Construction set to begin January 1st, 2025, closed until spring of 2026 

Kansas City Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for the historic Swope Memorial Golf Course in Swope Park. The Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with Mid-America Golf and Landscapes to begin a comprehensive, thoughtful renovation that will blend modern enhancements with the course’s rich heritage.  

Set to start January 1, 2025, this project will transform the course with upgraded greens, bunkers, tee boxes, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system, including a new retention pond. 

Crafted by Todd Clark and Brent Hugo of CE Golf Design, the renovation plans received historical insights from Ron Whitten, the respected Architecture Editor Emeritus of Golf Digest. Upon completion in Spring 2026, Swope Memorial Golf Course will reopen to the public with a revitalized design that honors its storied past and future potential. 

Swope Memorial Golf Course has a rich legacy, with public golf making its debut in Swope Park in 1907. When A.W. Tillinghast, a legendary golf architect, redesigned it in 1934, he cemented it as one of the only public courses preserving his original 18-hole design. The upcoming renovation will not only uphold Tillinghast’s vision but also elevate the course to a new level, setting the stage for future amateur and professional tournaments. With its lush greens and history of legendary champions like Charlie Sifford, Cary Middlecoff, and Tom Watson, Swope Memorial will soon emerge as a true national treasure in the world of golf.