The Historic Comeback: 5 Shocking Facts About Riverside Golf Course And The Fate Of The Beloved Teddy Bear Par 3

The Riverside Golf Course, a cornerstone of San Antonio’s rich history and the Alamo City Golf Trail, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last year, securing its legacy as one of the oldest and most historically significant courses in Texas. As of late $\text{December 2025}$, the main 18-hole course is fully operational and receiving high praise following a comprehensive, multi-million dollar renovation that was completed and reopened to the public in early 2024. This massive undertaking has revitalized the historic grounds, but it has also left one key area in limbo: the current, temporary closure of the beloved 9-hole Par 3 course, affectionately known to generations of golfers as "The Teddy Bear." The fate of the Teddy Bear Par 3 is a major source of curiosity among local golfers and visitors alike, as its closure is a temporary measure to address quality standards that were not met during the initial renovation phase. While the main course is flourishing, the smaller, family-friendly course remains closed for maintenance, leaving many wondering about its exact reopening date and the future of this iconic piece of San Antonio golf history. This article dives deep into the course's legendary past, the details of its recent renovation, and the latest on the Par 3 course that honors a future U.S. President.

The Legendary History of Riverside: From Rough Riders to WPA Project

The story of the Riverside Golf Course is inextricably linked to the history of the United States itself, earning it a unique place in the annals of American golf. The course's historical significance pre-dates its establishment as a formal golf club, tying directly to a future U.S. President and a pivotal moment in military history.

The Teddy Roosevelt Connection and The Rough Riders

The course's famous nickname, "The Teddy Bear," is not just a whimsical moniker; it’s a direct tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. In 1898, before the Spanish-American War, the grounds where the course now sits served as a critical training site for Roosevelt’s legendary volunteer cavalry unit, the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, famously known as the Rough Riders. This piece of military history laid the foundation for the site's historical gravity, and the Par 3 course was later named in Roosevelt's honor, cementing the "Teddy Bear" identity.

A Works Progress Administration (WPA) Masterpiece

While the land's historical use dates back to the late 1800s, the official Riverside Golf Course was established in 1929, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the state of Texas. Its current configuration and development, however, are largely due to a federally funded initiative. In 1939, the course was built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project for the City of San Antonio. This New Deal-era program aimed to put Americans back to work during the Great Depression, and the resulting course is a testament to the quality and enduring nature of WPA architecture and landscaping. Riverside’s front nine opened later, making it the second oldest course in the Alamo City Golf Trail system, following the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course.

The Massive 2023–2024 Renovation: A New Era for Riverside

After decades of play and the inevitable wear and tear, the main 18-hole Riverside course was in dire need of a major overhaul to meet modern standards and preserve its historical integrity. The Alamo City Golf Trail embarked on an ambitious, full-scale renovation project that spanned late 2022 and most of 2023.

Key Details of the Multi-Million Dollar Facelift

The comprehensive renovation was designed to elevate the entire golfing experience while demonstrating responsible stewardship of the historic property. The project was substantial, focusing on key areas that impact both playability and maintenance. The work began in earnest in November 2022 and was largely completed by the end of 2023.

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• New Greens Complexes: A primary focus was the reconstruction of the greens complexes, ensuring a consistent, high-quality putting surface that can withstand the Texas climate.
• Bunker Reconstruction: All bunkers across the 18-hole course were rebuilt and reshaped, improving drainage and playability, providing a fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels.
• Course Reopening: The newly renovated 18-hole Riverside Golf Course officially reopened to the public on January 12, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for the historic facility.

The successful reopening of the main course has been a significant win for the Alamo City Golf Trail, providing a fully modernized and exceptional golfing experience just four miles south of downtown San Antonio.

The Lingering Question: What is the Current Status of The Teddy Bear Par 3?

Despite the main course's triumphant return, the 9-hole Par 3 course—the one that actually carries the "Teddy Bear" name—remains closed, which has caused considerable discussion among the local golfing community.

Temporary Closure for Quality Control

As of the latest reports, the Teddy Bear Par 3 is under a "Temporary Closure Notice." The Alamo City Golf Trail has been transparent that the closure is due to the course "currently not meeting our quality standards." Prior to the renovation, the Par 3 course had received reviews noting it was "very unkept," with unmaintained tee boxes and fairways, suggesting the need for significant maintenance was long overdue.

Unlike the 18-hole course, which received a full-scale reconstruction, the Par 3 required a different approach. The maintenance team is actively working to bring the course up to the high standards expected of the Alamo City Golf Trail facilities. This commitment to quality ensures that when the Teddy Bear Par 3 does reopen, it will offer a reliable and enjoyable experience for families, beginners, and golfers looking to sharpen their short game.

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Reopening Timeline and Future Expectations

While the main Riverside course has a firm reopening date of January 12, 2024, a specific date for the Teddy Bear Par 3 has not been announced. The delay is a strategic decision to focus on quality over speed. The Par 3 is an essential component of the facility, serving as a perfect entry point for junior golfers, seniors, and those new to the sport. Its eventual reopening will complete the full vision for the revitalized Riverside Golf Course.

The Alamo City Golf Trail's focus on equity and making golf accessible to the community suggests that the Teddy Bear Par 3 will be a priority once the necessary maintenance and improvements are finalized. Golfers are advised to check the official Alamo City Golf Trail website or social media channels for the most current updates and the official reopening announcement for the iconic "Teddy Bear" course.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

The Riverside Golf Course is a nexus of historical, governmental, and sporting entities. Key entities include Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, the Spanish-American War, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Alamo City Golf Trail, San Antonio, Texas Golf Insider, and Brackenridge Park Golf Course (the oldest on the trail). The course itself is defined by its two components: the 18-hole course and the 9-hole Par 3 course. The recent narrative is driven by the 2023 Renovation, Greens Complexes, Bunker Reconstruction, and the Temporary Closure Notice of the Par 3. These elements collectively establish its unique topical authority.

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