Arg's Travel Log

[Bad9]

13 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Yours truly in his bedroom 1982. The paneling was sweet. Lol. 

 

 

Gotta love the wristband.

[vernon]

5 hours ago, Bad9 said:

Gotta love the wristband.

A few years earlier they were called "sweatbands"!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

While in Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1987. We actually were allowed a 1 hour break at the PX. Instead of eating junk food (I was brainwashed at that point) I used my money to purchase a walk man. There were only 2 tapes I would like out of maybe 20 there. Rush, Spirit of the Radio and Eddie Money. While everyone was inside shoving pizza, burgers and fries into their pie holes, I went at sat outside and listened to Rush. Golf was the furthest thing from my mind.

[Shankyouverymuch]

3 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

While in Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1987

I went to Basic there as well Nov 85- Feb 86. Got down to -20 at night camping out for engineer week. Not fun LOL.

[Argonne69]

6 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

While in Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1987. We actually were allowed a 1 hour break at the PX. Instead of eating junk food (I was brainwashed at that point) I used my money to purchase a walk man. There were only 2 tapes I would like out of maybe 20 there. Rush, Spirit of the Radio and Eddie Money. While everyone was inside shoving pizza, burgers and fries into their pie holes, I went at sat outside and listened to Rush. Golf was the furthest thing from my mind.

 

I was at Navy A School at Lakehurst NAS in 1981. I had an awesome stereo at home with a sweet Pioneer SX-980 receiver and Pioneer turntable, but I had to leave that behind when I entered the Navy. Most of us had crummy boomboxes with even crummier cassette tapes. On paydays the PX was jammed with young sailors and marines buying junk, including the latest albums. I was deep into my progressive rock phase, so I was buying old albums from Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. I think I wore out Brain Salad Surgery. Lol. 

 

I'll never forget my stay there. We were housed in a multi story building that was basically a college dorm. Each room had four single beds. One of my roommates used to fall asleep with his headphones on listening to music. He had the thing cranked, and you could hear it from across the room. Know how many times I had to listen to Foreigner's Jukebox Hero? Still have bad flashbacks when I hear that song. Lol. 

 

Edited February 3 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Enjoyable morning. Weather was iffy with high humidity and light fog. Thankfully it lifted quickly. Houston is on track to set a daily record today when it reaches 82 degrees. Sure better than the 20s 10 days ago. I believe I was the 2nd one out on the course. Another nice round walking with no holdups. 

 

Tour 18 today. I played it two years ago in the late morning after I ripped open the gas tank on the Honda driving to Hermann Park. Definitely a morning I'd like to forget. Much more focused today. Here's my review from the last visit: https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1842161-args-travel-log/?do=findComment&comment=24583368. 

 

Not much change since the last visit. The course consists of eighteen replica holes. A few aren't quite exact, but they're still fun. Closest I'm probably going to come to playing Amen Corner. The 9th is a copy of Sawgrass' par 3 17th. The real deal has practically no rough around the green, but this one had the fringe at least 3 feet from the wood pilings. The 2nd is a copy of Bay Hill's par 5 6th. Don't quite have Bryson's length, so I had to play it the old fashioned way. 

 

Conditions continue to be very soft. It's been 5 days since the last rainfall. Why are the courses still cart path only? Why are bunkers still looking like trout farms? Oy. Greens were rolling nicely at 10+, so at least it wasn't a total slog. 

 

Played the Tournament tees again at 6302 yds (70.6/128). Solid day ballstriking, but wedges were meh, so few decent looks at birdie. Five bogies. Highlight was the sandy on Augusta National's par 3 12th. Not a lot of green to work with when the pin is left. The 25' par putt on the 11th was sweet. 

 

I still think the course is worthy of 7 cows. You copy 18 iconic holes and you're probably going to have a fun layout. Would be nice to see better conditions. No walking rate, but the $63 senior weekday rate was more than fine. Don't know if it's a must play, but I still think it's worth a visit. 

 

Edited February 3 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Tour 18, Humble, TX 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/finrueddd5491fg7k0ng3/AHco_BeNy4WpUAVdZf8hhY8?rlkey=s911f3f4kgz13v1s5cwq4mhj9&st=b6kmp5aj&dl=0

 

Edited February 3 by Argonne69

[hammergolf]

6 hours ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

While in Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1987. We actually were allowed a 1 hour break at the PX. Instead of eating junk food (I was brainwashed at that point) I used my money to purchase a walk man. There were only 2 tapes I would like out of maybe 20 there. Rush, Spirit of the Radio and Eddie Money. While everyone was inside shoving pizza, burgers and fries into their pie holes, I went at sat outside and listened to Rush. Golf was the furthest thing from my mind.

Any time spent listening to Rush is time well spent.

[ZephyrS4]

Very familiar looking holes…..even though they’re brown…..looks like a fun course!

[nutmegchoi]

Me and boyfriend are going to visit Houston at the end of this month and would love to play a few rounds.

Arg, which one was your favorite in Houston?

Did you get to play Memorial?

How hard was it to get a tee time?

 

I can't believe you are still on the road.

Truly amazing!

[Argonne69]

28 minutes ago, nutmegchoi said:

Me and boyfriend are going to visit Houston at the end of this month and would love to play a few rounds.

Arg, which one was your favorite in Houston?

Did you get to play Memorial?

How hard was it to get a tee time?

 

I can't believe you are still on the road.

Truly amazing!

 

Yeah, I played Memorial two years ago. Yes, it was tough to get a tee time. Didn't really care for the course. Gave it 5 cows. Overpriced now that it hosts a PGA event. 

 

My favorites would be GC of Houston Tournament, Wildcat GC Lakes, or Highland Pines. 

 

[nutmegchoi]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Yeah, I played Memorial two years ago. Yes, it was tough to get a tee time. Didn't really care for the course. Gave it 5 cows. Overpriced now that it hosts a PGA event. 

 

My favorites would be GC of Houston Tournament, Wildcat GC Lakes, or Highland Pines. 

 

 

Thanks for the input, Arg.

 

I think I'm gonna walk up on Tuesday am to see if we can get out before the sunset and that'll be that.
Otherwise, I'll look into the GC of Houston Tournament.

I also would like to play BlackHorse and we are set to play Wildcat GC Highland on Friday.

[YellowV1x]

12 hours ago, nutmegchoi said:

 

Thanks for the input, Arg.

 

I think I'm gonna walk up on Tuesday am to see if we can get out before the sunset and that'll be that.
Otherwise, I'll look into the GC of Houston Tournament.

I also would like to play BlackHorse and we are set to play Wildcat GC Highland on Friday.

 

You won't be able to get out on Tuesday as the course is closed that day.  Golf Club of Houston is a good one.  If you're looking for other recommendations, I like Augusta Pines (same ownership group as Highland Pines) and Quail Valley El Dorado course.

[Argonne69]

Enjoyable morning. Very high humidity, but no fog. I'm drenched in sweat after walking eighteen in temps in the 70s with 110% humidity. Teed it up at Highland Pines for the 2nd time. I played it two years ago. Here's the review: https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/1842161-args-travel-log/?do=findComment&comment=24596591

 

They finished building the clubhouse. 'Very nice. A few more homes visible, but for the most part your out there in the pines with only the traffic noise from TX-99 on the front disturbing the peace. The course was memorable because of the repurposed railroad flatcars used for bridges on the back. No changes to the layout as far as I could tell. Still a decent track. 

 

Conditions were very good. Nice to finally play a course that wasn't cart path only (minus two holes). The zoysia fairways, rough, teeboxes, and greens were excellent. Feels like cheating. Lol. Bunkers were excellent. The crew was out there grooming them, and the wet sand was nicely broken up. Greens were pushing 11. 

 

Played a Masters/Members (Green/Gold) combo at 6400 yds again. Looks like they finally rated the course (70.8/127). Took advantage of the par 5s today. Three birdies and five bogies. Highlight was the three fairway woods on the par 5s to just short of the greens, setting up easy chip and putts. 

 

Last time around I gave the course seven cows. Downgrading it to 6 cows this time around. Crazy that I've played nearly 500 courses since my last visit, and I'm definitely becoming a tougher grader. Course needs more bunkering. While there are a few tough approaches, most are danger free. No walking rate, but the $108 weekday rate isn't a showstopper. Still too pricey for regular play. Still think it's worth a visit. 

 

[Argonne69]

Highland Pines Golf Club, Porter, TX 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 18th from the tips is quite intimidating. Lol. 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/s9231w0w0l0ny07lrpy6e/ALV2-ZednKYH91GX993OyKI?rlkey=e6f8kgxc8o9dbwaxfn0sapzje&st=3cy77m71&dl=0

 

Edited February 4 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

A real head scratcher today. Saw that there was a Tapped taphouse in Spring. Their website was gone, but there was a Google Maps review from 3 weeks ago, so I made the trek there only to find it closed. Spoke with the new cafe staff to discover that Tapped closed 9 months ago. Oy. Luckily it was close to Thistle Draftshop, so no harm, no foul. Enjoying a very tasty Firestone Walker Anniversary XXVIII strong ale. The keg blew before I got a full 10 ounce pour, so it was on the house. 😊

 

 

Ooh, that was good. The Classic Burger is only $10 on Tuesdays. Tossed an egg on top and it was golden. Lol. 

 

 

Edited February 4 by Argonne69

[Mullenboy]

Did I read it right that that course has EIGHT par fives?  I've seen 6 a lot... never more than that.  Or did I read it wrong?

 

Great looking burger.  🙂

[ZephyrS4]

He had 3 birdies and 5 bogies for the round, not on the par 5s

[Mullenboy]

2 minutes ago, ZephyrS4 said:

He had 3 birdies and 5 bogies for the round, not on the par 5s

 

"Took advantage of the par 5s today. Three birdies and five bogies. "

 

Hopefully you can see how I read it as I did.  But yes that makes much better sense.  Thanks.  🙂

[Argonne69]

2 minutes ago, Mullenboy said:

 

"Took advantage of the par 5s today. Three birdies and five bogies. "

 

Hopefully you can see how I read it as I did.  But yes that makes much better sense.  Thanks.  🙂

 

Yeah, could have stated it a little clearer. Three birdies on the four par 5s, and five bogies otherwise.

 

[ZephyrS4]

I can see how you did….

[Mullenboy]

It's all good!  I just so rely on you Arg for these reports... they are so fun... I thought for a second we had found a really unique golf course!  🙂

 

[Argonne69]

Bah. Rather than drive over an hour to play golf south of the city three days in a row, I decided to move to a new RV park 15 miles southeast of downtown along I-45 this morning. I stayed at the park three years ago during my first roll through town. 

 

 

I booked Bay Forest for tomorrow, but like an idiot I didn't verify that the other two courses on my list allow public play. Turns out Bay Oaks and Magnolia Creek are both private. Doh. I booked a round at Clear Creek on Friday, and will likely play a course I've played before on Saturday. 

 

There are a handful of area courses that I haven't played, but sheesh, you read recent reviews and the conditions are simply dreadful. 

 

Edited February 5 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Lol. I must be doing something right to get free beer. Ran to the UPS Store to return an Amazon item, and since I was out and about decided to stop at J Henry's Draught House. 50 taps with a nice selection. Starting with the Real Ale Brewing Devil's Backbone Belgian Tripel. Like yesterday the keg blew after half a pour. I only wanted a half pour to begin with, but the taphouse only serves full pours. Well, unless I work my magic. 🙃

 

 

Guess I'll have to "settle" for a Boulevard Barrel Aged Belgian Quad. 

 

 

Edited February 5 by Argonne69

[SnowbirdTom]

You should like Bay Forest for it’s simplicity. Hope you have that 4 cow review ready to cut and paste. 😂 Bunkering is weak, fairways are playable even from the light rough. I played a two man scramble down there. Fortunately, it’s not mosquito season. They were voracious.

[Argonne69]

Another enjoyable morning. The fog wasn't as bad as the past few days, but it was still warm and muggy. Played with a couple of older members who tee it up Monday through Friday, and they were great company. Bay Forest today. Yup, flat with very light bunkering. Plenty of water, though. I counted H2O on 14 holes. Five holes with gentle left/right movement. 

 

Easy off the tee with minimal fairway bunkering and short forced carries. Minor misses would find the light rough, but could have a tree in the way. Plenty of adjacent holes, so big misses might get lucky, but the ponds could swallow most misses. Approaches were fairly easy. Greens weren't very big, but bunkering was light. Greens had gentle contouring and slope. Putts weren't easy, but the sweat sure wasn't from any knee knockers. Up and downs were a little trickier with some iffy lies out there in the dormant Bermuda. 

 

The five par 3s were OK. Four had a bit of trouble with water in play. Variety of length was severely lacking with yardage ranging from 171 to 184 yds from the Blue tees. The five par 5s were meh. Nothing reachable, and only the lateral water posing any trouble. No short 4s. 

 

Conditions were decent. Fairways were damp, but not soft. Turf was a bit thin. Rough was decent. Bunkers were playable. A few had very wet sand, but were groomed. Greens looked great. Speed was a bit slow early with dew on the ground. Got better when the sun came out. 9 to 10. 

 

Played the White tees at 6274 yds (71.0/130). Plenty of length at sealevel. Mediocre day ballstriking, but with little trouble I mostly got away with it. One birdie and six bogies. Highlight was probably the flop shot with the new flop wedge on the par 3 8th. Shortsided myself pin high right with a blocked teeshot, but the flop launched like a Saturn V and landed softly 3' from the cup. 

 

I think this one climbs into the 4 cow category. Playable, but forgettable. Plenty of water in play, but needs more bunkering, variety in the par 3s, and one or two reachable par 5s. The $14.50 senior weekday walking rate was silly. Lol. Can't recall a cheaper round. Good course for the locals, but it can easily be skipped. 

 

[Argonne69]

Bay Forest Golf, La Porte, TX 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f3rgu7amo6ch9v1ido3be/AEYS0KtIFINvYFv_xhKxb_8?rlkey=1iiqnpk7842k7fs6r9jdij6qj&st=syhhww6h&dl=0

 

Edited February 6 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Short drive south to Galveston Bay Brewing in Clear Lake Shores. Thirty taps with a surprising number of stouts. Enjoying a flight with a Megladon Scotch Ale, an Old Gregg Old Ale, Admiral's Rye Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, and Havana Moon Rum Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. 

 

 

[imkirby34]

$14.50?   That's it - I'm moving.  Ok, I won't turn 60 for a couple years, but even the $22 weekday non-resident rate is good enough for me.  

[Argonne69]

Was going to head back to the RV park, but then I noticed Craft 96 Draught House on the way to I-45. Hmmm. 60+ taps with an interesting mix. No Belgian brews, but a handful of imperial stouts. What really caught my eye was the Black Tuesday BBA from The Bruery. I had this 19.5% ABV rocket fuel in southern California a few months ago. Very tasty, but potent. Almost laughable that the 5 ounce pour at $10 was nearly the same price as my round of golf this morning. Lol. Down a full pour of this and you might be yelling "Fore!" more times than you'd like. 

 

 

Edited February 6 by Argonne69