Around the Green

In celebration of its centennial anniversary, Corpus Christi Country Club will unveil its newly renovated, 18-hole championship course in late October. 

For 41 years, the club resided on Nueces Beach, but in 1963 it purchased more than 150 acres of land about 12 miles south. That’s where Robert Trent Jones designed the classic 18-hole course that has resided there for the past 59 years.  

In 2017, Ham Rogers, a member of the Club, spearheaded an effort to renovate the course. A vote was passed in 2021, and the project began in February. 

Chet Williams Design was tabbed to complete the project. Williams has designed or renovated many notable courses including Whispering Pines, Houston Oaks, Traditions Club at Texas A&M, Royal Oaks Country Club – Dallas, Dallas Athletic Club’s Blue & Gold Courses, and many more. Additionally, Sanders Golf  has overseen the construction on the project. 

“The scope of the renovation was to redo all the greens from scratch, new bunkers, and new grassing of fairways,” said Brent Blackburn, Head Golf Professional at CCCC. “In addition to that, Chet Williams proposed a slight reroute to bring whatever interests that we have here into play.” 

Below are sketches of each hole for the renovation. 

As with any renovation, challenges will arise. The team of Chet Williams Design and Sanders Golf has found a solution to every obstacle, though.  

“Adding that interest being on coastal plain was probably the biggest challenge for Chet’s team,” said Blackburn. “The golf course had no drainage at all. The only drainage we had was surface drainage and a canal that ran through the golf course. I think working with any interest that included the canal, Chet was able to take advantage of it.” 

A renovation can also often present challenges to the club and its’ membership.  

“Are there some challenges and frustrations? Of course,” Blackburn said. “But I think it’ll be a night-and-day difference for us. It was a welcomed upgrade, for sure.” 

Included in the project are 18 new greens. Each complex is different and will provide players with a variety of looks from hole to hole.  

“What we had before were 18 greens that were very similar,” Blackburn said of CCCC prior to the renovation. “Chet has done a masterful job of going from very little variety to where every hole is different. That is a testament to his design and his experience.” 

Corpus Christi Country Club has always been a fun member course, but it did gain 120 yards total from the renovation. Those who play the course can expect a much more playable and enjoyable look at the course with great conditions. 

“Overall, it should be a fantastic experience for anyone who comes down to play it,” Blackburn said. “Down here, we have lots of wind and the course plays to that. But 6,700 yards for us can feel a lot longer for sure.” 

As the TGA Member Club finishes the renovation project next month we are so proud of Corpus Christi C.C., its’ members, and everyone involved throughout the process. We look forward to seeing the way this new course flourishes over the coming years.   

Check out the photos below for a closer look at the construction and design process.