Best Public Course in Houston Area...

[xplyboy]

[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1373744296' post='7448090']
[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.
[/quote]

How is the condition at windrose? That course has a special place in my heart cause when I first started playing and working in the woodlands, I would a many times get off work and play there by myself when golf was new to me and loved it. But I know the conditions went down quite a bit and I don't work up there anymore so it's been years since I've been there. How would you compare the conditions to panther trails to give a comparison.

[swbyps]

[quote name='xplyboy' timestamp='1373744647' post='7448114']
[quote name='swbyps' timestamp='1373744296' post='7448090']
[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.
[/quote]

How is the condition at windrose? That course has a special place in my heart cause when I first started playing and working in the woodlands, I would a many times get off work and play there by myself when golf was new to me and loved it. But I know the conditions went down quite a bit and I don't work up there anymore so it's been years since I've been there. How would you compare the conditions to panther trails to give a comparison.
[/quote]

Its not too bad..but not great either. If someone would come in an put just a little money into it, Windrose could be really nice. As it stands, it serves its purpose for me...Its cheap and convenient. I pay $40 a month for unlimited range and considerable discounts on green fees. The course isnt bad but it seems they make some questionable management decisions at times. They really just got the greens for 2013 in descent shape a little over a month ago. Honestly, they just arent putting any money into the place. Dont get me wrong, its not run down or anything close to that...they could just do better. It doesnt seem to be hurting business though because there is seemingly always a tournament or some event and the course is typically busy.

[baseballfrk8998]

Got a chance to play the Redstone Tournament course today with a couple of other guys including 1 WRX'r (Rocker40).

I'll have to agree with those who've stated that this course really isn't regularly conditioned nearly as well as it is during The Shell. There were a fair amount of "bare" spots in the rough throughout the course.

With that being said, the course wasn't bad by any stretch. We paid $85 for a twilight round and I'd say that it was probably worth around that. The greens weren't too fast but they were in good shape throughout the course. The fairways were in good shape but like I said, it was pretty easy to get some iffy lies outside of the fairway. Especially around the greens, unfortunately.

In my mind, it falls a bit behind Augusta Pines and Woodforest in terms of conditions. The layout, however, is absolutely terrific IMO. Planning on playing it the weekend after the SHO next year and I'm psyched about that.

All in all, I wasn't disappointed with the course at all for $85. With that said, I wouldn't pay $125 or $175 to play it in its current conditions but I do feel that $85 price tag today was fair.

[Timanator]

How did you get Redstone for 85?

[Timanator]

Cypress lakes always has the best greens imo.

[msd3075]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1374889116' post='7547426']
Got a chance to play the Redstone Tournament course today with a couple of other guys including 1 WRX'r (Rocker40).

I'll have to agree with those who've stated that this course really isn't regularly conditioned nearly as well as it is during The Shell. There were a fair amount of "bare" spots in the rough throughout the course.

With that being said, the course wasn't bad by any stretch. We paid $85 for a twilight round and I'd say that it was probably worth around that. The greens weren't too fast but they were in good shape throughout the course. The fairways were in good shape but like I said, it was pretty easy to get some iffy lies outside of the fairway. Especially around the greens, unfortunately.

In my mind, it falls a bit behind Augusta Pines and Woodforest in terms of conditions. The layout, however, is absolutely terrific IMO. Planning on playing it the weekend after the SHO next year and I'm psyched about that.

All in all, I wasn't disappointed with the course at all for $85. With that said, I wouldn't pay $125 or $175 to play it in its current conditions but I do feel that $85 price tag today was fair.
[/quote]


One thing to note though is that Redstone recently let go a bunch of staff, including their Director of Golf (Charlie Epps) and Course Superintendent (Randy Samoff). Both have moved over to Champions. If you follow Randy's twitter page ([url="https://twitter.com/ChampionsSuper"]https://twitter.com/ChampionsSuper[/url]), there are a couple tweets where Redstone members sent him pictures of issues with the course that the new crew at Redstone isn't taking care of. Not saying the new guys won't get a handle on it, but from what I've heard and seen (he's completely transformed Champions in a matter of months), a lot of the reason behind the incredible conditions at Redstone during the SHO is because of Randy.

[jaybeekay]

are you guys playing these days? it's brutally hot out there....

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='msd3075' timestamp='1375043173' post='7556216']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1374889116' post='7547426']
Got a chance to play the Redstone Tournament course today with a couple of other guys including 1 WRX'r (Rocker40).

I'll have to agree with those who've stated that this course really isn't regularly conditioned nearly as well as it is during The Shell. There were a fair amount of "bare" spots in the rough throughout the course.

With that being said, the course wasn't bad by any stretch. We paid $85 for a twilight round and I'd say that it was probably worth around that. The greens weren't too fast but they were in good shape throughout the course. The fairways were in good shape but like I said, it was pretty easy to get some iffy lies outside of the fairway. Especially around the greens, unfortunately.

In my mind, it falls a bit behind Augusta Pines and Woodforest in terms of conditions. The layout, however, is absolutely terrific IMO. Planning on playing it the weekend after the SHO next year and I'm psyched about that.

All in all, I wasn't disappointed with the course at all for $85. With that said, I wouldn't pay $125 or $175 to play it in its current conditions but I do feel that $85 price tag today was fair.
[/quote]


One thing to note though is that Redstone recently let go a bunch of staff, including their Director of Golf (Charlie Epps) and Course Superintendent (Randy Samoff). Both have moved over to Champions. If you follow Randy's twitter page ([url="https://twitter.com/ChampionsSuper"]https://twitter.com/ChampionsSuper[/url]), there are a couple tweets where Redstone members sent him pictures of issues with the course that the new crew at Redstone isn't taking care of. Not saying the new guys won't get a handle on it, but from what I've heard and seen (he's completely transformed Champions in a matter of months), a lot of the reason behind the incredible conditions at Redstone during the SHO is because of Randy.
[/quote]

One other thing happened at Redstone last Friday that was incredibly irritating. I can't believe I forgot to mention this in my previous post.

Our group went off at 4:00 which turned out to be great timing (as expected) because we finished just before sunset. Unfortunately, our cart had to be pushed by our playing partners for the final 3 holes. About 3-4 holes into our round I noticed that the battery light on our cart was lit up. I didn't think much about it because our cart was still running fine. Well, about hole 12 our cart started to stutter a bit when climbing decent sized hills. When we got to 14 it started to happen again so I called into the proshop and let them know what was going on. When the guy answered the phone I told him what was going on and he assured me that they have this problem quite often and that I just needed to flip a switch under the seat and the cart would absolutely make it the rest of the time. He said the lights stay on (yeah right).

Well, I did that and the cart ran fine for another hole or 2 but once we reached 16, the cart was absolutely toast so I called back into the pro shop and it went straight to an answering machine. I thought to myself, what's going on? Well I looked at my phone and it was 7:23 PM. The 1st time I called into the proshop it was 6:57. That's when it dawned on me, the guy was trying to get me off the phone when I called at 6:57 because he was about to head out at 7:00. Apparently, after 7:00, their phones automatically go to an answering machine of some sort and it doesn't ring the shop anymore. I was incredibly frustrated when this happened and I'm about 90% sure the reason I didn't get the cart problem solved the 1st time was because the kid in the proshop was ready to go home and he didn't care to help me at 6:57.

This isn't the kind of service I expect at $85 for a round. This part of the experience was incredibly disappointing. I should have called back the next day and let them know what was going on but I completely forgot about it just as I forgot to mention it on here during my last post.

[bigred90gt]

[quote name='newporttwo' timestamp='1375392356' post='7586062']
are you guys playing these days? it's brutally hot out there....
[/quote]
As much as I can get away with, which is typically 3 rounds a week. One Wednesday evening ater work (tee off at 5:20ish and usually finish) and twice on Sundays. First round is my serious, play for score, round. second roundbis beer drinking "just for fun" round. If I can get away Saturdays I play then too, but that doesn't happen too often. Maybe once a month.

[jrsharp21]

[quote name='newporttwo' timestamp='1375392356' post='7586062']
are you guys playing these days? it's brutally hot out there....
[/quote]

Went out and played The Village after work last Wednesday. It was nice as there was hardly anyone on the course. Usually it is packed after work since its $5 green fees after 5pm. Walked 18 in less than 3 hours. But those last few holes I was struggling from the heat and the lack of water on the course.

[Txwedge]

For those on the Southeast side of town, I would make the drive to Moody Gardens Golf course in Galveston, without hesitation. The greens are immaculate
right now with fairly plush fairways & is a challenge with the wind...affordable at twilight. Very easy to make a weekend of it down there.

[swbyps]

[quote name='Txwedge' timestamp='1375717852' post='7608186']
For those on the Southeast side of town, I would make the drive to Moody Gardens Golf course in Galveston, without hesitation. The greens are immaculate
right now with fairly plush fairways & is a challenge with the wind...affordable at twilight. Very easy to make a weekend of it down there.
[/quote]

I heard the same from a buddy who played out there about 3 weeks ago. I live out in Spring so it would be an all day thing for me to drive out play 18 and drive back. Ive always heard good things about that course.

[BrettB97]

Played Moody this weekend and can attest to the condition. Best shape I've seen it in for the last 2 years. Greens rolled true. Wind made some shots very interesting. Played in under 4 hours as a 4some. Very affordable considering its the only course on the island on a summer weekend.

[Matty T]

[quote name='BrettB97' timestamp='1375774389' post='7614208']
Played Moody this weekend and can attest to the condition. Best shape I've seen it in for the last 2 years. Greens rolled true. Wind made some shots very interesting. Played in under 4 hours as a 4some. Very affordable considering its the only course on the island on a summer weekend.
[/quote]

That's great to hear!
I love playing there every chance I get.

[cjblake09]

Nice course just pretty short if the wind is not blowing.

[Matty T]

Fortunately the wind is blowing 98% of the time haha

[hryhorchuk]

Just a FYI to all out there.. Greens Fees for Redstone during the week are as follows:

Mon-Thurs
before 1:30pm-- $95 walking or with cart (forecaddie required-- $25+ required for caddie)
after 1:30pm-- $85 with cart (forecaddie not required)

I called yesterday to verify. Im not sure what condition the course is in, but I hope to let yall know in a few days.

[pkwilli1999]

[quote name='bigred90gt' timestamp='1302104218' post='3125721']
[quote name='kevch25' timestamp='1301514978' post='3103224']
Another vote for the Redstone Tournament course. Not often you get to play on a course the PGA guys play on as well.
[/quote]

The only time the Tournament course at Redstone comes even remotely close to being worth the ridiculously high price they charge for it is right after the tournament when they are still maintaining tournament conditions. I've played it a few times in other times of the year, and the conditioning is no better than any other decent public course (and not as good as the nice public courses), and most certainly not worth the price they are charging.

Of all the courses I have played in the Houston area (which is a large chunk of the public courses), Eagle Pointe is still my favorite as far as lay-out and conditioning. I live in Baytown and was looking for a membership to a nice course. My options (that were within a realistic driving distance) were Eagle Pointe and Evergreen Point. In the end, I opted for Evergreen ONLY because they allow you to walk any time you want. Eagle Pointe is very strange when it comes to walking. I was told by the membership person that you basically cannot walk the course unless you are a resident of Mont Belvieu, even as a dues paying member. That is just stupid.
[/quote] You are right on this one. I played a tournament there last month and there were a few dry spots but the greens were worth every penny.

[jrsharp21]

Anyone one played Longwood, High Meadow Ranch, or Grand Lake lately?

[jrsharp21]

How about the River Plantation Country Club?

[Skyjunky]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1378259381' post='7793845']
Anyone one played Longwood, High Meadow Ranch, or Grand Lake lately?
[/quote]

High Meadow is in good shape. They've been putting in new cart paths.

[hryhorchuk]

Moody is in great condition. We teed off around 1215 and it was great. Mosquitoes will put up a bigger fight than hitting the fairway. I think a morning round would be better but still a great course to play right now.

[Jag80]

[quote name='hryhorchuk' timestamp='1378602151' post='7813565']
Moody is in great condition. We teed off around 1215 and it was great. Mosquitoes will put up a bigger fight than hitting the fairway. I think a morning round would be better but still a great course to play right now.
[/quote]

I see you are in Pearland. What are they planning on doing at Southwyck? Last I played there (few weeks ago) the bunkers didn't have much sand (if any) and in general it isn't up to what it once was.

[hryhorchuk]

I actually moved a couple weeks ago to Webster, TX. last time I played there it was in good shape. In recent memory, their bunkers have been in bad shape. Little sand and a lot of hardpack and clay under 1/2" of sand. I know that during the summer it was in really good shape. soft fast greens, lots of grass in the fairway. I wish they would invest some money in that place.

[jrsharp21]

Anyone know any info about Grand Lake?

[italianstallion]

Went to Texas for the first time in my life last week and played Memorial just outside Houston. I'm a single digit, and went straight from the plane to the tee. Loved the layout, and the course was in fantastic shape for the middle of summer (having lived in central Florida I know how hard it is to keep a course in decent shape). Long, good variety of holes, good greens. I'd definitely go back.

As a side note I also hit balls at Top Golf...what a facility that is.

[kgk]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1379007086' post='7839039']
Anyone know any info about Grand Lake?
[/quote]

I play out there a fair bit with my dad. It is managed by OB Sports - the same folks behind HMR. Call before you go out in the afternoons - Rusty will go play or run errands if nobody has booked a time. Other than that, I like the course. The Jeff Blume 9 are better than the Gary Player 9 IMO - maybe it's just that he got more interesting land to work with.

[jrsharp21]

[quote name='kgk' timestamp='1381600873' post='7992069']
[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1379007086' post='7839039']
Anyone know any info about Grand Lake?
[/quote]

I play out there a fair bit with my dad. It is managed by OB Sports - the same folks behind HMR. Call before you go out in the afternoons - Rusty will go play or run errands if nobody has booked a time. Other than that, I like the course. The Jeff Blume 9 are better than the Gary Player 9 IMO - maybe it's just that he got more interesting land to work with.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info. So I take it that the course doesn't get that crowded in the afternoons? I know the one time I went out there during the summer it was like 3pm. There was a twosome coming off the course and the office was locked and there was no carts in the parking lot at all. The guys coming off the course were looking at me like I was crazy.

[kgk]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1381958536' post='8012161']
[quote name='kgk' timestamp='1381600873' post='7992069']
[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1379007086' post='7839039']
Anyone know any info about Grand Lake?
[/quote]

I play out there a fair bit with my dad. It is managed by OB Sports - the same folks behind HMR. Call before you go out in the afternoons - Rusty will go play or run errands if nobody has booked a time. Other than that, I like the course. The Jeff Blume 9 are better than the Gary Player 9 IMO - maybe it's just that he got more interesting land to work with.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info. So I take it that the course doesn't get that crowded in the afternoons? I know the one time I went out there during the summer it was like 3pm. There was a twosome coming off the course and the office was locked and there was no carts in the parking lot at all. The guys coming off the course were looking at me like I was crazy.
[/quote]

No, it's never crowded any afternoon except Sunday. Sundays they have a decent afternoons skins game.

[jrsharp21]

Anyone play the a River Plantation Country Club?