Memorial Park Adds Pond to 18th Green
The Chevron Championship's winner jump tradition will move to a permanent pond at Memorial Park starting in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Golf
Memorial Park completed a new pond flanking the right side of its 18th green on November 8, 2026. The feature sets up the Chevron Championship winner's traditional jump into water, which will continue at a permanent pond starting in 2027.
Why it matters
The LPGA moved the Chevron Championship to Memorial Park and sought to keep the jump tradition, which previously had no water feature on the 18th hole. The pond adds a new hazard to the closing stretch for players in future tournaments.
The Astros Golf Foundation helped fund a $34 million renovation of the Memorial Park course, while last year's temporary pool cost roughly $60,000 and measured 15 feet by 10 feet and 4.5 feet deep. The permanent pond's dimensions and cost were not disclosed.
The players
Tom Doak
Golf course architect who re-designed the closing hole at Memorial Park.
Amy Alcott
Hall of Fame golfer who started the Chevron winner's pond jump tradition in 1988.
Nelly Korda
American professional golfer who won her second Chevron title and performed the customary jump.
The details
Architect Tom Doak re-designed the closing hole, and the front right portion of the putting surface was removed to accommodate the pond. The jump tradition began in 1988 when Amy Alcott started it at Mission Hills, and it continued at The Club at Carlton Woods for three years before returning to Houston.
Timeline
1988: Amy Alcott starts the Chevron winner's pond jump at Mission Hills.
Fall 2020: The PGA Tour returns to Memorial Park.
2025: A temporary pool is built and Nelly Korda wins her second Chevron title with the jump.
November 8, 2026: The permanent pond at Memorial Park is completed.
2027: The new pond hazard and jump begin for the Chevron Championship and Houston Open.
Season Trajectory
The jump tradition began in 1988 with Amy Alcott at Mission Hills and has moved through several venues, with the permanent pond at Memorial Park now giving it a fixed home. The change adds a water hazard to the 18th green that players will have to account for in future Chevron Championships.
Players in the 2027 Chevron Championship and Houston Open will face a water hazard on the closing hole, which changes the approach and club selection on the 18th. Fantasy and betting analysts will need to account for the added risk on that green.
The takeaway
Golfers and fans should expect the closing hole at Memorial Park to demand more precision from 2027 onward. The permanent pond also gives the Chevron's winner's jump a fixed, lasting setting.
What happens next
The new pond hazard and winner's jump are scheduled to take effect for the Chevron Championship and Houston Open in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Houston golf coverage to see how the city's courses are evolving.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Golfweek.
