Jersey Meadow Golf Course dates back to beginnings of city

“We always teased him about taking pictures of dirt,” she wrote. “We have pictures like this of every golf course he designed. They didn’t mean much to us, but they meant a lot to him.”

Historical documents from the Jersey Meadow staff show Kennedy and Simmons both took part in the first round of golf played on the course in 1956 along with residents Leon Burnham, Jim Bennit and Chris Robinson Jr. Par on the 18-hole course was set at 72 for men and 73 for women.

In the late 1980s, architect Carlton Gipson redesigned the course as Jersey Village residents know it today.

The city of Jersey Village bought the property in 2001 when the surrounding area saw increasing development.

“Harris County built this retention pond for flood control, and the company that owned this golf course decided they were going to sell it,” head golf professional Matt Jones said. “The city decided to buy it and operate it as a municipal golf course.”

In 2004, Jersey Meadow underwent a series of restorations, which included resodding the course with Champion Bermuda grass and renovating the clubhouse and driving range.

In March, Jones joined the staff with a focus on expanding the course’s appeal.

“It’s not a private country club, so even if you’re not a golfer or just a novice golfer, you can come right here and utilize the facility,” he said.

Alongside assistants Ben and Jennifer Johnson, Jones said he plans to continue cosmetic renovations, expand membership plans and increase rounds of golf by 20 percent in the next fiscal year. Jones said he also hopes to develop more programming for elementary and middle school students.

“Public play is very important to our bottom line, so we’re trying to upgrade the appearance, customer service and the product you get out the door,” he said. “We can make it one of the best municipal courses in Houston.”