Texas Border Business
McAllen’s momentum continues with the announcement of an exciting new destination golf course to be developed adjacent to Champion Lakes Golf Course, marking a historic first for the city, the state, and World Golf Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa.
Unveiled during the 2026 State of the City Address, this transformational partnership with Ochoa, alongside renowned designers Rafael Alarcón and Carter Morrish, will deliver a one-of-a-kind golf experience in south Texas.
Watch the video from the City of McAllen below:
The new course will be located at 2701–3501 South Ware Road, directly west of the existing Champion Lakes Golf Course, further strengthening McAllen’s reputation as a regional hub for recreation, tourism, and quality-of-life investments.
“This project reflects exactly where McAllen is headed, bold, thoughtful and community focused,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are investing in amenities that bring people together, elevate our city’s profile, and create places our residents can truly be proud of while delivering world class experiences.”
The course will be designed by ALARCON–MORRISH–OCHOA Golf Design, who will lead construction, promotion, and marketing efforts with period visits to the area planned as the
project progresses.
“This is a milestone for the game of golf,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Lorena Ochoa’s first U.S. golf course design speaks volumes about McAllen’s growing national credibility and our commitment to creating meaningful recreational opportunities thoughtfully designed for players of all skill levels.”
The new course will be a short-course concept, offering far more than a traditional par-3 layout. Drawing inspiration from the most memorable holes Ochoa and Alarcón have played around the world, the design will balance recreation, accessibility, and deliver a competitive challenge.
| Key features include: |
| • Holes ranging from under 100 yards to more than 250 yards, requiring golfers to use every club in their bag |
| • Engaging, attainable challenges designed for all ages and skill levels, while still testing top collegiate and amateur players |
| • Unique global design elements such as: |
| • Beach-style bunkers |
| • Raised greens |
| • Rolling fairways and phased in undulations |
| • Tree clusters, water features, and native Rio Grande Valley vegetation |
The course will incorporate best-in-class construction practices and premium materials to ensure quality, durability, and long-term sustainability in a high-use environment. Design considerations will also emphasize water conservation, environmental protection, education, and youth development.
“It will be a golf course the local golfer will be proud to call home, and one the visitor will talk about when they return home,” said Rafael Alarcón, co-designer.
This expansion builds upon Champion Lakes Golf Course’s long-standing role as a cornerstone of McAllen’s parks and recreation system, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessible, high-quality amenities that enhance daily life and drive economic impact.
Additional details, including construction timelines and future programming, will be announced in the coming months.
