Old Memorial
Friends and Outback Steakhouse founders Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham and Bob Merritt had traveled extensively, playing many of the great courses of Australia, the British Isles and the U.S., especially noting the way the ball bounces and rolls on the firm turf as shots must be created to suit the terrain of the course and day’s playing conditions.
The trio gained a true appreciation for the rich history and time-honored traditions of the game. As their passion for golf grew, so did their vision for a traditional golf club that would embrace and exemplify all that is good about the game.
Built on a 312-acre sandy site just 15-minutes from the Tampa International Airport, critically acclaimed architect Steve Smyers was contracted to design and build the golf course. A champion of classical design, Smyers was noted for his traditional, strategic style of architecture and his firm playing surfaces – a perfect fit for the vision of the Old Memorial founders.
Named after a nearby highway that was once the only route to the bay area of Tampa, Old Memorial Golf Club opened for play in November 1997.