Best Public Course in Houston Area...

[swbyps]

Yea...Ive played the Panther Trail and the Palmer courses in the Woodlands. Panther Trail is nice...the Palmer course is awesome! Not really sure about the green fees. Got a round as a fathers day gift for Panther, but I think its about $80. Played the Palmer for free with a buddy from work who has a membership there. Carlton Woods is another private course in the Woodlands with a Jack Nicklaus and a Gary Player designed courses that might be the best around other than Redstone. On another note...played Cypresswood Tradition a couple weeks ago and its in really good shape. There were a few greens that were not that great but overall its a good track.

[rocker40]

[quote name='murraycronk' timestamp='1366856150' post='6912641']
Thanks just looking for some new places to play when Im down that was. The drive isnt that bothersome as I drive lots for work plus living in Canada everywhere is far. How far is it? Any other recommendations?
[/quote]

Woodforest - www.woodforestgolf.com
Augusta Pines - www.tour18.com/augusta-pines-home
Black Horse - www.blackhorsegolfclub.com
Redstone - www.redstonegolfclub.com

[LHgolfer]

[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1366856874' post='6912735']
Yea...Ive played the Panther Trail and the Palmer courses in the Woodlands. Panther Trail is nice...the Palmer course is awesome! Not really sure about the green fees. Got a round as a fathers day gift for Panther, but I think its about $80. Played the Palmer for free with a buddy from work who has a membership there. [b]Carlton Woods is another private course in the Woodlands with a Jack Nicklaus and a Gary Player designed courses that might be the best around other than Redstone.[/b] On another note...played Cypresswood Tradition a couple weeks ago and its in really good shape. There were a few greens that were not that great but overall its a good track.
[/quote]

Its a Nicklaus and Fazio design, not Player, 2 GREAT courses. The CW folks would be upset about that comment if it went without being corrected.

[Nick4DX]

I was a member at Quail Valley back when it was private and owned by ClubCorp. Now that it's owned by the City they have put some real money back into the property and it's a pretty good place to play again. A little rain would be helpful to fill up the lakes again, though. El Dorado can be demanding but fair and La Quinta has lots of places where you can score. Although not among the absolute best in the area it's a lot of fun and is worth the trip to Missouri City since the rates are affordable and conditions are good.

[Jag80]

Anybody played Jersey Meadows recently? Coming over to play with a couple of friends Memorial Day.

[cjblake09]

Spend a little more and play black horse.

[cpriceAP2]

Treat yourselves and get over to Eagle Pointe. From tee to green this place is in great shape. Played yesterday. Wish it was closer to Katy.

[Jag80]

[quote name='cpriceAP2' timestamp='1369842746' post='7128072']
Treat yourselves and get over to Eagle Pointe. From tee to green this place is in great shape. Played yesterday. Wish it was closer to Katy.
[/quote]

Haven't played there in years! Will try and play on the way back to Lake Charles one day.

[swbyps]

[quote name='LHgolfer' timestamp='1367108577' post='6929395']
[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1366856874' post='6912735']
Yea...Ive played the Panther Trail and the Palmer courses in the Woodlands. Panther Trail is nice...the Palmer course is awesome! Not really sure about the green fees. Got a round as a fathers day gift for Panther, but I think its about $80. Played the Palmer for free with a buddy from work who has a membership there. [b]Carlton Woods is another private course in the Woodlands with a Jack Nicklaus and a Gary Player designed courses that might be the best around other than Redstone.[/b] On another note...played Cypresswood Tradition a couple weeks ago and its in really good shape. There were a few greens that were not that great but overall its a good track.
[/quote]

Its a Nicklaus and Fazio design, not Player, 2 GREAT courses. The CW folks would be upset about that comment if it went without being corrected.
[/quote]

My bad. Let me extend my deepest apologies to any Carlton Woods members out there. Wouldnt want to ruffle any feathers due to an honest golf course designer mistake on an internet forum. Hopefully im not banished from the area.

[jumpmanfeva]

How are the conditions at Wildcat? Going to play there tomorrow. Hopefully the FWs aren't too thin from the sweltering heat!

[sTmGolfer]

[quote name='cpriceAP2' timestamp='1369842746' post='7128072']
Treat yourselves and get over to Eagle Pointe. From tee to green this place is in great shape. Played yesterday. Wish it was closer to Katy.
[/quote]

+1. I've mentioned that course a few times in this forum. I absolutely love that golf course. Greens are always in fantastic shape, it lets you hit a large variety of shots, is a beautiful lay out, not many homes on the course, etc. etc. etc. IMO it is the best bang for the buck. Only downside is the location for several folks. But same could be said about River Ridge (another beauty!).

[cpriceAP2]

[quote name='sTmGolfer' timestamp='1371318406' post='7249074']
[quote name='cpriceAP2' timestamp='1369842746' post='7128072']
Treat yourselves and get over to Eagle Pointe. From tee to green this place is in great shape. Played yesterday. Wish it was closer to Katy.
[/quote]

+1. I've mentioned that course a few times in this forum. I absolutely love that golf course. Greens are always in fantastic shape, it lets you hit a large variety of shots, is a beautiful lay out, not many homes on the course, etc. etc. etc. IMO it is the best bang for the buck. Only downside is the location for several folks. But same could be said about River Ridge (another beauty!).
[/quote]

+1 for River Ridge...Fortunately I live in Katy and that makes it convenient.

[jrsharp21]

Are there any courses north of Conroe worth playing? the normal rotation has been The Village, Links at Westfork, and Wedgewood. Looking to venture out beyond those.

[BillyBaroo1985]

[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1369852015' post='7129176']
[quote name='LHgolfer' timestamp='1367108577' post='6929395']
[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1366856874' post='6912735']
Yea...Ive played the Panther Trail and the Palmer courses in the Woodlands. Panther Trail is nice...the Palmer course is awesome! Not really sure about the green fees. Got a round as a fathers day gift for Panther, but I think its about $80. Played the Palmer for free with a buddy from work who has a membership there. [b]Carlton Woods is another private course in the Woodlands with a Jack Nicklaus and a Gary Player designed courses that might be the best around other than Redstone.[/b] On another note...played Cypresswood Tradition a couple weeks ago and its in really good shape. There were a few greens that were not that great but overall its a good track.
[/quote]

Its a Nicklaus and Fazio design, not Player, 2 GREAT courses. The CW folks would be upset about that comment if it went without being corrected.
[/quote]

My bad. Let me extend my deepest apologies to any Carlton Woods members out there. Wouldnt want to ruffle any feathers due to an honest golf course designer mistake on an internet forum. Hopefully im not banished from the area.
[/quote]


Carlton Woods makes Redstone look like a muni.

[BillyBaroo1985]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1371572180' post='7272824']
Are there any courses north of Conroe worth playing? the normal rotation has been The Village, Links at Westfork, and Wedgewood. Looking to venture out beyond those.
[/quote]

You need to play Woodforest. If that is to high priced. Grand Lakes,Texas National and Ravens Nest is better then the three you metioned, which might be the worst in the area.

[jrsharp21]

[quote name='BillyBaroo1985' timestamp='1371572585' post='7272894']
[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1371572180' post='7272824']
Are there any courses north of Conroe worth playing? the normal rotation has been The Village, Links at Westfork, and Wedgewood. Looking to venture out beyond those.
[/quote]

You need to play Woodforest. If that is to high priced. Grand Lakes,Texas National and Ravens Nest is better then the three you metioned, which might be the worst in the area.
[/quote]

I live about 10 minutes from Woodforest. Weekday rates are okay, but the weekend rates aren't too kind. I have played Texas National and wasn't impressed. There were dirt mounds all over the fairways and it wasn't in the best of conditions all over. I will have to check out the other two you mentioned. So far my favorite of the ones mentioned is The Village. The greens are in really good shape. The only bad thing is that it tends to get crowded on that course and they don't utilize the full 27 properly on those days.

[BillyBaroo1985]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1371578252' post='7273916']
[quote name='BillyBaroo1985' timestamp='1371572585' post='7272894']
[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1371572180' post='7272824']
Are there any courses north of Conroe worth playing? the normal rotation has been The Village, Links at Westfork, and Wedgewood. Looking to venture out beyond those.
[/quote]

You need to play Woodforest. If that is to high priced. Grand Lakes,Texas National and Ravens Nest is better then the three you metioned, which might be the worst in the area.
[/quote]

I live about 10 minutes from Woodforest. Weekday rates are okay, but the weekend rates aren't too kind. I have played Texas National and wasn't impressed. There were dirt mounds all over the fairways and it wasn't in the best of conditions all over. I will have to check out the other two you mentioned. So far my favorite of the ones mentioned is The Village. The greens are in really good shape. The only bad thing is that it tends to get crowded on that course and they don't utilize the full 27 properly on those days.
[/quote]

Woodforest is the best out of the all the publics north of Houston. Augusta Pines, Glenloch Farms, High Meadow Ranch are good for Daily Fee. There use to be a really awesome course called Blaketree but I dont think its around anymore.

[jrsharp21]

Anyone know what is up with Grand Lakes? Never been before so I figured I would head out there this afternoon. Got there around 4. There was a threesome coming off the course and the clubhouse, if you can call it that, was closed. Do they not have afternoon tee times or do they just shut down whenever they don't have people going out?

[markshark62]

When I rate courses, I always separate based on greens fees. In terms of high end, my preferences are:
- Redstone (people can say what they want about cost, conditions outside or March, etc., but IMHO it has one of the best layouts in Houston)
- Augusta Pines
- Blackhorse South

For "average" fees:
- Cypresswood Traditions (albeit @ $70 (weekend mornings) fairly high for "average")
- Memorial (can't beat this course for price and condition --- that's why its so hard to get a time; although it's a handicap killer -- the slope of 122 from the tips needs to be adjusted.....)
- Quail Valley - El Dorado
- Timber Creek (although I consider the regular rates to be high for what you get)
- Clear Creek (not a great course, but I enjoy myself when I play there)

Courses I generally don't enjoy, that others may are:
- Wildcat (not bad, just think it's overhyped)
- Southwyck (don't care for layout)
- Hermann Park (too short)
- Bear Creek (the course I played last year didn't have sand traps.... the superintendent said they took them out because they were too expensive to maintain. This may be different now)
- Tour 18 (greens fee too high compared to competitors)

Courses I want to play but haven't:
- Wilderness
- River Ridge
- Battleground
- Houston National
- Woodforest
- High Meadow Ranch
- Cinco Ranch

Overall, if I could only play 3 courses in Houston, it would be Cypresswood Traditions, Memorial, and Redstone.

[sTmGolfer]

[quote name='markshark62' timestamp='1373392953' post='7418200']
When I rate courses, I always separate based on greens fees. In terms of high end, my preferences are:
- Redstone (people can say what they want about cost, conditions outside or March, etc., but IMHO it has one of the best layouts in Houston)
- Augusta Pines
- Blackhorse South

For "average" fees:
- Cypresswood Traditions (albeit @ $70 (weekend mornings) fairly high for "average")
- Memorial (can't beat this course for price and condition --- that's why its so hard to get a time; although it's a handicap killer -- the slope of 122 from the tips needs to be adjusted.....)
- Quail Valley - El Dorado
- Timber Creek (although I consider the regular rates to be high for what you get)
- Clear Creek (not a great course, but I enjoy myself when I play there)

Courses I generally don't enjoy, that others may are:
- Wildcat (not bad, just think it's overhyped)
- Southwyck (don't care for layout)
- Hermann Park (too short)
- Bear Creek (the course I played last year didn't have sand traps.... the superintendent said they took them out because they were too expensive to maintain. This may be different now)
- Tour 18 (greens fee too high compared to competitors)

Courses I want to play but haven't:
- Wilderness
- River Ridge
- Battleground
- Houston National
- Woodforest
- High Meadow Ranch
- Cinco Ranch

Overall, if I could only play 3 courses in Houston, it would be Cypresswood Traditions, Memorial, and Redstone.
[/quote]

Of the courses you have not played, you have a lot of great tracks to try. Wilderness is always in great shape and an extremely fun course. I have not been out there in over a year so I need to head down that way. Always see lots of wild life out there. Just a peaceful place to play with some great holes.

River Ridge is another great track, though someone mentioned to me it has not been in as good of shape. I find it hard to believe as it has always been great when I have made it out there.

Battleground is just okay, in my opinion. Nothing great but not bad either. I would rather drive a little further and play Eagle Point any day of the week for similar prices.

Woodforest.... Been documented how great it is and I've never been disappointed. Premier place.

Have not played Cinco in years (or Meadowbrook Farms near by) in years. Always enjoyed it. Nothing special layout wise, no memorable holes but always in good/really good shape.

Houston National has always been one I have been wanting to play.

[cjblake09]

I would not recommend Houston National. It always seems dry as a bone out there. If you are going to be in that area play Blackhorse or Cypress Lakes if you want a little cheaper. They usually have some of the best greens in Houston for a public course.

[sTmGolfer]

I plan on playing cypress lakes on Friday. Haven't played there in years so I'm excited to play.

[jrsharp21]

I have played Tour 18 the past couple of weekends and also played Panther Trail last weekend. I have been going out to Tour 18 at around 3pm and playing for about $40. Last time out there was hardly anyone on the course at that time of day. The fairways are in great condition right now. This may be favorite course in the area.

Panther Trail had pretty quick greens last weekend. The fairways were not in as good as shape as Tour 18, but still were in fairly decent shape.

[baseballfrk8998]

Is panther trail public or strictly private?

[swbyps]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1373582630' post='7435076']
Is panther trail public or strictly private?
[/quote]

Public

[rocker40]

[quote name='cjblake09' timestamp='1373484843' post='7426432']
I would not recommend Houston National. It always seems dry as a bone out there. If you are going to be in that area play Blackhorse or Cypress Lakes if you want a little cheaper. They usually have some of the best greens in Houston for a public course.
[/quote]

+1 - The last time i played the course the houses were too close for my liking.

[rocker40]

[quote name='markshark62' timestamp='1373392953' post='7418200']
When I rate courses, I always separate based on greens fees. In terms of high end, my preferences are:
- Redstone (people can say what they want about cost, conditions outside or March, etc., but IMHO it has one of the best layouts in Houston)
- Augusta Pines
- Blackhorse South

For "average" fees:
- Cypresswood Traditions (albeit @ $70 (weekend mornings) fairly high for "average")
- Memorial (can't beat this course for price and condition --- that's why its so hard to get a time; although it's a handicap killer -- the slope of 122 from the tips needs to be adjusted.....)
- Quail Valley - El Dorado
- Timber Creek (although I consider the regular rates to be high for what you get)
- Clear Creek (not a great course, but I enjoy myself when I play there)

Courses I generally don't enjoy, that others may are:
- Wildcat (not bad, just think it's overhyped)
- Southwyck (don't care for layout)
- Hermann Park (too short)
- Bear Creek (the course I played last year didn't have sand traps.... the superintendent said they took them out because they were too expensive to maintain. This may be different now)
- Tour 18 (greens fee too high compared to competitors)

Courses I want to play but haven't:
- Wilderness
- River Ridge
- Battleground
- Houston National
- Woodforest
- High Meadow Ranch
- Cinco Ranch

Overall, if I could only play 3 courses in Houston, it would be Cypresswood Traditions, Memorial, and Redstone.
[/quote]

I would agree with this list but would order them as such: Redstone, Woodforest, Cypresswood Traditions and then Memorial
( I could play Woodforest every day )

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1373592091' post='7436182']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1373582630' post='7435076']
Is panther trail public or strictly private?
[/quote]

Public
[/quote]

Excellent. Good to know! It can't be more than a mile from work. Maybe I'll get out one evening next week since my wife will be out of town.

[Matty T]

Just played Cypresswood-cypress course this past Mon. From tee to green the course is in excellent shape and the greens are smooth and fast.

[swbyps]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1373613965' post='7438200']
[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1373592091' post='7436182']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1373582630' post='7435076']
Is panther trail public or strictly private?
[/quote]

Public
[/quote]

Excellent. Good to know! It can't be more than a mile from work. Maybe I'll get out one evening next week since my wife will be out of town.
[/quote]

I work in The Woodlands too. There are a couple of us Wrx'ers who are typically out at Windrose. Im up there a few times a week at least to hit balls. If you are looking for a place close to the office to hit balls and get in some cheap golf let me know.