All improvements to the 150-acre site were performed with natural resource sustainability as an overarching principle
HOUSTON, Texas (October 10, 2018) — Houston Golf Association (HGA) announced the reopening of the Historic Gus Wortham Park Golf Course. The golf course and driving range will reopened to the public on Oct. 13, which marked the completion of Phase One of the project.
Located off of Wayside, near Lawndale, HGA commenced its restoration in January 2017 bringing the golf course up to modern standards while preserving its historic design.
Situated along Brays Bayou and east of downtown Houston, Gus Wortham Park Golf Course has continued to be an attraction for golfers since the early 1900s, when it was the Houston Country Club.
All improvements to the 150-acre site were performed with natural resource sustainability as an overarching principle. Phase one of the golf course restoration overhauled the irrigation system for better water conservation, added a new irrigation lake for storm water retention, and reestablished creek banks while preserving the uniqueness and beauty of the original design.
“I’m excited to see HGA complete the first phase of the restoration of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is a great example of the private sector working in partnership with the City to enhance public amenities.
“The overall project will bring a first-class amenity to the East End neighborhood and surrounding communities, while preserving an important legacy in Houston’s remarkable history. The inclusion of The First Tee at the facility will provide our youth with opportunities to learn life skills and key values while having some fun with golf.”
On Dec. 31, 2015, HGA was awarded operations of the facility through a contract with the City of Houston.
After working through a mutually agreed upon operational transition, HGA commenced management and maintenance responsibility of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course in February 2016 to operate the facility as 501(c)(3) non-profit self-supporting enterprise. Under this structure, HGA raises private funds for restoration and upgrading of facilities, as well as, reinvestment of cash flow for sustaining facility quality.
A campaign is currently underway to initiate construction of phase two, which includes a new clubhouse, educational space for local youth participating in The First Tee of Greater Houston, as well as maintenance and cart storage facilities.
“Completing the first phase of the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course restoration project was a tremendous undertaking, and the Houston Golf Association has delivered on its commitment to restore the course to its former glory,” said City Councilman Robert Gallegos.
“We are looking forward to phase two, which will bring a new club house and other first-class amenities to the East End and surrounding communities. Gus Wortham will not only offer a great golfing experience, it will also serve as a permanent home for The First Tee youth development and enrichment program serving children in our city.”
Councilman Gallegos has also allocated funding to widen the public sidewalks that surround the golf course on Lawndale and Wayside. When complete, the new 8-foot-wide sidewalks will loop around the golf course and provide users direct connection to the Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail system and beyond. The sidewalk project is tentatively scheduled to begin in November.
“Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Steve Timms, CEO/President of the Houston Golf Association and The First Tee of Greater Houston. “The restoration of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course, along with our continued efforts to reinvest back into our neighborhoods by improving public golf courses, helps the HGA further our mission to grow the game of golf at every level. It is our hope that the impact of this work will be felt for generations to come.”
The impact of the restoration of the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course will enhance quality of life for residents with a best-in-class recreational amenity, be a catalyst for economic development in the East End and provide expanded educational opportunities for local area youth through programming by the HGA’s wholly-owned subsidiary The First Tee of Greater Houston.
Golf course architect Baxter Spann was responsible for the design of the project paying strict attention to the historic components of the golf course.
For more information about the project, visit GusWortham.org or call 281-459-8722.
