While the excitement grows regarding the ongoing development and construction of the PGA headquarters in Frisco, the two surrounding golf courses remain to be the highlight of the entire project. The East Course was designed by Gil Hanse according to a Dallas Innovates article from October 27 which reports,
“Gil Hanse designed PGA Frisco’s East Course, which in coming years will host a long list of marquee events including the PGA Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Fifty acres of wetlands have been created on both courses—serving both as hazards for golfers and homes for wildlife. Around 300 trees have been planted, which will grow with the courses as they mature over the years to come.
But a key feature of the course will be Panther Creek, “a subtle design feature that comes into play multiple times, including as a crossing hazard on the parallel first holes on both courses,” Hanse Golf Design says.
Beau Welling was in charge of the development and design of the West Course according to the same article which says,
“Beau Welling oversaw the West Course, which will host smaller tournaments and be open to PGA of America members and the golfing public. Welling is also serving as the master planner for the Frisco project as a whole.
The West Course will be no piece of cake—far from it. But Beau Welling designed it with all golfers in mind. Welling told PGA.com that his mantra is “golf should first and foremost be fun.” So he gave the West Course a challenging layout that everyday golfers can play—without wanting to throw their drivers into Panther Creek.
Welling altered the West Course’s route three times to enhance playability, the PGA.com article says. For example, the original ninth hole design was a punishingly long par 4 into prevailing winds. Welling revised it to a short Par 5, giving long hitters a chance to make the turn with a birdie—and duffers a chance to put a rare circle around their hole’s score.”
The PGA put up these two brilliant golf course architects so as to encourage and invite both experienced golfers and inexperienced golfers even beginners to take a swing and relax according to a Community Impact article from November 9 which states,
“The Professional Golfers Association of America has its sights set on individuals who have never putted a golf ball as work continues on its future headquarters in north Frisco.
Development around the future PGA headquarters is designed to inspire residents and tourists who come to enjoy a beer or ice cream to pick up a club and maybe work their way up to the public golf courses.
“It’s a place that’s inviting to nongolfers, as well as challenging the greatest players in the world with our major championships,” said Jimmy Terry, senior director of PGA Golf Properties. “It’s just a place that you can come out and never hit a golf shot on the golf course and have a hell of a time.”
PGA Frisco is looking to be the home of golf in the whole country where all members can easily and conveniently enjoy the scenery and learn the brilliantly put up courses.