a big swing

Memorial Park golf space on course for $13.5 million makeover

Memorial Park renovations central connector

The Memorial Park Golf Course renovations are part of a larger master plan.

Courtesy photo

UPDATE: The multi-million dollar plan to renovate Memorial Park Golf Course so it can potentially host the Houston Open has gotten the green light to move forward. Houston City Council approved the Astros Golf Foundation's proposal for the renovations on Wednesday, January 9.

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Some Houston area golfers could find themselves booking their tee times elsewhere as city council considers a $13.5 million plan to renovate the Memorial Park Golf Course.

As CultureMap reported, the renovations will be funded by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane and the Astros Golf Foundation, and is supported by the Memorial Park Conservancy.

The proposal includes a commitment from the foundation to pay an annual tournament fee of $250,000 to the conservancy and $750,000 to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

The plan is to upgrade the park to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) standards and to bring the Shell Houston Open back to the city. But there are differing opinions on the upgrade among golfers at the park.

"I understand in wanting to bring the PGA back to Houston, but there's just got to be somewhere else that fits better than Memorial Park," says Steve Schuller, who has been golfing at the course twice a week for two decades and doesn't want to see the pro tour here.

"To make the course to accommodate a pro tour is going to take major renovations," Schuller said. "It takes golf away from the people the course was made to accommodate."

Schuller's also concerned the course will be closed longer than anticipated for renovations. The city tells ABC13 the park is scheduled to reopen in fall 2019.

Some people are excited for the change, like John Alford, who has been golfing here for more than 60 years.

"It's such a jewel. It's located right downtown," Alford said. "You can see the skylines as you hit number one, see the Transco Tower. It just brings back great memories, so I'm looking forward to the change."

The Houston Open was played at Memorial Park in 1947 before returning there from 1951 to 1963. The tournament now takes place at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble.

Plan developers plan to keep the fees the same for golfers once the course reopens. Houston City Council will consider the plan on Wednesday, January 2.

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For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.

nature sports parks

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo