Originally Published by Sports Illustrated
“The WM Phoenix Open’s 16th hole Coliseum is no longer the only wild stadium hole on the PGA Tour.
This year at the AT&T Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas, there will be an enclosed structure that boasts an energetic fan environment around the 17th hole at TPC Craig Ranch.
Nearly 6,000 fans will be able to spectate on the par 3 at any given time, with 145 hospitality units included on the hole.
The enhanced hole, which the tournament has coined “Ranch17” aims to honor Byron Nelson’s legacy. Nelson, who famously won 11 consecutive tournaments in 1945, had the lifelong dream of making enough money through professional golf to purchase his own ranch. At age 34, he accomplished that goal, and the stadium design at TPC Craig Ranch aims to commemorate his feat.
“The concept of the brand was designed to embody our namesake, Byron Nelson,” said Jeff Eckert, the 2023 tournament chairman. “For Byron, every drive, chip, and putt were made towards the dream of purchasing land and becoming a rancher. When he retired from golf in 1945 at the ripe age of 34 years old, he bought 700 acres in what would later become Roanoke, Texas. He lived and raised cattle there for 60 years. Simply put, our concept for hole 17 pays tribute to Byron’s dream.”
At just 147 yards, the 17th provides its share of drama as the penultimate hole and as a short par-3. It should be the ultimate atmosphere for enthused golf fans.
“Once the vision and initial design were completed, the physical construction of the area takes approximately 3 months to bring the stadium concept to life. What started out as a casual sketch led to detailed renderings, which turned into a 6,000 person per day venue.”
Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama, and Tom Kim are just a few of the players who are slated to tee it up in Texas from May 11-14. Ranch17 will be waiting.”