The author (and her father) at The Generation Cup at Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Spa.
Jason Dering
Like many golfers, I was first exposed to the game through family. I can still remember my first attempt at swinging a golf club — on a crowded range one Father’s Day as a kid.
Although I didn’t catch the golf bug until later in life, the game has always been a powerful way to connect with the people I love. Especially my dad, whose persistence getting me out on the course ultimately sparked my passion for golf.
From caddying in junior events to cheering me on from outside the ropes in college, he’s been there through it all. As I’ve gotten older, every chance I have to tee it up with him is more than a round of golf, it’s a cherished memory that continues to strengthen our bond.
So when I came across a new amateur event that allowed me to compete with my dad, I jumped at the chance.
The event is called The Generation Cup, hosted by Omni Hotels and Resorts in partnership with the PGA of America. It’s a family focused golf tournament designed to bring generations of golfers together as they battle it out at Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Spa in Frisco, Texas.
To earn their ticket to Frisco, two-person teams competed at one of 12 qualifying events held at Omni golf resorts nationwide. Teams competed in one of three divisions: grandparent/grandchild, parent/child (or aunt/uncle and niece/nephew), and PGA Professional/generational family member. The top teams in both net and gross scoring from each division advanced to the finals.
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This year, my dad and I were lucky enough to secure a spot in the inaugural national championship of The Generation Cup, and although we didn’t win, it was perhaps the most special golf outing I’ve ever shared with him.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by staff who helped us get our bearings on the incredible property, one that includes a world-class hotel, three golf courses, multiple restaurants and The Dance Floor — a nearly two-acre putting course that’s free to the public.
As I explored the property — like the Ice House, a classic Texas barbecue spot located a few steps from the putting green that features TopTracer range bays — I realized this was more than a golf course. It had become a pillar of the community. I watched local families drift through the putting course, laughing over missed putts and enjoying each other’s company. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for an event intended to grow the game and connect with family.
That evening we kicked off the tournament with a welcome dinner next to The Dance Floor and a round on The Swing, a 10-hole par-3 course that features five holes designed by both Gil Hanse and Beau Welling — the architects behind Fields Ranch’s two 18-hole courses.
Courtesy photo
We teed off bright and early the next morning for our first round on Fields Ranch West. The tournament format was a two-person best-ball shamble and each player was assigned tees based on their age and USGA handicap index. This seemed to level the playing field for teams with older or younger competitors — like the 10-year-old we were paired with during round one (although he was a stick and didn’t need much help).
After the round, teams had access to a tour-level recovery room outfitted with the same tools used by pros like Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau. For a deeper post-round reset you could also book a service at their spa.
Following my recovery session (and a quick nap), we headed to dinner where we met another father/daughter team who we quickly became friends with. One of the highlights of the night was a fireside chat with Welling, designer of Fields Ranch West, the course we played that day. We also heard from John Lindert, a past PGA of America president, who qualified into the event with his son.
Welling explained how his design philosophy for Fields Ranch West was rooted in creating a course that was challenging for all ages and skill levels, much like the event we were competing in.
“Golf is a builder of people and community,” Welling said.
Courtesy photo
To create a layout that tested both low and high handicap players, Welling studied amateur playing data and found one key difference: greens in regulation.
Because better players hit more greens on average, Welling added big swells and bold contours to his green complexes to challenge their iron play. For higher handicap players, he included more forgiving collection areas that made recovery shots manageable.
“We want everyone to enjoy the golf course,” Welling said.
The final round was played on Fields Ranch East, their championship course designed by Gil Hanse that’s set to host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in less than a week. Personally, I found this course to be more demanding. It required pinpoint accuracy with your approach shots and a sharp short game to give yourself a chance to save par. Luckily, we had a stellar caddie whose course knowledge helped us card a couple of birdies.
As we walked down the 18th fairway, I couldn’t help but get a little misty-eyed. Our weekend was coming to a close and I was incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to play with my dad. As I’ve gotten older, life has gotten busier and our golf rounds have grown fewer. But for one weekend, Omni gave my dad and I a chance to reconnect over our shared love for the game of golf.
And I have a sneaking suspicion we weren’t the only ones. Based on the smiles I saw from other families over the weekend, The Generation Cup was a hit for others, too.
