The New Home of Golf
Frisco continues to expand its golf resume and assert itself as a world-class destination for golfers and fans of the sport. In August 2022, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) opened its new headquarters in Frisco. The PGA, in partnership with Omni Hotel & Resorts, plans to open an exceptional golf resort adjacent to its new home office in spring 2023. The new PGA campus, which I am thrilled to visit, will attract new professional events to the area and bolster nearby golf courses. The new PGA facilities and prospective tournaments bump Frisco to the top of my “best golf vacations” rankings!
Frisco, already known as Sports City USA, will experience a golf industry boom in the coming years. When I first heard about the PGA coming to Frisco, I immediately knew this relocation would transform the city. The PGA’s new local partnerships will have an indescribable impact on the golf community in Frisco. The golf behemoth has already partnered with the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, so I expect the number of local golfers to exponentially grow!
It's All Here
Omni Hotel & Resorts was the perfect strategic partner for the PGA. The PGA of America dreamt of complementing the new headquarters with a sizable development dedicated to golf. The Omni group’s idea to construct an expansive golf resort turned that dream into a reality. The Omni PGA Frisco Resort encompasses 660 acres and boasts an elite, golf-centric experience. A remarkable list of golf amenities begins with two 18-hole championship golf courses, which serve as the resort’s showpieces. Both courses blend beautifully into the natural landscape and offer an alluring challenge to every golfer. I would spend a weekend at the resort just to familiarize myself with these first-class, designer courses. Once I explore more of the resort, though, that weekend trip will probably become a week-long adventure.
Practice is Everything
After I finish playing the championship courses, a plethora of ways to fine-tune my game await me. A 10-hole short course and two-acre putting green adjoin the championship courses. One of the resort’s lounges incorporates top-notch, swing simulator technology created by Topgolf. The PGA Coaching Center and 30-acre driving range also allow for high-tech practice sessions. I was delighted to learn that Omni PGA Frisco Resort was suitable for members of my family who do not associate with golf. While I work on improving my golf game, my family will have access to an abundance of resort amenities, and we’re all sure to enjoy the 13 dining options. I already have my eye on Trick Rider, a steak and seafood restaurant, and Ice House, a lively indoor-outdoor beer garden. My family can kick back at Omni’s rejuvenating Mokara Spa and go for a splash in one of the resort’s four swimming pools. They will also have access to an on-site retail and entertainment district. Once I finish up on the course, I can join them at the district for some delectable ice cream and luxury shopping that includes Blue Lacy Mercantile and Gimme Toys.
Expanding the Game
Omni PGA Frisco Resort will greatly enrich a golf community that has been flourishing for decades. When The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa and The Trails of Frisco Golf Club opened in 2000, the city instantly became one of the prominent golf destinations in Texas. The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa, an award-winning oasis in south Frisco, is widely regarded as one of the top places to golf in the state. The Westin Stonebriar golf course, created by a renowned course designer Tom Fazio, is praised for its subtly crafted greens and pristine bunkers. This course also shelters neighboring fairways and greens to increase playability for golfers of all levels. The resort reopened in 2020 after $30 million of renovations, and I was awestruck by how much had changed. The revitalized attraction includes a golf pro shop, a Topgolf Swing Suite, modern Texas cowboy dining, and a fitness studio. The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa is also located in a vibrant part of the city. Neighboring the resort is The Star Entertainment District and Ford Center, the 91-acre world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. Another tourist attraction nearby is the Stonebriar Centre, one of the most exquisite malls I have ever been to!
Play (Camera) Ready Golf
The Trails of Frisco Golf Club offers wonderful scenery and challenging holes. Its picturesque golf course weaves through wetlands, streams, and wooded lands. The course designer, Jeff Brauer, used these natural features to heighten the challenge for advanced and intermediate golfers. My favorite part of Brauer’s course design is the high-challenge, high-reward approach. Once I overcome a multitude of natural hazards, I will have an opportunity to take advantage of spacious greens. While I master 18 holes at the Trails of Frisco, my family can have a fun-filled day in the heart of Frisco. Toyota Stadium, the National Videogame Museum, the historic Rail District, and several other must-see attractions are just a short drive from the golf club.
Something for Players and Fans Alike
Frisco’s developing golf mecca will also appeal to golf spectators. Frisco will host 26 prestigious tournaments over the next 12 years, including several major championships. The PGA Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be played at Omni PGA Frisco Resort’s two championship courses. I cannot wait to see Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Michelle Wie, Ernie Els, and other golf superstars compete in Frisco! The first major event to be held at the new campus is the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. From May 24-28, a star-studded group of major champions will attract fans from around the globe. The PGA Championship, which makes its Frisco debut in 2027, will likely bring around 50,000 spectators to Frisco. This will be the first PGA Tour major in Texas since 1969.
I used to describe Frisco as a well-regarded golf destination. That was before I added the PGA headquarters, Omni PGA Frisco Resort, and 26 top-level tournaments into the equation. I now describe Frisco as the new home of modern golf.