Houston Golf Course Scene

The tiny community of Mont Belvieu, Texas, home to a population of slightly more than 3,000 and exactly one post office, made its name as a fountain of natural resources.

Originally named Barber’s Hill for its founding settler, rancher and cattleman Amos Barber, who built the first home in the area in 1849, Mont Belvieu is now home to the Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex.

Designed by noted Houston golf architect Rick Forester, Eagle Pointe is known for its undulating topography, which is a rarity among typically flat Houston area courses. The rolling terrain and interesting elevation changes are present throughout the course as the ground rises and falls as much as 40 feet.

Following the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita the Louisiana tourism industry has gallantly been fighting to restore the state’s reputation and image as one of America’s top travel destinations.

Golf, which often had an understated and perhaps underappreciated role in the state’s ability to lure travelers, is now one of the leaders in that effort. 

Originally organized in 2001 as a six-course collection, the Audubon Golf Trail is now 13 courses strong and is helping to enhance the Louisiana experience. The Trail was created with goals of stimulating economic development, enhancing tourism, attracting new residents and retirees to the state and elevating the quality of life experience in the state - all while incorporating the rich Louisiana flavor. 

A $16.5 million renovation project has transformed struggling Galveston Municipal Golf Course into the new Moody Gardens Golf Course, a par-72 layout expected to rank as one of the best public courses in Texas rivaling the state's finest municipal venues.

Opened in early June, Moody Gardens is the culmination of a two-year project undertaken by the City of Galveston, the Moody Foundation and Moody Gardens intent on making the 32-mile-long, 2-mile wide south Texas island more attractive to traveling golfers while giving residents a reason not to leave home. 

Located just 40 miles from the outskirts of booming Houston, High Meadow Ranch Golf Club is nestled amid the towering oaks and cloud-clipping pines in the southwest Montgomery County town of Magnolia.

The 18-hole championship course at High Meadow Ranch has emerged as the preeminent public access facility in the area and is making further strides toward becoming one of the best in Texas by improving accessibility and amenities.

Located just over the Brazos River between Brookshire and Sealy, River Ridge Golf Club is an easy drive from anywhere on Houston's west side and offers up 27 delicious drives of exciting golf. You will discover a lush parkland-style setting with no homes to intrude on your solitude, and rolling terrain that will give you different shot options on each hole.

The hillsides are rolling and rugged, the golf courses are top rated and the resort facilities are simple yet sufficient; at Tapatio Springs Golf Resort and Conference Center the very best of the Texas Hill Country awaits you.

Located a half hour outside of downtown San Antonio in historic Boerne, the club is now semi-private and features some of the most spectacular views the golf and real estate industries have ever seen. Twentyseven holes of championship golf, a magnificent resort with over 150 guests rooms, luxurious real estate offerings and fine dining are just a few of the many attractions.

The 1,800-acre spread showcases nature at its very best. On the resort property you’ll find a range of peaks and deep valleys with limestone cliffs rising out of crystal clear bodies of water. And it’s not uncommon to spot an axis deer running across the golf course. With Boerne’s annual average temperature of 65 degrees, guests and residents can enjoy the spectacular settings and activities year-round. 

Port Arthur Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, www.portarthurtexas.com,
800-235-7822.

With three courses in Port Arthur and even more in the area, you will certainly find a course to enjoy. The newest course is the Palms at Pleasure Island. Of course if you want the non-traditional, a disc golf course is also available. Port Arthur, Texas is a great location for conventions and/or meetings. The city offers a wide range of locations for conventions/ meetings. For smaller groups there are various hotels that can be used.

If you could drive less than an hour outside of Houston to play golf in a wilderness park setting with no homes and very little sign of civilization at all. If you could play a 4-year-old Jeff Brauer designed course that’s growing into its surroundings yet might still be the best-kept secret in Texas. Wouldn’t you jump at the chance?

The Wilderness at Lake Jackson invites you to southern Brazoria County to visit just the 13th course in Texas given Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary status for its environmental care and variety of birds and beasts (boars, deer, wild pigs and yes, even an occasional gator) that will be watching your trek through this natural setting. 

The wilderness theme carries through the rustic clubhouse that features its own duck blind in the pro shop, to camouflaged golf carts, to the smells of its cooker at the halfway grill, located near the outdoor pavilion that hosts group outings of all sizes, with 20-40 player groups a house specialty. Their mantra is to “do a common thing in an uncommon manner,” and you’ll see why every time you visit.

High Meadow Ranch could rest on its gorgeous, rustic Hill Countrystyle charm, nestled within the million-dollar homes in the southwest Montgomery County town of Magnolia. High Meadow Ranch could also rest on its considerable accolades. Named “Best New Course” by Golf Courses of Texas Magazine when it opened in 1999, Golf Digest has given it 4-Stars and rated it among the Top 25 in all of Texas, while the Houston Chronicle has it in the top two of area courses you can play.

But here’s what you really need to know about High Meadow Ranch. General Manager Cody Spivey is also the superintendent, meaning this course will always be in impeccable shape! The innovative design of PGA TOUR-playing Texan David Ogrin and Tim Nugent emphasizes shot values by creating a wide variety of angles and utilizing the natural obstacles throughout its three unique 6-hole loops with no parallel fairways. 

Wildcat Golf Club, the preferred course of Houston’s sports franchises, is more than just a golf club, it’s an experience. Wildcat opened in November 2001, and every year the club builds on its tradition of excellence. Thirty-six holes of championship, perfectly conditioned golf is the main attraction.

The Highlands course plays as a links-style challenge while the Lakes course provides plenty of water to navigate.

Both offer breathtaking views of downtown and the Houston skyline. Add in the famous dramatic elevation changes and you will find the most unique golf experience in the Greater Houston area.