The background
According to the Hermann Park Conservancy, the course is one of Houston's oldest and most popular municipal golf courses. It is set against the scenic backdrop of Hermann Park and spans 6,014 yards near the Texas Medical Center and Museum District and is the city's only public golf course.
The last time the course was renovated was in 1999, which included building a new clubhouse on the corner of Almeda Road and MacGregor Way. According to the Hermann Park Conservancy, the old historic clubhouse was then converted into office space for the parks administration before it was transformed into the Lott Hall in 2015 and became a rental venue.
Now, the golf course is set to undergo a $30 million, two-year renovation project that includes expanding golf course amenities. Specific changes include:
- Changing the front nine holes to become all par 3s and the back nine holes to be a regulation-length course measuring 3,405 yards
- Expanding the driving range, clubhouse and maintenance facilities
- Adding new features such as a double-decker driving range; new First Tee programming facilities, including an Adaptive Golf program; and a new clubhouse that will feature a restaurant, pro shop and offices
- Repurposing the existing clubhouse into a new maintenance facility
- A new parking lot, which will be constructed to serve the newly located golf course clubhouse
Officials tout in the news release that the revitalized course will also preserve public access and promote sustainability by improving drainage and reducing dependency on potable water by capturing stormwater runoff for reuse. Significant oak trees will also be transplanted and relocated along the 2-mile walking trail that encircles the course.
The $30 million initiative will be jointly funded by the Astros Golf Foundation and the Hermann Park Conservancy. The Astros Golf Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane to manage the Houston Open, a PGA tour event.
However, the foundation has also been a part of investing in public golf throughout Houston, even leading the transformation of the Memorial Park Golf Course in 2018-19. The $34 million renovation included providing a new double-decker driving range, a short course and a new educational center, according to the PGA Tour website.
On the other hand, the Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated solely to the improvement of Hermann Park. Since its founding in 1992, the conservancy has secured over $179 million in funding for park improvements, per the website. According to the release, the course renovation will align with Hermann Park's master plan, which included input from environmental specialists and the broader community.
“This course has long been a place where Houstonians of all walks of life can come together,” said Cara Lambright, president and CEO of Hermann Park Conservancy. “We’re proud to partner with the Astros Golf Foundation and the city to preserve that spirit, elevate the playing experience, and deliver environmental improvements that will strengthen the entire park.”
While officials with the three entities, including the city of Houston, which retains ownership of the course, provide positive comments about the upcoming redesign, some local residents have expressed concern about the new split format and the closing of the park for reconstruction.
West University resident Jane Pierce said closing the Herman Park Golf Course will only exacerbate an already "frustrating and inequitable situation."
"Hermann Park has long served a diverse, intergenerational community," Pierce said in an email to Community Impact. "It is the only public course in the city with an active women’s golf league. It is a valuable resource for health care workers. That the city is sacrificing this historic course is a betrayal of the city’s own promises to protect and preserve it."
In a letter to City Council members and the Hermann Park Conservancy, Pierce urged officials to reconsider changing the format to keep an 18-hole course instead of the suggested split format.
"Changing the format will deprive the city of an affordable course for the many charity tournaments, several leagues based at the course and standing inter-club events that draw players from all over the area," she said. "The current plan is a stunning display of disregard for the very communities that have sustained and cherished this course for generations. This is not just about golf—it’s about access, fairness, history and community."
City officials said an open house event is anticipated to provide more information to the public, which will be held Aug. 20 at the Hermann Park Golf Course Clubhouse from 6-7:30 p.m.
Construction is anticipated to begin "soon," per the release. Although a specific date for construction to begin was not given at press time, an employee at the golf course confirmed with Community Impact that the course is set to close in September, after the month of August is finished. Construction is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete.
Project officials said updates regarding public access and course progress will be communicated as the project advances.
