Doak renovation preserved the property's natural character while introducing modern strategic elements. The par-70 layout plays to 7,435 yards from championship tees with firm and fast conditions when weather permits.

The final six holes are particularly notable, including drivable par 4s, par 5s, a short par 3, and a demanding finishing hole. The course is walking-friendly and offers an experience rivaling many private clubs at municipal pricing.

Playing Tips

Memorial Park rewards thinking players. The drivable par 4s tempt aggressive play but are well-defended. The greens have more movement than they appear, so pay attention to slope and grain.

Houston humidity can make the course play longer than the yardage suggests. Take an extra club on approaches, especially in summer. The closing stretch from 13 through 18 offers birdie chances but punishes greed.

Highlights

  • Houston Open PGA Tour host
  • Tom Doak renovation
  • Best municipal course in America contender

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Memorial Park?
Yes. Memorial Park is a public municipal course operated by the City of Houston with green fees typically ranging from $40 to $75.
When was the Tom Doak renovation completed?
The renovation was completed in 2019, with the course reopening in time to host the 2020 Houston Open.
Does the PGA Tour play at Memorial Park?
Yes. The Texas Children's Houston Open is held annually, typically in late March. It is one of the few PGA Tour events on a municipal course.
Who consulted on the renovation?
Brooks Koepka consulted alongside architect Tom Doak, helping ensure the course would challenge the world's best players.

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