Houston offers some of the finest public golf courses, providing both challenging play and affordable rates.
Here are the top five public courses near Houston: Memorial Park Golf Course, Golf Club of Houston Tournament Course, Cypresswood Golf Club Tradition Course, BlackHorse Golf Club South Course, and Gus Wortham Park Golf Course.
Keep reading for a detailed explanation of what makes each course a must-play destination.
Memorial Park Golf Course
Memorial Park Golf Course, located in the heart of Houston, TX, is a historic and highly-regarded public golf course.
It has hosted the Houston Open and underwent a significant renovation in 2019, enhancing its appeal to both local and visiting golfers.
Location and History
Memorial Park Golf Course is conveniently situated in Houston, making it easily accessible for both residents and tourists.
It has a rich history, being one of the few municipal courses to host a PGA Tour event, the Houston Open.
The course's renovation in 2019 was aimed at modernizing its facilities while preserving its historical significance, ensuring that it meets contemporary standards of play and comfort.
Course Description
The course is renowned for its meticulously maintained greens and picturesque views, which add to the overall golfing experience.
Designed to be challenging yet accessible, it caters to golfers of all skill levels.
The layout is both engaging and demanding, featuring a variety of holes that require strategic thinking and precise shot execution.
Key Features
One of the standout features of Memorial Park Golf Course is its two-tiered driving range, which allows golfers to practice their long and short games effectively.
Additionally, the course boasts a massive putting green, providing ample space for golfers to refine their putting skills.
These practice facilities are complemented by the course's affordability, with rates as low as $30 for residents walking during the week.
Fees
For non-residents, the green fees are approximately $150, reflecting the high quality of the course and its facilities.
This pricing ensures that the course remains accessible to a broad range of golfers while maintaining its premium standards.
Why It's a Must-Play
Memorial Park Golf Course stands out not only because of its historical significance but also due to its top-notch facilities.
The combination of a challenging course, excellent practice areas, and affordable rates makes it a favorite among golfers.
Its location in Houston, coupled with the scenic and well-maintained greens, ensures a memorable golfing experience for both amateurs and seasoned players.
Whether you're a local looking for a regular spot to play or a visitor seeking a top-tier golfing destination, Memorial Park Golf Course is a must-play.
Golf Club of Houston, Tournament Course
The Golf Club of Houston's Tournament Course, situated in Humble, TX, is renowned for its top-tier facilities and challenging layout.
It has gained prominence for hosting the prestigious Shell Houston Open, attracting both professional and amateur golfers.
Location and History
Located in Humble, TX, just a short drive from downtown Houston, the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston has become a significant venue in the golfing world.
Its reputation is bolstered by its history of hosting the Shell Houston Open, a PGA Tour event that draws top talent and golf enthusiasts from around the globe.
This history of hosting professional tournaments speaks to the quality and challenge the course offers.
Course Description
The Tournament Course is designed to provide a tour-level golfing experience.
It features a compelling layout that includes challenging holes strategically placed to test golfers' skills.
The course design incorporates significant distances between holes, adding to the challenge and requiring strategic play and precise shot-making.
The fairways and greens are meticulously maintained, ensuring optimal playing conditions year-round.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the Tournament Course is the availability of forecaddies at certain times, enhancing the playing experience by providing valuable course insights and assistance.
This service is especially beneficial for first-time visitors to the course.
Additionally, the clubhouse restaurant is highly regarded, offering a terrific dining experience that complements a day on the course.
The restaurant provides a variety of meals and beverages, making it a great spot to relax and unwind after a round of golf.
Fees
The green fees at the Tournament Course typically exceed $120, reflecting the premium experience and facilities offered.
This pricing ensures that the course maintains its high standards and continues to attract serious golfers who appreciate a professional-grade environment.
Why It's a Must-Play
The Golf Club of Houston's Tournament Course is a must-play for several reasons.
Its professional-grade facilities and challenging layout provide an unparalleled golfing experience.
The history of hosting the Shell Houston Open adds to its prestige, offering golfers the opportunity to play on a course that has tested some of the best players in the world.
The availability of forecaddies enhances the experience by providing expert guidance, while the excellent clubhouse restaurant adds to the overall enjoyment.
For golfers seeking a top-tier course near Houston, the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston is an exceptional choice.
Cypresswood Golf Club, Tradition Course
Cypresswood Golf Club's Tradition Course, located in Spring, TX, is celebrated for its picturesque setting and challenging layout.
Known for hosting numerous large amateur and professional events, this course is a favorite among golfers of all skill levels.
Location and History
Situated in Spring, TX, Cypresswood Golf Club's Tradition Course has established itself as a premier public golf destination.
Its reputation is bolstered by its history of hosting significant amateur and professional tournaments, showcasing the course's ability to challenge even the most skilled golfers.
This prestigious background makes it a sought-after venue for serious players and enthusiasts alike.
Course Description
The Tradition Course is set in a beautiful forested area, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Each hole is uniquely designed, taking full advantage of the natural landscape to create a memorable golfing experience.
The course features well-maintained greens that provide a consistent and fair challenge to golfers.
The combination of scenic beauty and thoughtful design ensures that players are both tested and enchanted by the course.
Key Features
One of the main attractions of the Tradition Course is its budget-friendly rates, making it accessible to a wide range of golfers without compromising on quality.
This affordability, coupled with the course's high standards, attracts a diverse group of players, from local amateurs to visiting professionals.
Fees
The green fees at Cypresswood Golf Club's Tradition Course vary depending on the day and time.
This variable pricing allows golfers to find a time that fits both their schedule and budget, enhancing the course's accessibility and appeal.
Why It's a Must-Play
Cypresswood Golf Club's Tradition Course stands out due to its beautiful setting and top-tier design.
The forested landscape provides a serene backdrop, while the unique and challenging holes ensure a rewarding round of golf.
The well-maintained greens and budget-friendly rates further add to the course's appeal.
Whether you're looking for a picturesque course to enjoy a leisurely round or a challenging layout to test your skills, the Tradition Course offers an exceptional golfing experience.
BlackHorse Golf Club, South Course
BlackHorse Golf Club's South Course, located in Cypress, TX, is known for its exceptional design and versatile play options.
With two championship layouts, it caters to golfers of all abilities, offering a challenging and scenic experience.
Location and History
BlackHorse Golf Club is situated in Cypress, TX, and is renowned for its two championship layouts, the North and South Courses.
The South Course, in particular, is celebrated for its innovative design and strategic challenges.
Its layout includes features that cater to both beginners and seasoned golfers, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable round for all who play.
Course Description
The South Course at BlackHorse is particularly noted for its challenging back nine, which is built around an old quarry.
This unique feature provides a striking landscape and adds to the course's difficulty, requiring precise shots and strategic play.
The front nine, while less challenging, still offers a variety of scenic holes that highlight the natural beauty of the area.
The course's design ensures that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a rewarding experience, whether they're looking for a relaxing round or a competitive challenge.
Key Features
BlackHorse Golf Club boasts excellent practice facilities, including a comprehensive driving range and well-maintained putting greens.
These facilities are ideal for golfers looking to hone their skills before heading out onto the course.
Additionally, the club features a golf academy, which offers lessons and clinics for players of all levels, making it a great place for both beginners and those looking to improve their game.
The clubhouse at BlackHorse includes a bar and grill, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for golfers to relax and enjoy a meal or drink after their round.
The combination of top-notch facilities and a friendly atmosphere makes BlackHorse a favorite among local and visiting golfers.
Fees
The green fees at the South Course range from $49 to $140, depending on the time of day.
This flexible pricing structure allows golfers to choose a time that fits their schedule and budget, ensuring that the course remains accessible to a wide range of players.
Why It's a Must-Play
BlackHorse Golf Club's South Course is a must-play due to its versatility and comprehensive facilities.
The challenging back nine around the old quarry provides a unique and memorable experience, while the scenic and varied front nine ensures that golfers of all skill levels are engaged and challenged.
The excellent practice facilities, golf academy, and welcoming clubhouse bar and grill add to the course's appeal, making it a complete golfing destination.
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course, located in Houston, TX, is steeped in history and offers a unique golfing experience.
Built on the site of the original Houston Country Club, it has undergone significant improvements in recent years to enhance its appeal.
Location and History
Situated in Houston, TX, Gus Wortham Park Golf Course occupies the historic grounds of the original Houston Country Club.
This historical backdrop adds a rich layer of significance to the course, making it a cherished site for local golfers and visitors alike.
The course has been part of Houston's golfing landscape for many years and has recently been revitalized to meet modern standards.
Course Description
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course is known for its distinctive sightlines and challenging uphill approach shots.
The layout of the course incorporates the natural contours of the land, creating a variety of interesting and demanding holes.
Recent improvements have significantly enhanced the course's playability and aesthetics, making it more enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
The greens and fairways are well-maintained, providing a consistent and fair challenge.
Key Features
One of the standout features of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course is its well-maintained condition.
The recent renovations have ensured that the course is in top shape, with smooth greens and carefully tended fairways.
This attention to detail in maintenance ensures that golfers can enjoy a high-quality experience every time they play.
Fees
The fees at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course are very reasonable, with a rate of $38 to walk during the week.
This affordability makes it an attractive option for regular play, especially for those who appreciate the blend of historical significance and modern golfing amenities.
Why It's a Must-Play
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course is a must-play for several reasons.
Its historical value, being built on the site of the original Houston Country Club, adds a unique charm.
The course itself, with its challenging uphill approach shots and well-maintained conditions, provides a thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience.
The recent improvements have elevated the quality of the course, making it a great choice for both locals and visitors.
Its affordable rates further enhance its appeal, offering excellent value for a high-quality golf outing.
Conclusion
In summary, Houston offers a variety of exceptional public golf courses, each with unique features and challenges.
From the historic Gus Wortham Park Golf Course to the professional-grade Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston, there's a course for every golfer.
Explore these top five courses to experience the best public golfing near Houston.