[Simon Holt]

So, I have heard plenty about golf in the North East and the West Coast of the US but how about Houston?

I head there on Wednesday for 10 days and will have my clubs.  I have been kindly invited to play Lakeside, Carlton Woods and Champions.  I have had a quick look at all these course which look like very nice private clubs.  What are the courses like architecturally?

A little help finding any hidden gems for a Scot abroad please!

Thanks in advance.

[Martin Toal]

Simon

Isn't Champions Jack Burke Jr's course with loads of Tour pros and the highest ratio of scratch players in the country?

As someone who also occasionally visits Houston from across the Atlantic, I am jealous.

[Mike Nuzzo]

I'd say spend more time at the Rodeo than additional golf.... 
Much is decent but nothing worth traveling to Scotland from - except the Rodeo.

Lakeside is pleasant
Carlton Woods is luxurious - 36 holes
Champions is a golf club - enjoy the lockeroom - try to get a game - be careful

Alternates:
Lochinvar - men's club
River Oaks & Houston CC - old privates
Memorial Park - muni in center of cool park - try a weekday
Blaketree National - north west of town - far - but most serene place I've played in TX

Dallas isn't far - Dallas National, Colonial

The most fun course in TX - unfortunately you need to know the member

Eat lots of BBQ!!!

[Paul OConnor]

If you go to Houston, make an effort to stop by a  joint we found on the north side of town, great steaks and terrific atmosphere.  The waitresses are really great.  It's called, The Liquor Hole. 

[JLahrman]

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,34674.msg837625/

Thread I started last year...

[Jeff Spittel]

I think Mike hit the places worth playing. Lakeside, Champions and CW are all fun places to play.

I would echo Mike's comments about being careful finding a game at Champions. They don't mess around. 

[Nick Cauley]

Whispering Pines is north of Houston. I have heard a lot of good things about it.

[Chris Cupit]

If you go to Houston, make an effort to stop by a  joint we found on the north side of town, great steaks and terrific atmosphere.  The waitresses are really great.  It's called, The Liquor Hole. 

Here's a picture--not too far from Lochinvar actually (but definitely outside the gates).  Paul--are you ready for your ping-pong re-match

[Sam Morrow]

If you go to Houston, make an effort to stop by a  joint we found on the north side of town, great steaks and terrific atmosphere.  The waitresses are really great.  It's called, The Liquor Hole. 

Here's a picture--not too far from Lochinvar actually (but definitely outside the gates).  Paul--are you ready for your ping-pong re-match

That's on Greens Road, yes I know what road it's on.

[Steve Lang]

  Simon,

Logistics:

Looks like you're going to hit some very nice mild sunny weather, it was 65F today and should be equal or slightly warmer next week ~ 20 C..

are you doing energy business?   how much time for golf do you have planned?  in what area of town are you going to be staying?... beware of transit times and prevailing traffic directions if you plan on multiple venues in one day..  note that it gets dark now ~ 6:30 PM .. it sounds like your weekend days are already filled .. so as mike suggested, take in the rodeo.. watch the post wrangling show with 50,000 or so folks, enjoy some BBQ!



don't miss papasitos for upmarket tex-mex

GCA:

Been here 20 yrs, never really heard anything about Lakeside as its relatively new.. definitely try walk on at Memorial park to warm up to bermuda grasses, I'd join you if during week....Carlton woods' courses are big and beefy.  let us know and we'll join you at Blaketree or you're welcome to check out The Woodlands CC if it works out

[J_ Crisham]

If you go to Houston, make an effort to stop by a  joint we found on the north side of town, great steaks and terrific atmosphere.  The waitresses are really great.  It's called, The Liquor Hole. 

Here's a picture--not too far from Lochinvar actually (but definitely outside the gates).  Paul--are you ready for your ping-pong re-match

Still looking for a picture of the guy at the Rockets game in a red shirt!   Still can't believe you dragged me in the above named restaurant. As far as golf in Houston , your day at Champions will be fun-great atmosphere-not too often you can see a Masters Champion as Mr. Burke is quite visible.                                 Jack

[Shannon Wheeler]

Lochinvar is tough to get on,  However, Walden on Lake Conroe Is a nice challenge.

[Sam Morrow]

Simon,

Logistics:

Looks like you're going to hit some very nice mild sunny weather, it was 65F today and should be equal or slightly warmer next week ~ 20 C..

are you doing energy business?   how much time for golf do you have planned?  in what area of town are you going to be staying?... beware of transit times and prevailing traffic directions if you plan on multiple venues in one day..  note that it gets dark now ~ 6:30 PM .. it sounds like your weekend days are already filled .. so as mike suggested, take in the rodeo.. watch the post wrangling show with 50,000 or so folks, enjoy some BBQ!



don't miss papasitos for upmarket tex-mex

GCA:

Been here 20 yrs, never really heard anything about Lakeside as its relatively new.. definitely try walk on at Memorial park to warm up to bermuda grasses, I'd join you if during week....Carlton woods' courses are big and beefy.  let us know and we'll join you at Blaketree or you're welcome to check out The Woodlands CC if it works out

Steve,

Lakeside isn't new, Plummer designed it in 52 and Ron Prichard did some work in 1990.

[Steve Lang]

  Sam ..  thanks for info.. its new to me,..i don't think i've ever heard of anyone ever playing there.. its uber-private? i guess i don;t rank... i always thought that area was flood plain like bear creek

[Sam Morrow]

Sam ..  thanks for info.. its new to me,..i don't think i've ever heard of anyone ever playing there.. its uber-private? i guess i don;t rank... i always thought that area was flood plain like bear creek

Private, old money, yes, uber-private no. It's right on the bayou but wouldn't call it a flood plain, there are houses all over the area and apartments across the street. It's on Wilcrest between Memorial and Briar Forest.

[Simon Holt]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys.  Looking forward to playing golf in warm weather and eating far too much food.  Rodeo is locked in too!

That said it is the most beautiful day of the year today in North Berwick- just COLD!  No wind at all- wierd.  I was in St. Andrews this weekend and went down to play Crail for the first time- pretty cool little course.  A bit short for the modern day but lots of fun.

Steve- thanks for all your info, I may well be in touch if I can find time.  It is work, but its golf based- the best kind.

Thanks again.

[Trey Stiles]

Ditto on Walden on Lake Conroe

Double Ditto on Whispering Pines

[Jason McNamara]

Sam ..  thanks for info.. its new to me,..i don't think i've ever heard of anyone ever playing there.. its uber-private? i guess i don;t rank... i always thought that area was flood plain like bear creek

Private, old money, yes, uber-private no. It's right on the bayou but wouldn't call it a flood plain, there are houses all over the area and apartments across the street. It's on Wilcrest between Memorial and Briar Forest.

Just to be clear, there's no housing within Lakeside.  And while adjacent to the bayou, it's about 30 feet above it.  Depending on where you'll be, it's probably the easiest ride you'll have.

Champions has a great long par 3 over a ravine (on the main course), and you will marvel at the size of all the greens.  I think overall it gets (or should get) more plaudits for being a great club than great courses.  One warning re Champions:  The traffic can be just utterly ridiculous in that area, both the local road and the nearest freeway.  It is a good thing they have a great locker room, because if your round finishes at 5 you'll want to stay in that locker room until 7.

Carlton Woods, while housing development golf, gets very high marks.  (I haven't played it.) 

Since it looks like you have some good connections, you should also look at Shadow Hawk.  Very low-key, looks like it's been there forever, easy walk, nothing but golf.  (And don't let the knee-jerk Rees Jones detractors here dissuade you - especially the ones who haven't played SH.)

[Sam Morrow]

Sam ..  thanks for info.. its new to me,..i don't think i've ever heard of anyone ever playing there.. its uber-private? i guess i don;t rank... i always thought that area was flood plain like bear creek

Private, old money, yes, uber-private no. It's right on the bayou but wouldn't call it a flood plain, there are houses all over the area and apartments across the street. It's on Wilcrest between Memorial and Briar Forest.

Just to be clear, there's no housing within Lakeside.  And while adjacent to the bayou, it's about 30 feet above it.  Depending on where you'll be, it's probably the easiest ride you'll have.

Champions has a great long par 3 over a ravine (on the main course), and you will marvel at the size of all the greens.  I think overall it gets (or should get) more plaudits for being a great club than great courses.  One warning re Champions:  The traffic can be just utterly ridiculous in that area, both the local road and the nearest freeway.  It is a good thing they have a great locker room, because if your round finishes at 5 you'll want to stay in that locker room until 7.

Carlton Woods, while housing development golf, gets very high marks.  (I haven't played it.) 

Since it looks like you have some good connections, you should also look at Shadow Hawk.  Very low-key, looks like it's been there forever, easy walk, nothing but golf.  (And don't let the knee-jerk Rees Jones detractors here dissuade you - especially the ones who haven't played SH.)

If you are worried about traffic then you need to put Lakeside in with Champions, even though it's located closer to town the traffic will be a nightmare at almost anytime.

[Jason McNamara]

If you are worried about traffic then you need to put Lakeside in with Champions, even though it's located closer to town the traffic will be a nightmare at almost anytime.

Before I-10 was widened I might have agreed with you.  But I've worked 2 blocks off Wilcrest (where Lakeside is), and I have worked 3 blocks from Champions, and Lakeside is at least doable.  Trying to navigate on 290 is the very definition of nightmare.

(Simon, there's a very useful shortcut for getting to Champions - too much minutiae for posting, but feel free to message me so I can send that to you.)

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

The main courses were hit so I only say if I could play 3 or 4 Lakeside is a nice course which I enjoy but well behind Champions, Carleton Woods the other new course in the Woodands, Whispering Pines. Lochinvar and Blaketree National. Memorial may be the best design of the bunch but a true urban muni quality of golf life wise. I will say this rodeo madness is not for me and I am glad Nuzzo likes it. This is a good time of year to come, well give the city another week or so to get past a tough winter on turf quality.

[Bill_McBride]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys.  Looking forward to playing golf in warm weather and eating far too much food.  Rodeo is locked in too!

That said it is the most beautiful day of the year today in North Berwick- just COLD!  No wind at all- wierd.  I was in St. Andrews this weekend and went down to play Crail for the first time- pretty cool little course.  A bit short for the modern day but lots of fun.

Steve- thanks for all your info, I may well be in touch if I can find time.  It is work, but its golf based- the best kind.

Thanks again.

Simon, did you play the Craighead course?  It has plenty of length, and enough quirk to be interesting at Crail.

[Don_Mahaffey]

...I will say this rodeo madness is not for me...

One aspect of the rodeo that can not be overlooked is the world class...ah...people watching. You will be entering Wrangler and western boot heaven and should be experienced at least once in a man's lifetime.

[Simon Holt]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys.  Looking forward to playing golf in warm weather and eating far too much food.  Rodeo is locked in too!

That said it is the most beautiful day of the year today in North Berwick- just COLD!  No wind at all- wierd.  I was in St. Andrews this weekend and went down to play Crail for the first time- pretty cool little course.  A bit short for the modern day but lots of fun.

Steve- thanks for all your info, I may well be in touch if I can find time.  It is work, but its golf based- the best kind.

Thanks again.

Simon, did you play the Craighead course?  It has plenty of length, and enough quirk to be interesting at Crail.

Bill,

I just played the Balcomie.  I would like to go back and play the other course too though.  I have heard Craighead has plenty of length but only really had time for the one round so plumbed for the original.  Great views from the clubhouse too.

I have also managed to get onto Shadow Hawk so will report back on that one too.

S

[K. Krahenbuhl]

Still looking for a picture of the guy at the Rockets game in a red shirt!   Still can't believe you dragged me in the above named restaurant. As far as golf in Houston , your day at Champions will be fun-great atmosphere-not too often you can see a Masters Champion as Mr. Burke is quite visible.                                 Jack

I've got that picture tucked away in case I ever need a favor...

[Tags:]

Tags:

[Tags:]

Tags:

Call to undefined function theme_linktree()