Avant-garde golf education, a links experiential nucleus, a social gathering spot and a new, world-class workplace are formulating in Frisco. One of the globe's largest sports organizations is making Frisco its new command post.
Projected to fully open in the first quarter of 2022, PGA of America staffers are relocating their headquarters from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to Frisco. "Thanks to an unprecedented public/private partnership, we plan to deliver a major, golf championship destination. We're humbled and honored about all of the Frisco-related commitments that are enabling this to happen," says Darrell Crall, PGA of America’s chief operating officer.
After breaking ground in September, Darrell says a 2-acre putting green is expected to be completed this coming spring, and that major portions of the overall project may be 13 months away from being done. He says many of the 36 holes will look playable to passersby, however, they will still have to let the grass mature.
The new PGA 106,622-square-foot headquarters incorporates indoor training facilities, such as a chipping area, putting green, driving range simulators and three bays where exterior wall panels open out for hitting to the actual driving range. In addition to a video studio, a trophy gallery also will be a key feature of the new building.
“This is a historic moment for the PGA of America, as we see our vision come to life,” says Darrell. “The Modern Home of American Golf at PGA Frisco will serve as a destination for our nearly 29,000 PGA members, and will be a catalyst for an inclusive, diverse workforce. We can’t wait to unveil the finished product."
Darrell says Frisco residents are inviting, encouraging and "want others to succeed," which made the city very attractive.
The future headquarters will sit on 6.2 acres of the new 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, which also includes two new championship golf courses, a 500-room Omni Resort and a golf entertainment district. Predominantly glass and limestone, the four-story headquarters building will initially house approximately 150 corporate employees, with three floors of office space, a top floor conference room and an outdoor terrace lounge space overlooking the driving range and golf course.
The lobby design will feature an elegant wood wall, sculpted to mimic the contours of a golf course, terrazzo flooring and an open social stair, with side areas for seating. Gardens filled with native plants will welcome visitors to the building.
Darrell says this public/private partnership team consists of the PGA of America with Omni Stillwater Woods, a joint venture led by Omni Hotels & Resorts with Stillwater and Woods Capital; the City of Frisco, as well as its Economic and Community Development Corporations; and the Frisco Independent School District.
Darrell knows a thing or two about golf partnerships, as he was the driving force behind the creation of PGA Jr. League, Drive Chip & Putt and the American Development Model. He also knew positive mainstays about Frisco, after previously living in the market and serving for 16 years as executive director of the Northern Texas PGA Section.
"Frisco has amazing attributes. It's easy to navigate, has a pro-business environment, is filled with rabid sports fans, contains a diverse and highly educated workforce, has the UNT campus for building internships, reflects a reasonable cost-of-living, and is a great place to live," says Darrell. "Plus, Frisco is a city of winners!"
