LATEST NEWS

Chet Williams-designed Covey course opens at Big Easy Ranch

  • The Covey
    Big Easy Ranch

    The Covey course at Big Easy Ranch in Texas has opened for play and features big changes in elevation, tree-lined fairways and natural creeks

  • The Covey
    Big Easy Ranch

    Owner Billy Brown (second on left) and golf course architect Chet Williams (third on right) were the first to tee off on The Covey

Amber Hickman
By Amber Hickman

The Covey, the new eighteen-hole course designed by architect Chet Williams, has opened at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas. 

The site for the 7,500-yard layout features elevation changes of over 80 feet, creeks and waterfalls. 

“This is an exciting time at Big Easy Ranch,” said owner Billy Brown. “We’ve been watching this course take shape since construction began in September 2021, and anticipation has grown every day. The possibilities offered by this course and our expanded amenities take Big Easy Ranch to the next level.” Brown adds that the Texas Golf Association has already made an approach about hosting future events on the course. 

Fairways and rough feature Zeon Zoysia while greens have been grassed with TifEagle. Native grasses have been used alongside playing corridors to provide a natural habitat for the local wildlife. 

“One of the best things I can say about The Covey is that when it matures, the course will feel like it has always been there. It belongs. I like to say it fits ‘into’ the property, not on it,” said Williams, who also designed the resort’s nine-hole par-three course. 

Read more: director of golf Casey Russell spoke with GCA as construction approached completion

Big Easy Ranch has also expanded its practice facilities, with a nine-acre driving range, putting green and three-acre short-game practice area. 

The course will be limited to 300 members to ensure a sense of privacy. “By keeping membership at this level, we can ensure available tee times and that everyone will have an exceptional experience,” said Brown. 

The July 2025 issue of Golf Course Architecture is out now!
Magazine, News | Thu 10 Jul, 2025

The July 2025 issue of Golf Course Architecture is out now!

We visit Trump Aberdeen, Comporta and Baltusrol, speak with Rees Jones, and ask if anyone likes a long par three

Summer 2025 issue of ASGCA’s By Design magazine is out now
Magazine, News | Mon 09 Jun, 2025

Summer 2025 issue of ASGCA’s By Design magazine is out now

New release asks: ‘what inspired you to become a golf course architect?’

FEATURE ARTICLES

Terras da Comporta: A tough act to follow
James Hogg
On site | Adam Lawrence

Terras da Comporta: A tough act to follow

The new Torre course has a lot to live up to, given that the Dunas course at the Comporta resort is almost universally regarded as the country’s best. But it doesn’t do too badly, says Adam Lawrence

Hann Reserve: A new city with golf at its heart
Hann Reserve
Report | Richard Humphreys

Hann Reserve: A new city with golf at its heart

A new resort and residential development in the Philippines is centred around three golf courses

Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Resort: From woodland to the water’s edge
Steven Halliwell
Report | Richard Humphreys

Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Resort: From woodland to the water’s edge

New resort course by IMG Golf Design winds through Vietnam’s Phú Quốc forest before reaching pristine white sand beaches

Camiral: Designed for the Ryder Cup

Steve Carr

Opinion | David Williams

Camiral: Designed for the Ryder Cup

Golf course architect David Williams talks about the Spanish resort’s origins and how the Stadium course was created to host golf’s biggest event

From golf hole to helipad: a dual-use design for a private client
Legacy Golf Architecture
Report | Laura Hyde

From golf hole to helipad: a dual-use design for a private client

George Philpott has designed a par-three hole for a vacation property in Costa Rica

Baltusrol Golf Club: Upper class
Evan Schiller
On site | Toby Ingleton

Baltusrol Golf Club: Upper class

Gil Hanse has completed the restoration of AW Tillinghast’s groundbreaking dual courses, as Toby Ingleton reports

New course at Trump International Golf Links: Prepare to be dazzled
Jacob Sjöman
On site | Toby Ingleton

New course at Trump International Golf Links: Prepare to be dazzled

The construction of the second golf course at the Trump club in Aberdeen may have attracted far less attention than the first, but the final result is just as dramatic. Toby Ingleton reports

Royal Portrush: An interview with Martin Ebert
Mackenzie & Ebert
Interview | Richard Humphreys

Royal Portrush: An interview with Martin Ebert

The club’s consulting architect spoke with Richard Humphreys about changes to the Dunluce course since its return to the Open rota

Good Read: Great Golf Courses of the World
Gary Lisbon
Good Read | Gary Lisbon

Good Read: Great Golf Courses of the World

Gary Lisbon tells us about his new book, featuring over 100 courses he has photographed during his travels

Destination design
RTJ II
Opinion | Mike Gorman and Trent Jones

Destination design

Mike Gorman and Trent Jones explain how the Robert Trent Jones II approach to resort golf has evolved, driven by a resurgence in remote golf development

Dave Axland: From the ground up
WAC Golf
Interview | Richard Humphreys

Dave Axland: From the ground up

The shaper-turned-architect has worked alongside some of the most talented designers in the business, but what is his story? Richard Humphreys finds out

Gopher Watch Competition – July 2025
Gopher Watch, News | Thu 10 Jul, 2025

Gopher Watch Competition – July 2025

Which course has Sandy the gopher visited this month?

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED BUSINESSES