5 Shocking Secrets Of The Ronny Golf Park At PGA Frisco: The All-Weather Golf Oasis
The Ronny Golf Park in Frisco, Texas, is not just another practice facility; it is a revolutionary, two-acre, all-weather oasis that is fundamentally changing how families and junior golfers experience the game. As of late December 2025, this unique, lighted golf park continues to operate as the flagship home for the Northern Texas PGA's developmental programs, offering a free, public-access venue when its extensive schedule of camps and clinics is not in session. It represents a living tribute to a legendary figure in golf, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Located on the prestigious PGA Frisco campus, The Ronny is a testament to the future of golf accessibility, proving that the game can be fun, family-friendly, and playable regardless of the time of day or the weather forecast. The park's innovative design and dedication to growing the game for the next generation are key reasons why it has become a celebrated landmark for both the local community and the national golf landscape.
The Legacy of Ronny Glanton: Biography and Profile
The Ronny Golf Park is named in honor of Ronny Glanton, PGA, one of the most respected and decorated golf professionals in the history of the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA). His career is defined by an unwavering dedication to service, instruction, and the growth of the game, particularly at the grassroots level. Glanton's profile is a powerful example of a career built on passion and community impact.
- Birthplace: Mineral Wells, Texas.
- Primary Career Location: Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, Texas, where he has spent his entire professional career.
- Head Professional: He became the Head Golf Professional at Sherrill Park in November 1985.
- PGA of America National Golf Professional of the Year: Awarded in 2020, this is the highest honor bestowed upon a PGA Member for overall performance, leadership, and commitment to the game.
- NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year: A three-time recipient (1999, 2007, 2019), Glanton is the first PGA Member in the Section's history to achieve this distinction three times.
- Texas Golf Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2022, recognizing his immense contributions to the sport in the state of Texas.
- PGA of America Hall of Fame: He is scheduled to be inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2025, cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
- PGA Frisco Connection: The naming of the park in 2022 was a tribute to his lifetime of service and his role as a champion for junior golf.
The Ronny Golf Park: 5 Secrets That Make It Unique
The Ronny is a first-of-its-kind facility, meticulously designed by Beau Welling Design to maximize playability and fun for all skill levels. Its location at the Northern Texas PGA homesite within the sprawling PGA Frisco complex makes it a central hub for golf development.
1. It's Built Entirely on Synthetic Turf
The entire two-acre footprint of The Ronny is constructed from state-of-the-art, fully synthetic turf. This revolutionary feature is one of the park’s biggest secrets and strongest selling points. Unlike traditional grass courses, the synthetic surface ensures that the park is truly an all-weather golf park.
This means that rain or shine, day or night, the surface remains pristine and playable. The drainage is instantaneous, and the turf quality is consistent year-round, eliminating issues like mud, divots, or seasonal closures. This reliability is vital for the consistency of the NTPGA's year-round junior golf programs.
2. Putt on Replica PGA Championship Greens
Perhaps the most exciting secret for avid golfers is the design of the putting greens. The Ronny features two reduced-sized, replica 18th hole putting greens. These aren't just any greens—they are modeled after the 18th holes of the Fields Ranch East Course and the Fields Ranch West Course at PGA Frisco.
This unique design allows casual players and aspiring professionals to practice their short game on surfaces that mimic the contours, slopes, and challenges of a major championship venue. It provides a taste of the PGA Frisco experience without needing a tee time on the main courses. The park also includes two dedicated chipping greens and a third practice putting green for general use.
3. It's a Fully Lighted Nighttime Facility
The Ronny is a lighted golf park, which dramatically extends its hours of operation and makes it a perfect evening destination. In the hot Texas summer months, or during the shorter days of winter, the park remains open for play after dark.
This lighting system allows for late-day family fun and evening instruction, a key factor in accommodating the schedules of working parents and students. The ability to play under the lights adds a unique, relaxed atmosphere to the experience, encouraging family golf outings and community engagement.
4. The Park is Free and Open to the Public
Despite its prime location on the PGA Frisco campus, The Ronny operates on a unique public-access model. When the facility is not reserved for official NTPGA camps, clinics, or programs—such as the popular PGA Jr. League—it is free and open to the public.
This commitment to accessibility is central to the park’s mission and the legacy of Ronny Glanton himself. It ensures that golf is not an exclusive sport, but one that is available to the entire Frisco, Texas, community, regardless of economic background. Visitors simply need to check the park's schedule calendar before arriving to confirm public availability.
5. It's the Hub for Tomorrow's Golfers (Ages 3-14)
The park’s primary intention is to serve as the epicenter for introductory junior golf programs. The curriculum is specifically designed for young players, with offerings for children as young as three years old and programs extending up to age 14. This focus on the youngest golfers is a strategic effort to grow the game from the ground up.
The Northern Texas PGA Foundation utilizes The Ronny for year-round instruction, making it a critical asset for developing future talent. For example, the 2025 PGA Jr. League schedule includes key program dates at The Ronny, running from early June to late July, demonstrating its continuous role in organized youth golf. The park’s fun, low-pressure environment is perfect for learning the fundamentals of putting, chipping, and general course etiquette.
Planning Your Visit to The Ronny Golf Park
Visiting The Ronny is an excellent way to experience the world-class PGA Frisco campus in a casual, accessible way. Whether you are a dedicated golfer looking to hone your short game on the replica greens or a family seeking a fun, inexpensive activity, the park offers something for everyone.
The park is a shining example of modern golf development, merging the prestige of the PGA with the accessibility of a community park. Its dedication to synthetic turf, night lighting, and free public access ensures that the legacy of Ronny Glanton—a professional who believed golf should be for all—will continue to inspire a new generation of golfers for years to come.
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