A.W. Tillinghast, a renowned golf course designer, is most famous for courses like Winged Foot and Baltusrol. However, he also left his mark on municipal courses with designs like Swope Memorial in Kansas City, which opened in 1919 and was later touched up by Tillinghast again in 1934. The course has a rich history and even hosted the Kansas City Open, a PGA Tour event, in 1949. Golfweek’s Best ranks it as one of the top tracks in Missouri, behind only the three Big Cedar Lodge courses and another in the Branson area.
Despite its historical significance and popularity, Swope Memorial is in need of renovation as it is starting to show signs of aging. City administrators acknowledge that the course is cracking, with issues like deteriorating bunkers, an outdated irrigation system, inadequate cart paths, and greens being invaded by poa annua, a type of bluegrass that struggles to survive in the heat. Douglas Schroeder, director of golf services for Kansas City Parks & Recreation, stated that it was time to invest in the course to bring it back to the high standard it deserves.
To address these concerns, the city’s parks department is seeking $7 million from the city council to renovate Swope Memorial and rejuvenate the classic course. If approved, the renovation project will be overseen by CE Golf Design, a local firm led by Todd Clark. The proposed renovation is expected to take over a year, with the course aiming to reopen in the spring of 2026. Schroeder believes that the investment in Swope Memorial will not only benefit local golfers but also attract tourists to the area due to the improved course conditions.
The plan to renovate Swope Memorial has been met with enthusiasm from the golfing community, as the course holds a special place in the hearts of many players in Kansas City. Renovations will address the current deficiencies, including updating bunkers, improving the irrigation system, upgrading cart paths for better drainage, and addressing the issues with the greens. The goal is to restore Swope Memorial to its former glory and ensure that it remains a top-tier golf destination in Missouri.
In addition to the physical upgrades to the course, the renovation project also presents an opportunity to enhance the overall experience for golfers. The revitalized Swope Memorial is expected to provide a more enjoyable and challenging playing experience, attracting both local players and visitors to the Kansas City area. The improvements to the course’s infrastructure and aesthetics will create a more appealing destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
The renovation of Swope Memorial is part of a larger effort by the city of Kansas City to invest in and improve its public golf courses. By modernizing and upgrading these courses, the city aims to attract more golfers, generate additional revenue, and enhance the overall recreational offerings for its residents. Swope Memorial, with its historical significance and Tillinghast design, is a key part of this initiative and is poised to become a premier golf destination in the region once the renovation is complete.
Overall, the planned renovation of Swope Memorial represents a significant investment in the future of public golf in Kansas City. By restoring this historic course to its former glory and modernizing its facilities, the city is not only preserving a vital piece of golfing history but also creating a destination that will appeal to golfers of all ages and skill levels. As the project moves forward, golf enthusiasts eagerly await the reopening of Swope Memorial in 2026, ready to experience the transformed course and enjoy a new era of golf in Kansas City.
