Old golf course gets new look

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The race was on to the starting tee Friday, but some of the golfers have been waiting much longer than just a few minutes to play.

For many, it's actually been nearly a year since they a swing at the Morris Williams golf course after closing to undergo a $2 million renovation.

"The golf course had been left out somewhat out of the mix as far as improvements goes for the last 45 years," said Kevin Gomillion, Austin's golf division manager. "And, the Mueller development some of the reason for improvements."

New greens spread out over 200 acres of course and a new clubhouse were two major expenses. Former University of Texas coach George Hannon was also the course's first golf pro back in 1964. He said the course is important because it makes golf accessible to everyone.

"People like to play," said Hannon. "And they have to have a place to play and not everybody can belong to a country club."

Others say the course has always been part of the community, especially when promoting childhood development.

"They get plenty of opportunity to play the game, stay off the streets," said longtime golfer John Linton. "They learn things they'll carry through their entire lives."

The course 's namesake, Morris Williams, played on the University of Texas golf team from 1947 to 1959. In three of those four years, Morris led the Longhorns to the Southwest Conference championsip.
 
He was the individual NCAA and SWC golf runner-up in 1949 and 1950. He was the only golfer to win Texas State Amateur, State Junior and Texas PGA in same season.
 
Moris also won the Texas Junior Championships and the National Air Force Trophy in golfing. The Air Force trophy was named in his honor. Morris was killed while serving in the Air Force in plane crash in Florida.
 
He was inducted into the UT Sports Hall of Honor in 1990.