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The Gus Wortham Golf Course is more than 100 years old, but loses money each year. Now it appears it could be restored to the status it once had as one of the city’s premiere golf clubs.
Houston Councilmember Robert Gallegos represents District I, which includes the course. He says he’s working to reach terms of agreement with a private group to preserve the Gus Wortham.
“For a historic, renovated Gus Wortham Golf Course, what I’m working and the mayor and I are working on terms, I’m stating that it has to have other uses so that way it can be inclusive for the residents in the surrounding area of Gus Wortham,” he said.
Among those other uses, Gallegos lists a hike and bike trail, a fully renovated clubhouse and restaurant and other amenities that will attract more than just golfers.
No terms with the private group have been agreed upon, but Houston Mayor Annise Parker says the first choice right now is to give them a shot at restoring the Gus Wortham course.
“What we are negotiating now is how long it would take them to fundraise, what restoration of the golf course means, and I’m also very clear that they’ve pitched this as about saving history,” she said. “In that case, they need to keep the golf course, as much as possible, to the historic layout.”
The city estimates it will cost about $15 million for the restoration. If terms are reached, a botanic garden could instead be built on the city-owned Glenbrook golf course near Hobby Airport.
More about the Gus Wortham Golf Course
East End Groups Divided Over Future of Historic Golf Course
