Dave Marr’s Last Request
Legendary Texan and 1965 PGA Champion Dave Marr was so attached to Memorial Park that he asked for his ashes to be spread here—a testament to the course’s deep-rooted place in Texas golf lore.
The verdict
A Major-League Municipal Test
Memorial Park’s pedigree as a PGA Tour venue and Tom Doak’s strategic redesign make it the strongest public-access round in Houston. Big, broad fairways, demanding approaches, and major-championship greens create a legitimate player’s experience without private club barriers.
Course DNA
Difficulty
85
Scenery66
Conditioning77
Shot Variety78
Walkability81
Green Complexity82
Wow Factor75
Design Quality81
Don't miss
Pause at the first tee for a clear skyline view—locals call it a quintessential Houston golf moment.
At a glance
Quick facts
PGA Tour Host
Home of the Houston Open since 2020 (and 1947–1963)
Recent Renovation
Comprehensive Tom Doak redesign completed in 2020
Resident Price Per Round
$30–$38 on weekdays/weekends
Longest Par 5
Hole 8 at 625 yards
LPGA Major Future Site
Chevron Championship moves here in 2026
Dave Marr’s Ashes
1965 PGA winner requested ashes spread here
Central Houston Location
10–20 minutes from downtown hotels
The design
The architecture
Memorial Park’s Doak-led redesign fused big, bold playing corridors with strategic options on a largely flat, urban canvas. Broad fairways hide subtle angle demands; the green complexes are wicked yet fair, rewarding smart approaches while punishing the greedy or uncommitted. It’s a modern championship test that feels open-for-all but won’t hand out easy scores. Every hole asks for a plan—whether you’re gunning for a Sunday pin or just trying to make your four.
Tom Doak’s master touch, with Brooks Koepka’s player insight, produced a champion’s municipal—brawny but fair, punishing flaws, and putting strategy over sheer power.
Defining features
- Massive, bunkerless landing zones that reward angles over brute force
- Greens with distinct tiers, runoffs, and tightly-mown surrounds
- Par 5s stretching well beyond 600 yards—including the epic eighth
- Lengthy par 4s that bring fairway position—and humility—into play
- Strategic crosswinds and exposed tee shots
- A walkable, spectator-friendly routing with major-tournament energy
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 8
Endless Marathon
PAR
5
YARDAGE
625
The eighth is a jaw-dropping par 5, stretching to 625 yards from the back tees. It’s as much a mental as a physical test, daring you to plot every layup and avoid overreaching into trouble.
Play it smart
Patient, position-first play—maximize angle for each shot and fight the urge to attack early.
Where it bites
Bite off too much and risks multiply—thick rough, penal green surrounds, and a three-shot journey to safety.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long par-3 forced carry
Take extra club and favor the broadest target—par is enough here.
Approach from the rough on lengthy par 4s
Play safe and aim middle—over-pressing can turn bogey into double.
Downwind driveable par 4 (when the wind is up)
Resist temptation to overpower; position for an open short approach.
Three-shot decision on monster par 5
Set up your third shot for the angle—don’t chase hero golf if the second is marginal.
Tight pin tucked behind runoffs
Favor center-green and give yourself a putt—short-sided chips here can turn into a big number.
Closing hole with nerves
Block out the stadium energy, stay disciplined, and choose a club off the tee that keeps you out of trouble.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Championship-ready, firm fairways, excellent greens
Pace
Moderate to slow at peak times; faster in twilight slots
Vibe
Energetic city-muni with big-stage ambition
Dress code
Standard public golf attire; no formal club code
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Well Ahead
Tee times fill quickly due to resident demand and tournament prestige—reserve as early as possible.
02
Walk It If You Can
The course is meant to be walked, with a flat terrain and Doak’s eminently strollable routing; rent a pull cart if you don’t carry.
03
Study Pin Positions
Greens are larger and trickier than they appear; check setup for smarter approach play.
04
Expect Temperature Swings
Houston weather can shift from muggy heat to sharp wind without warning—bring layers and plenty of water.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1912
Original nine-hole course opened in Memorial Park area
- 1936
John Bredemus–designed 18-hole Memorial Park Golf Course officially opens
- 1995
$7 million renovation to rejuvenate aging course
- 2020
Reopens after Tom Doak’s $34 million transformation to PGA Tour standards
- 2026
Chevron Championship LPGA major relocates to Memorial Park
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Course Built for the People
Memorial Park isn’t just a municipal—it’s Houston’s answer to a championship public venue, hosting both everyday rounds and PGA Tour showdowns on the same turf. You share the fairways with legends and locals, shot for shot.
A Modern Phoenix Rising
The 2020 Doak restoration didn’t just reshape greens or bunkers—it gave Memorial Park new life as a major tour stop, transforming tired parkland into a stage that tests the world's best and every Houston golfer alike.
A Heart-Pounding Finish
From the monstrous eighth to the closing 18th, Memorial Park is defined by its championship drama. Countless Houston Opens have swung, won, and lost on its final holes—now, you can walk the same path under tournament pressure.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
You can play on the same greens the PGA Tour uses for the Houston Open.
2
Memorial Park’s renovation used public and private funds—true civic golf.
3
Tour stars consulted to tweak the course, notably Brooks Koepka (for strategy and challenge).
4
The property is part of a 1,500-acre urban park, giving a rare green expanse at Houston’s heart.
Build the trip
If You’re Building a Houston Golf Trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Wildcat Golf Club
Public
Fun, accessible, and offers skyline views with a lively local feel
Tour 18 Houston
Public
Replica holes from famous courses; a quirky, playable contrast
Clear Creek Golf Club
Municipal
Laid-back, easily accessible, and affordable backup round
Augusta Pines
Semi-Private
Solid modern design open to public bookings at many times
Houston Oaks Golf Club
Private
Area’s high-end private option if you have access
The Galleria, River Oaks, or Montrose for best food, nightlife, and quick commutes to Memorial Park
Course DNA
If You Like Memorial Park Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Memphis Country Club
Memphis, TennesseeWhy it matches: Memphis Country Club is a natural next stop after Memorial Park Golf Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Brookville Country Club
Glen Head, New YorkWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Brookville Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Memorial Park Golf Course.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Metropolis Country Club
White Plains, New YorkWhy it matches: If Memorial Park Golf Course is your kind of course, Metropolis Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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