Astros Golf Foundation confirms new driving range plans for Memorial Park
HOUSTON, TX - On Wednesday, April 17, the Astros Golf Foundation received approval from Memorial Park Standards Committee on plans for a newly-designed, expanded driving range at the City of Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course. These approved plans are another milestone towards the Astros Golf Foundation’s renovation goal to create one of the best municipal golf courses in the nation and one of the best courses on the PGA TOUR.
The new driving range design includes a two-level hitting area that will host 84 hitting bays, an increase from the 53 that currently exist. The design also includes an expansion of the golf course parking lot, allowing for 60 additional parking spaces. Please see attached for two rendering photos.
“Our work at Memorial Park continues every day and the Standards Committee’s approval for the new driving range is a significant step towards our overall goal for this project,” said Astros Golf Foundation President, Giles Kibbe. “We appreciate the partnership and efforts with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Memorial Park Conservancy and the Memorial Park Standards Committee on a project that we believe will make Memorial Park Golf Course one of the most iconic municipal golf facilities in the country.”
Driving range construction will begin in June with expectations for a grand opening on November 1, 2019. The current hitting area will be moved to allow the driving range to continue to be open to the public during the construction period.
The 2019 Houston Open will be held at the Golf Club of Houston, October 7-13, before moving to Memorial Park Golf Course in 2020. The City of Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course is undergoing a $15 million renovation in order to host the Houston Open. The Memorial Park Renovation is being funded by the Astros Golf Foundation.
Renowned golf course architect Tom Doak is overseeing the renovations and improvements to the Memorial Park Golf Course, which began in January. Doak has designed several of the top golf courses in the country and around the globe. His lead consultant is Brooks Koepka, whom is the reigning U.S. Open and PGA Champion, the 2017 U.S. Open Champion and tied for second at this year’s Masters Tournament.
TICKET OPTIONS
Tickets for the 2019 Houston Open are on sale now! Ticket options for this year’s event, held at the Golf Club of Houston on October 7th - 13th, include daily General Admission Tickets, Week-Long Tickets, and Premium Ticket Packages. Tickets can be purchased online at the new Houston Open website houstonopengolf.com.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The 2019 Houston Open is seeking volunteers to help deliver a world-class PGA TOUR experience for Houstonians, fans, players and media. Volunteer opportunities include tournament ambassadors, caddies, hospitality, transportation, ticketing and much more. For $65, Volunteer Packages include a uniform, week-long credential allowing entry into the tournament, complimentary parking, food and beverage, four (4) one day passes for family and friends, and other benefits. For more information, visit houstonopengolf.com/volunteer.
ASTROS GOLF FOUNDATION
An annual donation of $500,000 will be made from the Astros Golf Foundation to the First Tee, a non-profit organization that helps shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by introducing them to character education and life skills through the game of golf. All other net proceeds will be distributed throughout the Houston community by the Astros Foundation. In addition, beginning in 2020, the Astros Golf Foundation will make an annual contribution of $1 million to the City for the benefit of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Memorial Park Conservancy.
For more information on the 2019 Houston Open, contact info@astrosgolf.com. Regular updates on the Houston Open can also be found on houstonopengolf.com and via social media on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using @HouOpenGolf.