A creek runs right alongside an elevated green on No. 15 at Houston’s Memorial Park, the host of the Vivint Houston Open. (Photo by Tim Schmitt/Golfweek)
Built: 1912 (renovated 1936)
The backstory: This course was the crown jewel of the Houston system for years, originally built as a 9-hole facility in 1912, and then redesigned by John Bredemus in 1936. It played host to the Houston Open in 1947 and again from 1951-63. The ashes of 1965 PGA Championship winner Dave Marr were spread on the course because he learned to play on the track.
Current status: With the financial backing of Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, Memorial Park saw a massive $34 million redesign, led by top architect Tom Doak and PGA Tour player consultant Brooks Koepka. The Vivint Houston Open returned in 2020 and the Tour is under contract to use the facility for at least four more years.
