Innovative Texas course set to open

T36 at Baytown, a double-loop 18-hole golf course with the supporting restaurant The Birch Kitchen, will open for public play on Dec. 13 in Baytown, Texas near Houston.

The unique golf course design is built on less than 65 acres of land, approximately 50 percent less acreage than a traditional 18-hole, par 72 golf course. Located on the former Evergreen Point Golf Course, T36 at Baytown is the idea of developers Rio Valeriano and David Hinkle of Build Baytown I and golf course architect Ric Buckton.

The patent-pending “Double Loop Course” is Buckton’s unique creation and consists of a traditional 18-hole golf course with double tee boxes and double green complexes played from one common fairway. This eco-friendly design utilizes about 40 percent less water than a typical 18-hole golf course.

“Baytown's support for our golf course development marks a pivotal moment for the community, and I'm excited to be part of the modern golf movement,” said Valeriano, T36’s co-founder. “T36 offers opportunities for a wider range of golfers, beyond just the core golf experience. Whether it's a traditional 18-hole round, a quick nine, or an executive/short course experience, T36 offers a versatile solution for all golf enthusiasts. By condensing existing courses and providing not just 18, but 36 holes of golf, we're not only enhancing the golf experience but also freeing up valuable real estate for other uses. The T36 project is a true game-changer, offering something unique and exciting for everyone. It's a natural win-win.”

The Double Loop course wraps two loops through nine common fairways that are connected to two separate green complexes. This distinctive design allows the developers of T36 to compress a traditional 18-hole, par 72 golf course on to approximately 50 percent less land. The T36 golf course was recently rated by the USGA.

“Our mission at T36 is really three-fold – provide a place where neighbors can gather and enjoy a sense of community, introduce the game of golf to a wider and more diverse audience, and evolve to meet the needs of the modern golfer,” said Hinkle, a T36 co-founder. “From our fun and unique golf course to a food and beverage experience that is full of fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, we’re on our way to accomplishing this mission.”

Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon manages the golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, retail, and sales and marketing for the property.