The First Annual Greater Dallas Putting Championship recently hosted by Cedar Crest Golf Course, 1800 Southerland Ave.,proved to be a great day for golf while benefiting a great cause.

Thanks to Cedar Crest Golf Course, its supporters and participants, proceeds from the putting championship totaled $10,000 to benefit the Northern Texas PGA Jr. Golf Foundation’s Fairways to Success Program.  Established in 2007, the Fairway to Success Program annually awards scholarships to deserving students based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need.

Cedar Crest met its goal for this golf fundraiser and will now provide two additional $5,000 awards for the 2017 Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship finalists.  The Cedar Crest-sponsored awards will be called the "I AM" scholarships.

The event drew golf enthusiasts from across the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to compete in the inaugural tournament. Many were excited about playing at the newly reopened Cedar Crest, which is centrally located near downtown Dallas and has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation. During the tournament, golfers also got a chance putt on all 18 brand new Mini Verde Bermuda greens.  

Event highlights included a catered lunch, onsite appearances and commentary by local radio sports personalities and a free putting clinic by teaching pro Pat O'Brian.  

As with the golf course, tournament guests enjoyed the modernized 14,000-square feet pro shop and clubhouse featuring the Crestview Room, a special events venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests for meetings and other events.  The new multi-use clubhouse allowed golfers an opportunity to relax before and after the putting championship.      

One of six City of Dallas 18-hole courses, the Crest has 100 years of golf history and even hosted a Major - the 1927 PGA Championship and it's a treasured gem in the Oak Cliff community.  

The renovation ranks Cedar Crest among North Texas’ elite urban courses and the improvements are a long-term infrastructure investment that will significantly impact the city’s GrowSouth efforts for southern Dallas neighborhoods.  

To learn more about Cedar Crest Golf Course visit: https://www.golfcedarcrest.com/

One of six City of Dallas 18-hole courses, Cedar Crest – site of the 1927 PGA Championship – reopened early October to the public after a multimillion dollar renovation that showcases new greens and bunkers, natural grass driving range and a special events venue.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department officials, civic leaders and Cedar Crest staff held a special ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the redesigned course, which was followed by tours of the amenities and a series of special events.  Junior players who participate in the First Tee and Fairways to Success at Cedar Crest joined seasoned golfers for the reopening event. Cedar Crest is located at 1800 Southerland in a popular tree-lined Oak Cliff neighborhood.

City officials believe the new look ranks Cedar Crest among North Texas’ elite urban courses, adding that the improvements are a long-term infrastructure investment that will significantly impact the city’s GrowSouth efforts for southern Dallas neighborhoods.  

“These renovations continue the city’s commitment to provide citizens and visitors with the highest quality in customer service and in recreational opportunities. This project is a tribute to the history of this magnificent golf course and community. We want players and guests to have the best amenities available to enhance their experiences,” said Dallas Park and Recreation Deputy Director John Jenkins. “This is a beautiful, strategic course that rivals courses everywhere. The new look maintains the high quality and tradition established years ago. Its rolling terrain and excellent course conditions are should attract seasoned and beginning players,” Jenkins said.

In the early 1900s, architect A.W. Tillinghast’s’ original design of Cedar Crest incorporated Oak Cliff’s rolling terrain to challenge even the best of players. Former PGA Tour player D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolford provided the inspiration for the new look. Updates include 21 renovated greens, new irrigation and 34 reshaped bunkers. The driving range features new target greens and a new practice tee on the east end, enhancements that will offer new opportunities for more than 100 junior golfers that practice each year at Cedar Crest.

As with the golf course, the modernized 14,000-square feet pro shop and clubhouse includes the Crestview Room, a special events venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests for tournaments, meetings and other events.           

Ira McGraw, Cedar Crest general manager, said players will be thrilled about the new look. “It is amazing. Those familiar with the old layout will be excited with the changes,” said McGraw. “Golfers who have never played here before will find an exceptional golfing experience. It all highlights the impressiveness of the original Tillinghast design. You can play this masterpiece at a fantastic value,” McGraw said.

“There are a lot of great courses, but Cedar Crest is top-notch. Everyone is friendly, everyone is family. There’s nothing but love there,” added Branch.

For more information or to scheduled a tee time visit: https://www.golfcedarcrest.com/.