Astros Golf Foundation backs Hermann Park redesign with focus on water savings and community access
The Hermann Park Golf Course, located in south-central Houston, first opened in 1922, is slated for a complete modernization, funded by the Astros Golf Foundation and the Hermann Park Conservancy. The project mirrors the foundation’s earlier role in restoring Memorial Park Golf Course, home of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open.
The redesign will be led by architect Jon Schmenk, with construction by Wolf Point Golf Company, headed by Don and Ryan Mahaffey. To address the park’s limited footprint, the new course will feature a front nine made up entirely of par threes, playable under lights at night, while the back nine will play as a 3,400-yard par 36. Plans also include a new double-deck driving range and expanded practice facilities.
Schmenk’s design emphasizes durability and accessibility, with larger tee areas, contoured greens, rolling fairways and preservation of Hermann Park’s mature oak trees. Two double greens will be included on the par-three side.
Water conservation is central to the project. A pond system will capture stormwater for irrigation, reducing reliance on city water supplies. Similar infrastructure at Memorial Park cut potable water use in half.
The project will also include an adaptive First Tee space with artificial turf, designed to serve children with mobility challenges, particularly those receiving treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Giles Kibbe, president of the Astros Golf Foundation, said the effort continues Jim Crane’s mission to ensure Houstonians have access to high-quality golf at affordable rates. “That’s what we did at Memorial Park and that’s what we’re going to do at Hermann,” he said.
Related Articles
Subscribe to Golfdom
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to Golfdom to receive more articles just like it.
