Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas — Plans for the redevelopment of Cimarron Country Club moved into public view at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), where golf course designer Salvador Rodriguez outlined a vision to transform the historic property into a premier golf destination for South Texas.
Rodriguez, president of Diamond Golf International, presented the project on behalf of the investment group led by professional golfer Abraham Ancer, GDI FUSA, Olimpo Salinas, and Manuel Heredia.
“This is a very professional group,” Rodriguez said. “I want to thank everybody for giving us the opportunity not just to refresh the memories of your golf course, but to create a new dream.”
Diamond Golf International has worked on golf projects in more than 52 countries, and Rodriguez said he has personally participated in 426 golf course projects during a career spanning five decades.
“We’ve been doing golf courses for 50 years, over 52 countries, and I have 426,” Rodriguez said.
He said the goal is to modernize the 47-year-old course while preserving its identity and making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
“It’s going to play for different levels,” he said. “Not just for the pros, but for local residents, members, and golfers of every age and ability.”
Rodriguez noted that advances in equipment and turf technology have changed the game significantly since Cimarron was built.
“Like most golf courses that were built 40 or 50 years ago, they’re technically obsolete because the ball flies so much longer,” he said.
A video presentation highlighted Diamond Golf International’s expertise in golf infrastructure, including precision grading, water management, irrigation systems, and sustainable course development. The company emphasized that modern infrastructure is the foundation of long-term course quality and operational efficiency.
Rodriguez also credited Ancer for helping shape the course design, including one of its future signature features—a peninsula green on Hole 13.
“That was an idea 110 percent from Abraham,” Rodriguez said.
The designer described the new Cimarron as a modern, strategic, and versatile course capable of attracting both recreational players and top-level competitors.
“We intend to build the best golf course in Texas,” Rodriguez said.
Mission leaders praised the project as a major investment in the city’s future and an important regional asset.
“Mission deserves world-class assets to match our world-class people,” said Mission Economic Development Corporation Board President Richard Hernandez. “Thank you for believing in Mission. We appreciate your partnership, your vision, and your commitment to our community.”
Mayor Norie Gonzalez-Garza emphasized the broader impact of the redevelopment.
“Cimarron has been in our fabric for so many years,” Gonzalez-Garza said. “It does not impact Mission only. It impacts the whole area, our whole RGV.”
She thanked the investors for their confidence in the city, calling the project a reflection of Mission’s continued growth and opportunity.
Renderings presented during the event showcased a revitalized golf course, updated facilities, and enhanced amenities designed to position Cimarron as a premier golf and social destination for the Rio Grande Valley.
City officials said the redevelopment represents more than a golf course renovation. It is a significant economic development initiative expected to attract visitors, generate investment, and strengthen Mission’s reputation as a destination city.
“This is a restoration of pride,” Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia said. “Mission has always been proud of Cimarron, and now we have an opportunity to bring it back stronger than ever.”
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