A project to redesign and renovate the golf course at The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Texas, US, is edging closer to its conclusion.

The project is being led by golf course architect Chet Williams, who welcomed members of the club and the media to a walking tour of the new course last weekend. Attendees were able to play a half dozen of the course’s holes during the event.

The new layout includes a number of interesting characteristics, such as split fairway on the par four 11th hole, and a new par three fifth hole which features an island green.

Williams has designed the course in a way that allows it to be played in two, four and six-hole loops. A nine-hole chipping area and a nine-hole family short course is also available.

“You always want to do something different when designing a course, at least I do, and this course gave me a lot of possibilities,” Williams said. “We have more movement in the fairways, new bunkers and some different water features. I like courses which force you to think your way around the golf course and you’ll have to think your way a lot on this course; where to hit it and where to attack each hole.”

Williams’ efforts have included the reworking of bunkering throughout the course, and Celebration bermudagrass has been introduced – something that is becoming increasingly commonplace for golf courses in Texas.

“Every course can be set up for championship golfers and that’s important,” Williams said. “But for most courses, the play is going to come from double figure handicap golfers and they want it challenging, but they also want it fun and that’s what I think we have done here. I’m very excited about the way it’s turning out.”

The full course is expected to open in the spring of 2017.

All photography courtesy of Jonathan Guajardo, GA Media Productions - www.gamediapro.com