Matt,
As a golf course architect and Houston Golf Association member (the non-profit entity that operates the Shell Houston Open), I can tell you that the information on the new golf course is correct. The Hardy-Jacobsen design is a temporary home for the tournament for two to three years. I have not personally toured the course yet, but will do so this week in a meeting with PGA Tour security.
The Hardy-Jacobsen golf course is a redesign of the old El Dorado Country Club, but does not resemble the old course in any way. The course is approximately 7600 yards long, and is a more "traditional" design style than the TPC at the Woodlands. I have seen the finishing holes on the golf course, and in my opinion they do not compare to #13-#18 at the Woodlands. In my opinion the finishing sequence at the TPC was one of the best on the PGA Tour. It provided excitement, spectacular hospitality venues, and ample room for non-corporate spectators.
In defense of the Hardy-Jacobsen design, it is my understanding that it was not originally conceived as a tournament venue, and substantial work was done to upgrade the course to PGA Tour standards. To my knowledge this work was done well, and the course should provide the Tour with a good venue for this years tournament. All along, the Redstone Group and the HGA have planned on moving to a permanent site in two to three years. The course will be designed by Rees Jones, and will be created to be a tournament course.
Personally, I was sad to see us move the tournament from the Woodlands. However, I think the move was good for the overall mission of the HGA which is to raise dollars for childrens charities around the Houston area. The move to Redstone will provide us with a better opportunity to accomplish this mission.
Comparing Redstone Golf Club to the TPC at the Woodland is difficult for me to do as I have not played or toured Redstone. However, I will make the following analysis based on the limited knowledge I do have of the new course. I believe the difficulty of Redstone will be primarily due to it's length. Conversly, the TPC was not an overly long golf course (around 7000 yards), but was made difficult by the placement of hazards around the golf course. The TPC was usually one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour (not including last year), and was more of a shot makers course. This will be in sharp contrast to Redstone, which will favor the long hitter.
Matt, if you have extra time while you are in the Houston area give me a call, and I can show you some of our latest work.
Best of Luck