At the same time that Tiger Woods launched his comeback as a PGA Tour player, he committed to a major new architectural project.
Woods will be the lead designer for the Chicago Park District’s proposed renovation and consolidation of the landmark Jackson Park and South Shore golf courses. The revamped layout will be part of a larger project, which is expected to include the $500 million Barack Obama presidential library. Woods reportedly agreed for his TGR Design firm to get involved in the project after a personal call from Obama.
“This project can create incredible possibilities for the community on the South Side,” Woods said. “We want to design a course that everyone will enjoy.”
Woods has designed six courses since TGR Design was founded. His most recent project, BlueJack National outside Houston, opened in 2016.
The yet-to-be-named Chicago complex will take shape on property currently occupied by the two financially challenged municipal tracks. The $30 million project will include an 18-hole course capable of hosting an elite PGA Tour event and an easier-to-play, nine-hole course.
TV golf analyst Mark Rolfing, a Chicago native, is spearheading the project as president of a newly formed organization, the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance. The alliance will raise funds to finance the development and will oversee construction. Bandon Dunes Resort developer Mike Keiser will act as an adviser and fund-raiser for the project
The park district hopes to break ground in the spring, with play scheduled to begin in 2020.