Transforming TPC-Craig Ranch into a Championship-Caliber Course: A New Era Begins

McKinney, TX (August 7, 2024) – Invited, formerly known as ClubCorp and a global leader in private clubs, proudly announces the launch of the first phase of comprehensive renovations at TPC-Craig Ranch. This ambitious project is a cornerstone of Invited’s broader strategy to reinvest across its extensive portfolio, ensuring members enjoy a world-class lifestyle experience tailored to their diverse interests and needs.

The renovation at TPC-Craig Ranch aims to elevate the course to championship standards, making it a competitive venue for professional tournaments like The CJ Cup Byron Nelson while maintaining its accessibility for club members year-round. The overhaul includes the introduction of advanced turf varieties that will enhance both the playability and durability of the course, bringing it in line with the top facilities in the nation.

Golf legend Lanny Wadkins, a celebrated PGA TOUR winner and longtime design partner of Invited, is leading the redesign of select holes. Wadkins expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "It’s an honor to be redesigning Craig Ranch. The site’s gently rolling terrain and the strategic Rowlett Creek offer a fantastic foundation for a world-class course. Our goal is to create a layout that challenges the best golfers during The CJ Cup Byron Nelson while providing an exceptional experience for our members the other 51 weeks of the year."

Key elements of the redesign include:

• Turf Upgrades: The course's fairways, tees, and roughs will now feature TifTuf, a resilient grass known for staying green deep into winter and greening earlier than other varieties. This grass ensures a firm, fast course that is both challenging and exciting. The roughs, converted to TifTuf, will be thicker and denser, offering greater flexibility in course management.

• Green Enhancements: The greens will be upgraded to ultradwarf Bermuda, which provides consistent speeds and firm, fast approaches throughout the year. This grass is particularly suited to withstand the Texas heat, reducing the need for additional maintenance like hand-watering and fans.

• Infrastructure Improvements: The 20-year-old irrigation system will be replaced with a modern setup, including 2,000 new sprinkler heads and a more efficient pump station. These upgrades will optimize water usage and ensure consistent playing conditions. Additionally, a new drainage system will reduce cart path-only days and maintain more playable conditions year-round.

David Pillsbury, CEO of Invited, highlighted the significance of this project: "Upgrading TPC-Craig Ranch and collaborating with Lanny Wadkins on the redesign underscores Invited’s commitment to providing premier facilities. This reinvestment ensures our clubs remain at the forefront of the industry, offering exceptional experiences that keep our members engaged and satisfied."

Invited’s dedication to excellence extends beyond TPC-Craig Ranch. The company operates 14 other clubs in the Dallas area, many of which are also undergoing significant reinvestment initiatives. This includes prominent clubs like Brookhaven Country Club, Canyon Creek Country Club, Gleneagles Country Club, and The Clubs of Stonebridge Ranch.

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By Holden Wilen

August 13, 2024

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