heading up this weekend to visit family. We usually play either Pinnacle, or splurg on Pine Dunes. I'm looking for somewhere different within an hour drive. What's worth playing in the area that's good?

Quick google search shows Tempest, Cedar Creek, and Van Zandt. Curious how conditions are at those or if anyone has any other suggestions?

Tempest would be a "splurge" as well and maybe a little more than an hour. Well worth it from what I understand.
From Athens you can probably get to Buffalo Creek in Rockwall in under an hour.

Another one for Tempest

well unfortunately five minutes after posting this my relatives called me and shot down the idea of going to Tempest because the drive is too long. freaking old people.....

Peach tree was good 25 years ago.

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Peach tree was good 25 years ago.

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I played there a few months ago, its not bad at all. I think its called Oakhurst now.

They closed peach tree but oak hurst is still open. Do not go to oak hurst. In terrible shape typically.

RogerFurlong said:

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They closed peach tree but oak hurst is still open. Do not go to oak hurst. In terrible shape typically.

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I played it in September and it was in relatively good shape (compared to the courses I typically play in Longview.... which ain't saying much). It was packed, though.

Holly Lake Ranch is another one that I played a few months ago and enjoyed. But if Tempest is too far than it probably is too. Tempest is by far the best thing we have in the Longview area with Pinecrest being a distant 2nd. Don't believe Pinecrest is public, though.

Links at Lands End is a pretty neat place. Google says it's 1 hr 7 min from Athens.

I haven't been out there in a few years, but when I was out there it was more than passable and from what I remember, the greens were actually pretty good.

Holes 1-4 might have you questioning why you made the drive, but once you get to 5, and especially 6… you're like, "oh, OK."

Out of town this weekend but let me know next time and we can go play Willow Brook. It is a great place to play!

thanks for the invite. I will let you know the next time we are back in the area.

Van Zandt and Cedar Creek are both decent tracks
Athens Country Club is my home course, in good shape for winter conditions , greens are fast
We played Pine Dunes monday, was in good shape , greens are FAST

How's Garden Valley these days? Played it about two years ago and it was run down. Sad because it used to hold it's own against any course.

Cherokee Ranch is in Jacksonville just south of Tyler and it is great also!

Know it is not on the list, but for rest of group, played Pine Dunes 2 weekends ago…greens were rolling so smooth.

ended up playing Van Zandt Sat morning and I'm glad we went there over Pine Dunes, etc. Weather was cold and not exactly the kind of conditions I enjoy spending my money at on good rounds. First time at VZ and it was "okay". It was worth the $50. greens were pretty good

I grew up playing this course and still go back for a couple tournaments a year. The course is short, but a lot of fun to play. Greens are normally in excellent shape.

colten.c said:

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Out of town this weekend but let me know next time and we can go play Willow Brook. It is a great place to play!

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are you still a member at willow brook? Me and my 7 year old son and a couple cousins are planning on playing Saturday morning somewhere up in the area.