KC Golf News
Hurry and Play Swope Memorial Before it Closes
A $ 7 million renovation project could begin during the 2025 season . by Bill Cromwell
Photo by BC ’ s Fake Pixs
If plans for Swope Memorial Golf Course ’ s $ 7 million renovation project move forward , the course could be closed for the 2025 season and reopened in early 2026 . Swope Memorial , one of the five municipal golf courses owned by Kansas City ’ s parks system , was built in 1919 and later redesigned in 1934 by the legendary architect A . W . Tillinghast . It has just gotten old –– 90 years old — and needs a facelift .
According to an article in the Kansas City Star on May 17 , 2024 , by David Hudnall , “ The bunkers have seen better days , the irrigation system is antiquated ,” said Douglas Schroeder , director of golf services for Kansas City Parks & Recreation . “ The cart paths are made of asphalt , and most don ’ t allow for proper drainage . The greens are being invaded by poa annua , which is a bluegrass that can ’ t survive in the heat
“ One thing led to another ,” Schroeder continued , “ and finally it was like , It ’ s time . This is a prized asset of the parks department , and we need to spend some money to get it back to the gold standard it should be .” 1
Schroeder will present an estimated $ 7 million proposal to Kansas City ’ s city council within the coming months ( possibly this month ) and request funds for the major overhaul of Swope Memorial Golf Course . If funding is approved , renovation work will begin in early 2025 .
Reportedly , tee boxes , greens , and cart paths will be rebuilt . Some greens will be rebuilt with less slope , others enlarged , and new drainage systems installed . Bunkers will be upgraded with firmer sand . Several holes will be rerouted and changed to improve the pace of play . The current 3rd hole would become the 8th , and the current 4th hole would become the 9th , for example .
If you ’ ve played Swope Memorial , you ’ ll know that if you hit your ball under the trees that line every fairway , there is little chance of advancing the ball toward the green –– you basically need to chip / punch it back out to the fairway . Good news : there are also plans to remove many trees to open the course to sun and ventilation . As the saying goes , “ You can have grass or shade , but not both .” Allowing more sunlight on fairway grasses and green complexes rather than tree shade offers golfers ( and superintendents ) a better turf for everyday play .
Schroeder said , “ The fairways will be mostly the same , but other than that there ’ s not a whole lot on the course that will be left untouched .”
“ The city ’ s golf courses operate solely on the revenue they generate ,” Schroeder told the Kansas City Star . “ We live and breathe on the money we make . So , I ’ ll be able to absorb the cost into my yearly budget while maintaining all the other courses . But we still need ( the city ) to OK the debt service .” 1
Reportedly , Schroeder ’ s preliminary conversations with council members and at budget hearings went well , and with approval , the course will close for an estimated 15 months .
Meanwhile , if you have not played Swope Memorial recently , grab your foursome , make a tee time , and take a last look at the original course before bulldozers have their way with it . Ultimately , a renewed Swope Memorial Golf Course is needed , and the upgrades should make an already awesome course with a vast history even better .
References : Kansas City Star article 1 . https :// www . kansascity . com › local › article288421885
Greens fees at Swope Memorial are very affordable . Located at 6900 Swope Memorial Drive , Kansas City , MO . For more information , call 816.513.8910 or visit www . swopememorialgolfcourse . com .
30 July 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE