Houston, Texas, is a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels, thanks to its more than 165 golf courses designed by renowned architects and its mild winter climate. Houston courses are known for their stunning views, challenging play, and lush landscaping. Here are the best golf courses in Houston that will not disappoint.
Memorial Park Golf Course
Memorial Park Golf Course has a long history; it was built in 1936 and hosted the Houston Open in the 1950s and 1960s. Golf legends like Jack Niklaus and Arnold Palmer have played here. It was repaired in 1995 and is widely regarded as an excellent municipal golf course.
It’s well-lit, doesn’t have that many water features, and has vast driving ranges so that it won’t discourage less experienced players. This course is also well-known for its low cost.
Golf Club of Houston
Being a public course and hosting a PGA Tour event is a great way to get on any best course list. The great thing about the GC of Houston is how the final few holes have had so many dramatic scenes the week before The Masters for several years. Whether it was Phil Mickelson the week before, Ian Poulter winning to hack into The Masters, or seeing the daunting 18th hole tee shot over water, the Golf Club of Houston provides a top caliber and premier experience.
Cypresswood Golf Club
Cypresswood Golf Club is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious golfer, with two main courses: the Cypress course and the Tradition course.
The Cypress course is naturally heavily forested, but the Tradition course stands out for its beautiful views, unique holes, and excellent conditioning. This course has held PGA Tour Qualifying tournaments and provides the feel of a private golf club at a much lower cost.
Hermann Park Golf Course
The first US public golf course to welcome all races, Hermann Park Golf Course, opened in 1922 and began a rich tradition of golfing excellence that has endured for nearly a century. Compared to other layouts, the course is short, is open daily, and is just minutes from downtown Houston and the Medical Center—ideal for a late afternoon escape.
Wildcat Golf Club
Wildcat is the go-to golf destination for Houston sports fans, with two courses on property, the Highlands and Lakes courses. Wildcat’s property highlights the best of Houston and the best sights of various landmarks, with amazing scenery of the Houston skyline and NRG Stadium. The golf club is fantastic because it provides the lakes course with its water features and elevation changes and the highlands course, which provides a links experience on the same estate.
Blackhorse Golf Club
Another public golf course with two 18-hole courses is Blackhorse Golf Club. The South Course, with quarry holes on the back nine, is unquestionably the superior of the two. Overall, both courses are well-kept, with a good mix of trees and water features. The course is difficult but not overwhelming for beginners.
Gus Wortham Golf Course
Constructed in 1908 and was once known as The Houston Country Club, this golf course has undergone numerous improvements in recent years and is currently raising funds to restore the clubhouse and other facilities. The facility’s layout is unparalleled, with numerous unique views and sightlines for a public course in Houston. Gus Wortham is a must-play, with rates that allow any golfer to participate.
River Oaks Country Club
This country club is very exclusive and well-known in the golf world. It has a long history, having been in operation since 1925, and rose to prominence as a favorite of local professional golfers. The 18-hole course is modest but beautiful, with shady, old trees and some of the most difficult short holes in the area.
This course is rated difficult because accuracy is more important than anything else. Of course, it has been updated since 1925, and because it is in a country club, you can expect amenities such as a restaurant, bar, pool, and clubhouse.
Champions Golf Club
Over the years, Champions Golf Club has hosted several golf tournaments, including the TOUR Championship, the US Women’s Open, and the Women’s Mid-Amateur Tournament. Jimmy Demaret and Jack Burke Jr. founded it to encourage people to play golf for the right reasons. Both courses have positive reviews, and players can look forward to large greens, long holes, and many water hazards.
The Club at Carlton Woods
The Club at Carlton Woods is regarded as among Texas’ best private golf clubs. It has 36 holes and hosts the Nicklaus course, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The staff is pleasant, the courses are kept in excellent condition, and while a game there will undoubtedly be challenging, you will undoubtedly have a good time.
Moody Gardens Golf Course
Formerly the Galveston Municipal Golf Course, the Moody Gardens Golf Course has undergone a $16 million renovation by the highly regarded architects of Jacobsen Hardy Golf Course Design. The Moody Gardens course, which opened in June 2008, retains the best historical aspects of the original layout while significantly enhancing the overall course flow and certain holes.
Royal Oaks Country Club
Another private golf course that ranks highly among Texas courses is Royal Oaks Country Club. It’s a single 18-hole course with 7,007 yards of green to cover. The difficulty level is quite high here, but the design is stunning, with fast greens and wide-open fairways.
The green runs alongside a pond, which can be intimidating, especially for inexperienced golfers. However, the practice facilities are lovely, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Augusta Pines
Because Augusta Pines is semi-private, there is public access to this course. This course is intended to put your championship skills to the test. It is inspired by the Pinehurst and Augusta National courses but not a direct replica.
Expect some challenges from sand traps and hazards, but you’ll still have a good time trying your hand at the popular pro course design.
You may be searching for the perfect place to get back into the groove of your favorite sport. Fortunately, Houston’s golf courses are open during regular business hours.
