Houston Golf Course Scene

Houston has a rich golfing tradition dating back to the early 1900’s that continues today as the nation’s fourth largest city hosts a number of prestigious amateur and professional tournaments, in addition to the PGA Tour’s Shell Houston Open.

A number of the oldest and most renowned layouts in the state of Texas lie within the Space City’s limits, including the venerable courses operated by the city itself.

Challenging Golf and a Texas History Lesson

Evergreen Point Golf Club offers up a slice of Lone Star history with its family-run operation that is passionate for the property and the game of golf. Located in Baytown, minutes from the San Jacinto Battlefield where Sam Houston and his army won independence for Texas, the Evergreen Plantation was purchased by the Hazelwood family in the mid-1990s. The property was subsequently turned into a showpiece for golf just a mile-and-a-half from the Fred Hartman Bridge, 20 minutes outside the 610 loop, 30 minutes east downtown Houston.

New 9-Hole Addition

Just minutes outside of the city in understated Hockley, Houston Oaks Golf & Country Club is a tranquil tting with an abundance of activities to satisfy a golfer’s appetite. The Ralph Plummer-designed golf course is a great test of your golf game but it isn’t the only game in town.

The sprawling 330 acre property at Houston Oaks Golf & Country Club is also home to a new executive/family nine hole course and a new family-style, junior Olympic size swimming pool. The facility also boasts a lake perfect for catch-and-release fishing, beach volleyball, tennis and playground equipment, ideal for that large family picnic or reunion. Nature lovers will also be able to bird watch, kayak and ride paddle boats at Houston Oaks.

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.