FRISCO, Texas — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal
A new kind of golf destination is under construction near the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco.
Developers broke ground this week on The Bays, a 100,000-square resort on 18 acres that promises an immersive experience for both experienced and novice golfers.
It will include a 19-key hotel, with private hitting bays on each balcony — meaning guests can hit balls just steps from their beds. There will also be a putting green complete with a walk-up bar and 100-foot video screen inside an upscale restaurant, according to a June 26 announcement.
This project, first announced in August 2023, is now expected to open in late 2025, a slight change to the construction timeline.
The Bays will add to the business of golf in North Texas, and especially in Frisco, which is home to the Omni PGA Resort and the PGA of America HQ.
This latest development integrates high technology to appeal to a new kind of golfer.
"The makeup of golfers has changed and grown into new cultures, and we are inspired to serve all audiences of North Texas who take an interest in golf," said James Meese, founder of The Bays.
Meese said golf’s popularity has risen post-pandemic as more people seek exercise outdoors, so creating opportunities for a unique golf experience was important.
The third and fourth floors of the resort will be home to a 12,000-square-foot private club. The resort also aims to host corporate events.
The hotel will feature one- and two-bedroom rooms and will also include executive suites and a rooftop pool with cabanas.
The estimated cost for the project is around $35 million, according to a May 24 filing with the Texas Department of Filing and Regulation. The design firm listed for the project is Addison-based Bush Architects LLC.
The Bays is also partnering with the City of Frisco and California-based TaylorMade for its club-fitting experience. Guests will have access to custom TaylorMade clubs and other accessories and will be able to watch their clubs be made on-site.
"Breaking ground on The Bays with a TaylorMade experience will set this golf experience above any other consumer golf experience currently available," Meese said.