Champions (Jackrabbit)

The Jackrabbit course at Champions Golf Club north of Houston was added just five years after its other offering, the Cypress Creek course. George Fazio’s addition was a worthwhile complement, and — like many other courses in the designer’s portfolio — Jackrabbit became a family affair when nephew Tom Fazio was brought in to lengthen and solidify its challenge. The younger of the famous Fazio pair moved thousands of square feet of soil to boost the topography, and he added many high-faced bunkers.

Although Cypress Creek is held as the better of the two routes, the USGA stoked the flames of competition: The U.S. Women’s Open will be split between the two courses when it comes to Houston during December 2020.

Uniquely, the 75th edition of the event that is considered to be the most important in women’s golf is being hosted in December for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic, and there was no qualifying process with the entire field exempt. Shortened winter day length means that the Jackrabbit course has been called into action for the first two days to ensure the tournament’s 156-strong field will compete on time.