Best Public Course in Houston Area...

[schwollo]

Wood forest I think is near Montgomery . Woodlands red stone Augusta pines are all up there too

[rockinar]

[quote name='schwollo' timestamp='1351048002' post='5837257']
Wood forest I think is near Montgomery . Woodlands red stone Augusta pines are all up there too
[/quote]


Redstone is in Humble.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='jrsharp21' timestamp='1350851060' post='5824609']
Just getting back into things after my Achilles rupture. My surgeon gave me the okay to hit the driving range and play on level grounds but I have to play in my walking boot. Went over to The Woodlands golf center today and hit a bucket of balls. Felt great! Took me a few balls to shake off the rust and figure out how to position my feet with the boot.

So now next step is to get a round of golf in. Any courses looking good in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe area?
[/quote]

Woodforest and Augusta Pines are usually very nice. Cypresswood is a nice course as well.

[scp1976]

[i]I live in Louisiana but play alot of my golf in the North Houston area with my in laws. I recently bought land in Grand Lake Estates and plan on building my house there. What can anyone tell me about this course? I think I've seen it mentioned here put not sure it there is another course with a similar name. It is in Montogmery used to be the Gray Player course. As far as course I've played in Houston Tour 18 is the nicest played it 2 weeks ago. Love Amens Corner.[/i]
[i]Wedgwood in conroe is pretty challnger with all the hills and doglegs. Don't play to many pricey course as my father in law thinks anything over 35 is to much lol. [/i]

[Johnny Hack]

[quote name='scp1976' timestamp='1352139454' post='5894329']
[i]I live in Louisiana but play alot of my golf in the North Houston area with my in laws. I recently bought land in Grand Lake Estates and plan on building my house there. What can anyone tell me about this course? I think I've seen it mentioned here put not sure it there is another course with a similar name. It is in Montogmery used to be the Gray Player course. As far as course I've played in Houston Tour 18 is the nicest played it 2 weeks ago. Love Amens Corner.[/i]
[i]Wedgwood in conroe is pretty challnger with all the hills and doglegs. Don't play to many pricey course as my father in law thinks anything over 35 is to much lol. [/i]
[/quote]
I play occasionally at Grand Lake Estates and here is my review,
The Course: Great Gary Player Designed layout that can be very challenging, the condition of the course could be alot better but due to the lack of funding I would have to say that they do a great job with what they have. Rusty who is the Manager/Pro there is a great guy and fun to get out with if you get the chance. Green Fees are very reasonable (Under $40 bucks even on the weekends) and minimal play during the week makes for fast pace of play and huge availability of tee times (I never make a reservation for weekdays) as 40 - 50 players for the day are the norm there.
If you bought property there then you already probably know the history of the development and the issues that they have had in the past.
Fun Skins game there on Sundays that is played straight up (no strokes) and is only handicapped by adjusting tee boxes by your age. Flatbellies (under 35 years old I believe) play from the tips or Black tees, slight beerbellies (36 to 54 years old i believe) play from the mens championship or Blue tees, and COB's (Crusty Old Bastards 55 and over I believe) play from the White or mens regular tees.
The originally built 9 holes I believe are now holes 7-15, there is no clubhouse as the Cart/ Maint Barn office serves as everything. Carts are gas powered and work well.

[jrsharp21]

I ended up playing Wedgewood two weekends ago. The course was in decent shape. But do they let their employees have run of the course when they are not on the clock? The reason I ask is that when we went out on Sunday morning, there was a 3 some in front of us and just me and my buddy behind them. No one else was in site for the whole back 9. Then all of a sudden we see a cart on the tee box behind us and hitting into us. They pretty much were pushing us the whole back 9 but we had no where to go. When we got back to the clubhouse we saw a person with the same exact outfit as the guy behind us working in the cart area.

[scp1976]

Never had that problem at wedgewood. Did have it once at Red wolf I belive where the club members came up behind us and started hitting into us. Sucks when you play to play there and your getting rushed by a holes playing for free and goofing off.

[cjblake09]

Blackhorse Shouth Course
Fish Creek
Augusta Pines

[Onyx Z]

I'm curious to see who has better fairways in Houston? Cypress Lakes fairways are very thin right now... that may change as the weather warms up but I haven't been playing long enough to know how the course changes throughout the seasons. I can't stand hard fairways, it seems like it's so hard on irons.

From what I remember Wedgewood's fairways are decent in the summer, but I guess everything is pretty thin this time of year?

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='Onyx Z' timestamp='1360616150' post='6408453']
I'm curious to see who has better fairways in Houston? Cypress Lakes fairways are very thin right now... that may change as the weather warms up but I haven't been playing long enough to know how the course changes throughout the seasons. I can't stand hard fairways, it seems like it's so hard on irons.

From what I remember Wedgewood's fairways are decent in the summer, but I guess everything is pretty thin this time of year?
[/quote]

How long as it been since you've played at Wedgewood? I've played there twice in the last 18 months or so and it's left a lot to be desired. Maybe it's getting better under the new management though?

If I had to pick the 2 nicest courses on the north side, I think it'd be a tie between August Pines and Woodforest. They're both fantastic. IMO, the folks out at AP seem to be a bit more friendly. Me and 3 buddies played out at WF several months ago during twilight for $55 I think. We got rained out by the 4th hole and they wouldn't offer a rain check because it was a twilight round. That was pretty frustrating.

[Onyx Z]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1360617268' post='6408577']
[quote name='Onyx Z' timestamp='1360616150' post='6408453']
I'm curious to see who has better fairways in Houston? Cypress Lakes fairways are very thin right now... that may change as the weather warms up but I haven't been playing long enough to know how the course changes throughout the seasons. I can't stand hard fairways, it seems like it's so hard on irons.

From what I remember Wedgewood's fairways are decent in the summer, but I guess everything is pretty thin this time of year?
[/quote]

How long as it been since you've played at Wedgewood? I've played there twice in the last 18 months or so and it's left a lot to be desired. Maybe it's getting better under the new management though?

If I had to pick the 2 nicest courses on the north side, I think it'd be a tie between August Pines and Woodforest. They're both fantastic. IMO, the folks out at AP seem to be a bit more friendly. Me and 3 buddies played out at WF several months ago during twilight for $55 I think. We got rained out by the 4th hole and they wouldn't offer a rain check because it was a twilight round. That was pretty frustrating.
[/quote]

it's been a few months since i played at wedgewood. the fairways weren't awesome, but they weren't horrible from what i remember. it definitely still left a lot to be desired. but it has definitely gotten better under the new management.

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='Onyx Z' timestamp='1360621724' post='6409083']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1360617268' post='6408577']
[quote name='Onyx Z' timestamp='1360616150' post='6408453']
I'm curious to see who has better fairways in Houston? Cypress Lakes fairways are very thin right now... that may change as the weather warms up but I haven't been playing long enough to know how the course changes throughout the seasons. I can't stand hard fairways, it seems like it's so hard on irons.

From what I remember Wedgewood's fairways are decent in the summer, but I guess everything is pretty thin this time of year?
[/quote]

How long as it been since you've played at Wedgewood? I've played there twice in the last 18 months or so and it's left a lot to be desired. Maybe it's getting better under the new management though?

If I had to pick the 2 nicest courses on the north side, I think it'd be a tie between August Pines and Woodforest. They're both fantastic. IMO, the folks out at AP seem to be a bit more friendly. Me and 3 buddies played out at WF several months ago during twilight for $55 I think. We got rained out by the 4th hole and they wouldn't offer a rain check because it was a twilight round. That was pretty frustrating.
[/quote]

it's been a few months since i played at wedgewood. the fairways weren't awesome, but they weren't horrible from what i remember. it definitely still left a lot to be desired. but it has definitely gotten better under the new management.
[/quote]

That's great. It's a fun track for sure. With the amount of rain that we've had, I'm sure (hoping) it'll be looking pretty nice come spring.

[RickK]

[quote name='scp1976' timestamp='1352139454' post='5894329']
[i]I live in Louisiana but play alot of my golf in the North Houston area with my in laws. I recently bought land in Grand Lake Estates and plan on building my house there. What can anyone tell me about this course? I think I've seen it mentioned here put not sure it there is another course with a similar name. It is in Montogmery used to be the Gray Player course. As far as course I've played in Houston Tour 18 is the nicest played it 2 weeks ago. Love Amens Corner.[/i]
[i]Wedgwood in conroe is pretty challnger with all the hills and doglegs. Don't play to many pricey course as my father in law thinks anything over 35 is to much lol. [/i]
[/quote]

Grand Lake has 9 holes that were designed by Gary Player Group. When they expanded to 18 holes, the new 9 was designed by Jeff Blume. They have mixed the holes up so you start out on holes designed by Jeff Blume then play some of the Gary Player designed holes and then switch back again. Fun course. Can be hard. Conditions are not bad considering their financial status. The office (not a pro shop) is in the cart barn. They do not have a beverage service cart. You can BYOB. No driving range, no putting green.
As stated before, Rusty is a great guy. I always enjoy chatting with him when we are up that way.

[jaybeekay]

memorial park staff...thumbs down!!!!!! rude and incompetent

[sTmGolfer]

Went out and played at Quail Valley (La Quinta) today. I haven't played that course in YEARS. I enjoyed the course. The greens were in better shape than I could ever remember them. They rolled true and fast. The fairways were a little firm but overall was not too shabby.

The old clubhouse has been torn down and the new one is FANTASTIC. There's a lot of construction going on and all have been tremendous improvements. Hopefully the old cart barn will be taken down next as that is still a tremendous eye sore.

I wonder how all of this is going to improve the value of homes in that neighborhood.

[PuttLeftHitRight]

[quote name='sTmGolfer' timestamp='1363316389' post='6614827']
Went out and played at Quail Valley (La Quinta) today. I haven't played that course in YEARS. I enjoyed the course. The greens were in better shape than I could ever remember them. They rolled true and fast. The fairways were a little firm but overall was not too shabby.

The old clubhouse has been torn down and the new one is FANTASTIC. There's a lot of construction going on and all have been tremendous improvements. Hopefully the old cart barn will be taken down next as that is still a tremendous eye sore.

I wonder how all of this is going to improve the value of homes in that neighborhood.
[/quote]

El Dorado ate my lunch the other day

But yeah the club house is nice. Marshals are EVERYWHERE

[RickK]

[quote name='PuttLeftHitRight' timestamp='1364517263' post='6717373']
[quote name='sTmGolfer' timestamp='1363316389' post='6614827']
Went out and played at Quail Valley (La Quinta) today. I haven't played that course in YEARS. I enjoyed the course. The greens were in better shape than I could ever remember them. They rolled true and fast. The fairways were a little firm but overall was not too shabby.

The old clubhouse has been torn down and the new one is FANTASTIC. There's a lot of construction going on and all have been tremendous improvements. Hopefully the old cart barn will be taken down next as that is still a tremendous eye sore.

I wonder how all of this is going to improve the value of homes in that neighborhood.
[/quote]

El Dorado ate my lunch the other day

But yeah the club house is nice. Marshals are EVERYWHERE
[/quote]

They are in the process of moving dirt and actual construction on the new cart barn should begin . The old cart barn will be torn down once the new one is in place.
Also, the food in the Bluebonnet Grill is very good. They even open early on Saturday mornings for breakfast.

[PuttLeftHitRight]

[quote name='RickKimbrell' timestamp='1364526547' post='6718489']
[quote name='PuttLeftHitRight' timestamp='1364517263' post='6717373']
[quote name='sTmGolfer' timestamp='1363316389' post='6614827']
Went out and played at Quail Valley (La Quinta) today. I haven't played that course in YEARS. I enjoyed the course. The greens were in better shape than I could ever remember them. They rolled true and fast. The fairways were a little firm but overall was not too shabby.

The old clubhouse has been torn down and the new one is FANTASTIC. There's a lot of construction going on and all have been tremendous improvements. Hopefully the old cart barn will be taken down next as that is still a tremendous eye sore.

I wonder how all of this is going to improve the value of homes in that neighborhood.
[/quote]

El Dorado ate my lunch the other day

But yeah the club house is nice. Marshals are EVERYWHERE
[/quote]

They are in the process of moving dirt and actual construction on the new cart barn should begin . The old cart barn will be torn down once the new one is in place.
Also, the food in the Bluebonnet Grill is very good. They even open early on Saturday mornings for breakfast.
[/quote]

Also working on several bridges. Fairways were hard as a rock. Greens were some of the fastest I've ever seen. Just seemed overly dry and several lakes were no longer there.

[RickK]

[quote name='PuttLeftHitRight' timestamp='1364527060' post='6718555']
Also working on several bridges. Fairways were hard as a rock. Greens were some of the fastest I've ever seen. Just seemed overly dry and several lakes were no longer there.
[/quote]

Yep, the bridge on the street by ElDorado #1 tee box had to be replaced. They just recently reopened it. The temp bridge they had there for foot and cart traffic was moved to get you from #1 green to #2 tee box. It is in place now but there is still cleanup work to be done where it was installed.

The greens are very fast. We have not had any rain in the area to speak of for almost a year. The drought year before last compromised the bottom of many of the lakes. Water in those that are dry or almost dry comes from water run off from the streets. With no rain, there is no water to keep the water level up. And, with the compromised bottoms, they just don't hold water they way they originally did.

I'm not sure when the next time the fairways are supposed to be punched again. It would help soften them up. They definitely are hard but at least there is grass on them, unlike some courses I have played recently.

[kylebray]

hi guys, anyone know any clubs that are best value to join as a member. if i move, i will be looking to play 3 plus rounds a week so pay every round will cost alot. cheers

[daco81se]

[quote name='kylebray' timestamp='1365347890' post='6778803']
hi guys, anyone know any clubs that are best value to join as a member. if i move, i will be looking to play 3 plus rounds a week so pay every round will cost alot. cheers
[/quote]

Depends a lot on what part of Houston you'll be living, and if you want a CC, or more of a just golf m/ship, also, there's been several (I think I started one) threads on the different m/ship options in Houston, search for Houston in the title and you can get a lot of info.

[RickK]

Played Panther Trail in The Woodlands last Friday. It was in great shape.

[RickK]

[quote name='kylebray' timestamp='1365347890' post='6778803']
hi guys, anyone know any clubs that are best value to join as a member. if i move, i will be looking to play 3 plus rounds a week so pay every round will cost alot. cheers
[/quote]
A lot depends on where you will be living and working in Houston area.
Traffic in Houston can be (no actually IT IS) horrible. To give you an example, I live 27 miles from my office and my normal drive into work is 1 to 1-1/4 hours. I moved where I live because I wanted to live in a gated golf course community and the commute is one of the prices I pay. If my office was in downtown Houston, it would be an additional 14 miles and where I moved to would not have been an option because of the drive. One of the places I really liked and considered moving to would have resulted in me having at least a 2+ hour commute every morning and possibly 1-1/2+ hours in the evening. Just to0 dang far.
If you don't have to commute in to work, then find a club community you like and move there. Otherwise, check out all the clubs around Houston before you make your decision on where to live.
The Woodlands offers a variety of golf courses as does Kingwood. For me, The Woodlands was too far from my office as was Kingwood. I live in Weston Lakes, a gated country club community. Another great gated country club community is Royal Oaks. It would have been extremely close to my office but I have a son in high school playing sports so moving him was not really an option. Also, Royal Oaks is too much in the city for my liking. I am out in the country.

[murraycronk]

How is woodforest fish creek right now? I am going to staying in Sugarland with my dad. We usually play tour 18, river ridge, and moody gardens like them all! Would like to play woodforest and blackhorse this time if its worth the change!

[Onyx Z]

Anyone played High Meadow Ranch lately? Condition?

[sTmGolfer]

[quote name='murraycronk' timestamp='1366477495' post='6883503']
How is woodforest fish creek right now? I am going to staying in Sugarland with my dad. We usually play tour 18, river ridge, and moody gardens like them all! Would like to play woodforest and blackhorse this time if its worth the change!
[/quote]

It's typically in FANTASTIC shape, but I did have someone tell me this week that the greens have suffered a bit. I haven't played there in a few months but it was in fantastic shape when I did play there. That's a long haul from Sugar Land, though.

[LHgolfer]

[quote name='Onyx Z' timestamp='1366635329' post='6892181']
Anyone played High Meadow Ranch lately? Condition?
[/quote]

We played there last Wednesday. Course was in good shape, greens were a little slow and sticky but overall in good shape. High Meadow is a great layout.

[rocker40]

[quote name='sTmGolfer' timestamp='1366758166' post='6903471']
[quote name='murraycronk' timestamp='1366477495' post='6883503']
How is woodforest fish creek right now? I am going to staying in Sugarland with my dad. We usually play tour 18, river ridge, and moody gardens like them all! Would like to play woodforest and blackhorse this time if its worth the change!
[/quote]

It's typically in FANTASTIC shape, but I did have someone tell me this week that the greens have suffered a bit. I haven't played there in a few months but it was in fantastic shape when I did play there. That's a long haul from Sugar Land, though.
[/quote]

The greens have taken a lot of play lately. Seems like they are beaten up but the fairways still look great. They were were playing to a 10 last week
but should be back around a 12 in a couple of weeks.

[rocker40]

Has anyone played the Woodlands Golf Courses? Hows the tee price and how are the greens/fairways for the price?

[murraycronk]

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?