Renovation began Feb. 2 on the El Dorado layout at Quail Valley Golf Course in Missouri City, Texas. The course will be open to the public, as is the La Quinta Course, which reopened last July after the city acquired in June what was formerly Quail Valley Country Club.
El Dorado is expected to be open for play Dec. 1. Heritage Links of Houston is the construction firm, and Jeff Blume is the architect.
“Jeff will modernize the course and move bunkers around to today’s standards,” said Quail Valley head professional Tyson Stittleburg.
The construction phase is expected to be complete by July 1. From then until December, it’s about getting the course in condition.
“The city has managed to put together a project to bring Quail Valley back as a golf destination,” said Dave Elmendorf, Quail Valley Golf Course general manager. “As far as daily fee courses, we will be not only one of the finest golf courses in the Houston area, but in the state.”
El Dorado, which has been closed since Sept. 1, 2007, will be a par 71, with length around 7,000 yards. Four lakes will be created, including one on No. 10. That hole used to be a long par 4, but it will be a risk/ reward par 5. The green on No. 10 will be moved back 40 yards, and the tee box will be extended.
“It will be a shot-makers course,” Stittleburg said. “No one will have an advantage if they fade or draw the ball. You will need to hit both.”
La Quinta is a more open layout than what El Dorado will be. Stittleburg said the number of rounds at La Quinta’s have surpassed what was expected.
The irrigation systems for La Quinta and El Dorado will be replaced. During the process, La Quinta will remain open. The irrigation system should be in place by May 1. After El Dorado opens, La Quinta will be remodeled.
