The City of Houston and the Astros Golf Foundation are announcing the unveiling of the new Chevron Center for Education & Golf at Memorial Park as the park is set to host the Houston Open Golf Tournament on November 5-8. The spectacular new facility was made possible by generous donations from the Astros Golf Foundation and Chevron Corporation. The Center’s STEM program will focus on how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math relate to different aspects of golf. The Center will also provide scholarships and offer programs for youth in the First Tee Program.
“This is a proud moment for the City Houston, thanks to the Astros Golf Foundation and Chevron Corporation,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The Chevron Center for Education & Golf is a tremendous addition to the City – not only for what it is doing for the Houston Open, but also for the education and instructional programs it will bring to the City for our young people.”
The Astros Golf Foundation has funded a $34-million renovation of the Memorial Park Golf Course facilities for the Houston Open, which has not been played at Memorial Park since 1963.
“Jim Crane formed the Astros Golf Foundation to do two things – save the Houston Open and provide both educational and golf programs for young Houstonians who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities,” said Giles Kibbe, Astros Golf Foundation President. “The Chevron Center will be one of the best First Tee and STEM programs in the country. We’re very proud of this project and can’t wait for kids to start enjoying it.”
The Astros Golf Foundation’s strong financial commitment to upgrade the Memorial Park Golf Course facilities for the tournament includes: a total redesign of the golf course, a new two-story driving range, a new maintenance facility, a storm water irrigation system, a short-course for kids, a renovated Tennis Center, as well as the new Chevron Center.
“The Houston Parks Department is truly excited to unveil the impressive new Chevron Center for Education & Golf, along with the return of the Houston Open to Memorial Park,” said Steve Wright, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “This facility is second-to-none, and more importantly, it will give the youth of our City access to state-of-the-art STEM programming and the training they need to become the next generation of golfing talent from this City. We again thank Chevron Corporation and the Astros Golf Foundation for believing in Memorial Park, the City of Houston, and its young people.”
The Houston Open will feature a 132-player field, and a $7-million purse for the winner. It will be aired on The Golf Channel. For more information, visit www.HoustonOpenGolf.com.