City announces parking, security plan ahead of Houston Open at Memorial Park

For the first time since 1963, the Houston Open returns this week to Memorial Park, and city officials have announced plans to handle the influx of traffic from park visitors as well as tournament fans.

“We worked with the neighborhood and residents to develop a parking and traffic plan to reduce the impact of traffic throughout the area," Houston Parks and Recreation Director Steve Wright said in a news release. “We hope that runners and visitors to the park will understand and take this opportunity to visit one of our other parks in the system, including over 165 miles of trails.”

The Houston Open runs Nov. 5-8 and will bring 132 professional golfers to compete for $7 million in payouts.

“This is a momentous day in the city of Houston, and frankly for the entire region,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “Our city looks forward to hosting some of the best golfers in the world to play the newly renovated Memorial Park Golf Course.”

The Astros Foundation funded the 18-month, $34 million renovation to prepare the Memorial Park Golf Course for the tournament.

Park visitors without a tournament pass are advised to access the park and street parking during certain time periods. Security patrols will be on-site.

From 7-11 p.m., the Seymour Lieberman Trail and Clay Family Eastern Glades may be accessible, and parking north of Memorial Drive is allowed during this time. Overnight parking is not allowed.

Park visitors are advised to avoid Memorial Loop Drive between 4 a.m.-7 p.m. and use it after 11 p.m. only to exit the park.

Parking south of Memorial Drive is allowed during normal park hours. There will be no tournament parking south of Memorial Drive.