Houston’s new golf ‘pond’ proves everything is not bigger in Texas

Every year, the spring tournament in Houston kicks off the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association’s season as the first major. And since 1988, the winner of the tournament has taken a plunge into a pond at the 18th hole, no matter which golf course it was held at. 

But Memorial Park Golf Course initially didn’t have a pond, and earlier this month, Chevron Championship Executive Director Glenn Weckerlin announced that the course would add one by 2027. But to keep the tradition alive for this year’s tournament, he said they would start digging a hole on April 6th to have a short-term, in-ground, full-pool off the 18th hole. 

“We looked at everything from a baby pool, a little plastic pool, to something that we’re going to do,” Weckerlin told Chron on April 3. “We are going to dig a hole starting on April 6th, and by the 20th, we will have a, basically, a short-term solution, but an in-ground, full pool off the 18th hole.” 

On April 14th, Fried Egg Golf writer Joseph LaMagna posted an update on the newly installed short-term solution. 

“Next major up: the Chevron Championship at Memorial Park in Houston, where they’ve installed a 4-foot deep pool on No. 18 to continue the tradition of the winner jumping into the water.”

“Adding a deck around it as of today,” wrote local golfer Zach Smith in a reply to LaMagna’s post.  

Wecklerin wasn’t kidding when he said the tournament was adding an in-ground pool, but at 4 feet deep, is this even safe to jump in? The pool looks more suitable to be used for a Slip ‘N Slide to enter, versus an actual jump.

The other logistical question is: what happens if someone hits the ball into the pool or strikes the pool deck?

It seems excessive to uphold a tradition for just one year. Moreover, the spectacle distracts from the tournament itself.

There is one funny solution to all of this, though: not taking the celebratory leap. 

“I think we need Nelly (Korda) winning and declining to jump in to get the future pond canceled,” said X user Alex P. Davis.

Although the pond won’t be ready until 2027, the pool will serve as a challenging obstacle for golfers. Jumping into this “body of water” has become a signature part of the tournament. This year’s Chevron Championship merchandise features hats with “Splash” and golf shirts depicting characters leaping in. Previous champions have celebrated with jumps into the water, donned Chevron Championship robes, and posed for photos with the trophy.

Maybe this year, the winner will sit poolside with the trophy, with their feet dangling in the water as part of the celebration instead of the usual cannonball. Safety first.