Colonial Country Club
On the eve of Colonial Country Club's biggest tournament of the year, the historic venue has announced plans for a $20 million renovation project that will begin "immediately following the final putt of the 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge next May."
According to Colonial, the project will "address every aspect of the golf course infrastructure" — this includes the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system, new bunkers, tees, turf, and green complexes. A subterranean cooling and heating system for the green complexes will manage and adjust soil temperatures meant to improve plant health and growth, while also maximizing playability, consistency, and the overall look of the course.
Behind the master plan and renovation project is course architect Gil Hanse, who took inspiration from the championship layout that attracted the 1941 U.S. Open Championship to the venue. The course was originally designed by architects John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell when Colonial Country Club was founded in 1936 — the vision of Fort Worth business icon Marvin Leonard.
"The Gil Hanse design will suit the modern game for players of all levels, including the best players in the world, yet celebrate the features and strategy of the Golden Era of golf course design,” Frank Cordeiro, COO of Colonial Country Club, said in a statement.
On Thursday, play begins for the 2021 Charles Schwab Challenge; and while Schwab is in its third year as title sponsor, the tournament itself has been around for 75 years, dating back to 1946 when Fort Worth golf icon Ben Hogan was crowned champion (Hogan would go on to win the event four more times after that). The Colonial tournament is the longest-running event at the same location in PGA TOUR history.
Colonial plans to celebrate the renovated club's grand opening during the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge.
“The golf course drives the member experience daily, the success of the Charles Schwab Challenge, and is the platform that generates charitable donations for our local community," Charles Schwab Challenge COO Jim Leito said in a statement. "Mr. Gil Hanse will provide the next generation of members, tournament volunteers, and golf fans with an experience not seen since 1941. I am very proud to be a part of the past and future of Colonial Country Club.”
