D-FW Metroplex course, with reworking designed by Brauer, re-opens to public on Sept. 19
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (Sept. 9, 2020) – Iron Horse Golf Club, the popular 18-hole municipal course owned by the city of North Richland Hills, Texas, and managed by Arcis Golf, will formally re-open to the public Saturday, Sept. 19, following an extensive $3 million renovation.
The Iron Horse Golf Club renovation, which was overseen by Jeff Brauer, a noted golf course architect based in nearby Arlington, included:
- Widening playing corridors throughout the course
- New irrigation on 12 of the 18 holes
- Updating the 13th and 14th holes
- New Better Billy Bunkers throughout
- A new set for forward tees that play at 4,300 yards
The project started in November 2019 with Dallas-based Fleetwood Services handling the construction work.
“This project has been fully embraced from the outset by the city as well as the community,” said Jerred Gibson, General Manager, Iron Horse Golf Club. “We couldn’t be more excited to show off all the outstanding upgrades that have been made to this much-loved course.”
The 18-hole public facility hosts more than 50,000 rounds a year. It was originally designed by Dick Phelps and opened in 1988 in a picturesque setting among the rolling terrain of North Richland Hills. Constructed in a floodplain, the course had been impacted by drainage issues, necessitating the renovation.
“The primary focus of this project was to correct the fact there was either too little or too much water on the course,” said Brauer, who designed the acclaimed Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas, another Arcis Golf property. “The irrigation and drainage issues have now been corrected.
“The City of North Richland Hills, Arcis Golf, and Fleetwood Services all were great to work with,” Brauer continued. “Everybody did their part to make this renovation a huge success and focused on enhancing the overall golf experience. The city was very smart to make the investment and fix what needed to be addressed. It is money spent wisely and serves as the prototype for how most public course renovations should be carried out.”
Brauer explained sodding was done wherever the course was disturbed during the project: “It may be more expensive, but it’s also the best flood insurance available.”
The look of the 14th hole has changed it considerably, although it is still a par 3 featuring a panoramic view of the Fort Worth skyline from the green.
Significant work also was done to improve the cart paths, which will be driven on by a new fleet of ClubCar carts.
Iron Horse Golf Course is named for the still-active railroad that runs through the property, and as part of the course’s charm three authentic caboose cars serve as on-course facilities. The exceptional golf experience is complemented by an expansive practice facility, a world-class golf shop, and a variety of delicious dining options.
Upgrades also were made to the Clubhouse, including new indoor and outdoor furnishings, chairs and tabletops, and bathrooms. The Pro Shop was reconfigured, as well.
“Since its debut more than 30 years ago, Iron Horse Golf Club has consistently been one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s finest and most celebrated mid-priced municipal courses,” said Oscar Trevino, Mayor of North Richland Hills, Texas.
“We salute the golf course operations team, Jeff Brauer, Fleetwood Services, and everyone who worked on the project as we are confident the renovation will be met with great acclaim and continue the Club’s iconic tradition. The facility — from the course to the Pro Shop to the Clubhouse — is nothing short of first class and understandably, a great source of pride for the community.”
For further information about Iron Horse Golf Course, access the web site at www.ironhorsetx.com.
