Founded in 1957 by major champions Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret, Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, was created as a pure golf club dedicated to championship play and camaraderie. Its renowned Cypress Creek Course, designed by Ralph Plummer, opened in 1959, followed by the Jackrabbit Course by George Fazio in 1964. Over the decades, Champions has become one of America’s most storied clubs, hosting an impressive lineup of major tournaments and national championships.

Notable events include the 1967 Ryder Cup, the 1969 U.S. Open won by Orville Moody, the 1993 U.S. Amateur, the 1998 and 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateurs, and the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, played across both courses. Champions also served as a regular stop on the PGA Tour—hosting the Houston Champions International (1966–1971)—and later the Tour Championship five times (1990, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003), with champions such as Tiger Woods, David Duval, and Mike Weir adding to its legacy. Today, Champions Golf Club remains a symbol of Texas golf tradition and excellence.

Kemp Golf Course Design was honored to contribute to the club’s storied legacy with the design of a new short game practice area, developed on the two-acre site formerly occupied by the swimming pool. Integrated into the existing landscape, this addition enhances the club’s commitment to providing a world-class golf experience for the members and their guests. The new short game area is scheduled to open to members and their guests in the fall of 2025.