How would you rank Houston-area golf courses?

Obviously there are some really nice private courses, but I'm more interested in the stuff available to the average golfer.

I tend to stick to Cypresswood Tradition, High Meadow Ranch, etc. is Memorial and Golf Club of Houston the cream of the crop? Where does Black Horse fit in?

You rich guys and older golfers show me the way.

I'd throw Gus Wortham in there as well.

Also what is Houston because The Wilderness may be my favorite course in the state.

Its a challenge with a number of factors (condition, fun layout, value, etc.). I'm not sure which characteristic is the weighted one for you in this so Idk about a true, bullet proof ranking, but I'll give it a shot.

My opinion is limited in that there are some that I haven't played in years, so I can't speak to their current condition. But if we're talking public/daily fee courses I'd probably go:

Highland Pines
Golf Club of Houston
Blackhorse
Gus Wortham
Augusta Pines
Panorama Village
Memorial Park
Cypresswood
Eagle Point
Wildcat
Meadowbrook Farms
High Meadow Ranch
Houston National
Wilderness
Glennloch Pines
Tour 18
Oakhurst
Cinco Ranch
Sharpstown
Bay Forest
Timber Creek
Oakhurst
Windrose
Herman Park
Sienna Plantation
Clear Creek
Greatwood
Battleground
Southwyck
Beacon Lakes

I haven't played Memorial since the renovation, but I walked it during the PGA this week. I also have never played Sharpstown, but I've been recently told that their greens are fine. Aside from that I've played all the others over the years.

Where you moving over to cab?

I agree that Blackhorse is a terrible deal right now (and has been). Just awful value. I live right next to it and never play it. They charge Highland Pines/Golf Club of Houston rates for Cypress Lakes conditions.

I agree with most of this list but I'd have Houston National waaaay further down the list. Just not my cup of tea. The private 18, Sterling, is kept in good shape, so it's OK.

The only one I would add is Grand Lake Estates in Montgomery. For the last 6 months or so, the greens have been pretty dang good. The place isn't "nice" or anything… no range, tees, fairways and bunkers are usually pretty rough. But it's a really fun/unique layout… plus it's BYOB. It's really BYO-everything (water, gatorade, snacks). Oh, and it's $52 during the week.

That's a fair list but to me Gus Wortham is above Blackhorse, and I have High Meadow Ranch much higher, and when Cypresswood is in the great condition it was a few years back it's towards the top too! I know with their new membership stuff, it's actually gone down a bit from what I've heard.

CW Traditions was hands down my favorite track 10-15 years ago. Would really challenge anyone from the tips (except me, had no chance) and would be great to watch Poot and Machine get after it. Sad to hear is not in the top tier anymore.

Gol***93 said:

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How would you rank Houston-area golf courses?

Obviously there are some really nice private courses, but I'm more interested in the stuff available to the average golfer.

I tend to stick to Cypresswood Tradition, High Meadow Ranch, etc. is Memorial and Golf Club of Houston the cream of the crop? Where does Black Horse fit in?

You rich guys and older golfers show me the way.

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I haven't played a ton of publics in the Houston area, but for the one's I have played here is my ranking in terms of condition/value IN MY OPINION.

The Wilderness
GCOH
Highland Pines
Memorial
High Meadow
Meadowbrook Farms
Moody
Wildcat
Eagle Point
Cinco Ranch
Atascocita Golf Club
Blackhourse

Poot said:

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I agree with most of this list but I'd have Houston National waaaay further down the list. Just not my cup of tea. The private 18, Sterling, is kept in good shape, so it's OK.

The only one I would add is Grand Lake Estates in Montgomery. For the last 6 months or so, the greens have been pretty dang good. The place isn't "nice" or anything… no range, tees, fairways and bunkers are usually pretty rough. But it's a really fun/unique layout… plus it's BYOB. It's really BYO-everything (water, gatorade, snacks). Oh, and it's $52 during the week.

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grand lakes sucks. do not go there. ever. tons of other courses to go to instead. stay away!!!!!!

Very fair criticisms of my first list draft.

I played Blackhorse over a year ago, and it was for a huge fundraising tournament. So maybe the conditions were better than normal at that time. I also didn't look at there current pricing so I didn't weigh much in value on that one. So, they probably could tumble down the list.

Gus Wortham is probably the best value in the Houston area.

Fair point about Houston National - I haven't been there and years, and I had access to Sterling. So I might be conflating the two based on my lack of recalling the specifics between the two.

Cypresswood was once the qualifier course for the Houston Open. When I played it years ago it was great, but I heard that it wasn't the same after Harvey. If they have bounced back and actually are better that would move them up the list. Either way I need to get back out there.

I forgot all about Grand Lakes. Played there some years ago when it was randomly on Golfnow. I also forgot about Cypress Lakes, Jersey Meadow and Longwood.

Played CW Traditions just last weekend and it's still up there on the list.

The greens were a bit chewed up and not rolling as fast as they typically are but overall the course was in good shape.

It still holds up as one of the better public play courses in the area and especially when compared to the value of others in that price point. $98 for a weekend rate at Traditions is far and away a better deal than $120+ at Wildcat or Blackhorse.

FWIW they have moved the driving range at CW to back by the Traditions course. New clubhouse going in where the old one was. Still never understood why don't restore the Traditions clubhouse and use that. That's the flagship course and the building is there with a great view of 18. Would make a great spot for a clubhouse and 19th hole with patio.

I have a membership down in League City but in the past couple of weeks I've played the following:
Meadowbrook Farms a couple of days ago was in great shape but the greens were subpar. Played Augusta Pines this weekend and the fairways were fantastic but same as Meadowbrook, the greens were rough. There were only about 3 decent greens on the back 9. Gus Wortham was in the winter/spring transition period a couple of weeks ago. Not even close to its normal conditions. Blackhorse South will be undergoing a bunker project when they transition into making it for members only. Blackhorse is definitely overpriced.

David_Puddy said:

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Wait so you walked Memorial Park this week for the Open and still have it ranked behind 6 courses including Gus Wortham? And this is coming from someone who likes and enjoys Gus Wortham, but no way that it's above Memorial, especially right now and since late last year when they planted the rye grass. Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Yes, I do.

If you don't have a Houston address (which I no longer have) you pay a premium for a municipal course. Plus from what I understand the tee times are a challenge to get even for Houston residents. If its only that condition approx. a few weeks or so out the year around the Open time, most won't experience it like that anyway.

Gus is a better value imo.

David_Puddy said:

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Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Unless you live in Bunker Hill. But then again, if you live there, you have no problem paying the non-resident rate to play Memorial Park.

Jawn Dough said:

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David_Puddy said:

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Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Unless you live in Bunker Hill. But then again, if you live there, you have no problem paying the non-resident rate to play Memorial Park.

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or Bellaire, West U, Southside place, etc. etc.

I haven't played it because I don't like five-six hour rounds. Maybe that has changed?

AustinCountyAg said:

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Gol***93 said:

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How would you rank Houston-area golf courses?

Obviously there are some really nice private courses, but I'm more interested in the stuff available to the average golfer.

I tend to stick to Cypresswood Tradition, High Meadow Ranch, etc. is Memorial and Golf Club of Houston the cream of the crop? Where does Black Horse fit in?

You rich guys and older golfers show me the way.

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I haven't played a ton of publics in the Houston area, but for the one's I have played here is my ranking in terms of condition/value IN MY OPINION.

The Wilderness
GCOH
Highland Pines
Memorial
High Meadow
Meadowbrook Farms
Moody
Wildcat
Eagle Point
Cinco Ranch
Atascocita Golf Club
Blackhourse

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You've got to be ****ing kidding me. You've lost all credibility with this one.

Jawn Dough said:

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E said:

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True OG's know Heron Lakes was #1

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Their stay and play was the best deal in the country.

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Melrose would like a word.

And pour one out for Brock.

KatyAg01 said:

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Jawn Dough said:

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E said:

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True OG's know Heron Lakes was #1

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Their stay and play was the best deal in the country.

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Melrose would like a word.

And pour one out for Brock.

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And pour one out for Glenbrook GC. (That was a fun, but tough track.)

cab559 said:

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CW Traditions was hands down my favorite track 10-15 years ago. Would really challenge anyone from the tips (except me, had no chance) and would be great to watch Poot and Machine get after it. Sad to hear is not in the top tier anymore.

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Tract......not track

Lighten up, Francis

jonj101 said:

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David_Puddy said:

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Wait so you walked Memorial Park this week for the Open and still have it ranked behind 6 courses including Gus Wortham? And this is coming from someone who likes and enjoys Gus Wortham, but no way that it's above Memorial, especially right now and since late last year when they planted the rye grass. Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Yes, I do.

If you don't have a Houston address (which I no longer have) you pay a premium for a municipal course. Plus from what I understand the tee times are a challenge to get even for Houston residents. If its only that condition approx. a few weeks or so out the year around the Open time, most won't experience it like that anyway.

Gus is a better value imo.

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Its a weird argument because its all subjective. What matters to you more? Course conditions? Tee time availability? Price? I thing MGC is a better course than Gus but its obviously pretty steep for non-Houston residents. Last few years I have played MGC free in June/July as a tournament perk and by then its nothing like it is during the tournament, as expected. However, it is still way better than what it was prior to the tournament coming there and all the $$$$ they have put into it. I'd still choose to play it over Gus given the option.

Marauder Blue 6 said:

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AustinCountyAg said:

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Gol***93 said:

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How would you rank Houston-area golf courses?

Obviously there are some really nice private courses, but I'm more interested in the stuff available to the average golfer.

I tend to stick to Cypresswood Tradition, High Meadow Ranch, etc. is Memorial and Golf Club of Houston the cream of the crop? Where does Black Horse fit in?

You rich guys and older golfers show me the way.

---

I haven't played a ton of publics in the Houston area, but for the one's I have played here is my ranking in terms of condition/value IN MY OPINION.

The Wilderness
GCOH
Highland Pines
Memorial
High Meadow
Meadowbrook Farms
Moody
Wildcat
Eagle Point
Cinco Ranch
Atascocita Golf Club
Blackhourse

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You've got to be ****ing kidding me. You've lost all credibility with this one.

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I never said it was great. It is just where I would rank it on MY list, which is second to last. Played it a couple years ago and the course was in pretty good shape. Draft beer to take with you, $50 on a weekday, greens were quick, decent layout....for me that equates to a good/decent public course.

Again keep in mind I haven't played a ton of public golf in Houston as evident by my list.

CFTXAG10 said:

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jonj101 said:

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David_Puddy said:

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Wait so you walked Memorial Park this week for the Open and still have it ranked behind 6 courses including Gus Wortham? And this is coming from someone who likes and enjoys Gus Wortham, but no way that it's above Memorial, especially right now and since late last year when they planted the rye grass. Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Yes, I do.

If you don't have a Houston address (which I no longer have) you pay a premium for a municipal course. Plus from what I understand the tee times are a challenge to get even for Houston residents. If its only that condition approx. a few weeks or so out the year around the Open time, most won't experience it like that anyway.

Gus is a better value imo.

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Its a weird argument because its all subjective. What matters to you more? Course conditions? Tee time availability? Price? I thing MGC is a better course than Gus but its obviously pretty steep for non-Houston residents. Last few years I have played MGC free in June/July as a tournament perk and by then its nothing like it is during the tournament, as expected. However, it is still way better than what it was prior to the tournament coming there and all the $$$$ they have put into it. I'd still choose to play it over Gus given the option.

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Yeah, I tried to say in my opening statement - there are so many factors or characteristics that would need to be weighted based on what someone values.

As a non-resident of Houston if someone asked me to play MP I'd drop the $150+ just to scratch it off this list. However if I was invited to Highland I'd willingly pay that $150+ because I enjoyed it and would look forward to doing it again. I'd also more readily accept an invitation to Gus because it's a better value imo.

One of my favorite layouts in the Houston area is Timber Creek, but the greens absolutely ruin the experience for me, so I put them way down the list. So it's a variety of factors.

This is not a well researched Golf Digest article - i just pulled together a post in like 15 minutes of courses I remembered and ranked them in an attempt to help the OP out. So whether others agree or disagree, if they have a better ranking, than by all means share it.

jonj101 said:

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CFTXAG10 said:

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jonj101 said:

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David_Puddy said:

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Wait so you walked Memorial Park this week for the Open and still have it ranked behind 6 courses including Gus Wortham? And this is coming from someone who likes and enjoys Gus Wortham, but no way that it's above Memorial, especially right now and since late last year when they planted the rye grass. Not to mention that if you have a Houston address, Memorial is far and away the best value in town.

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Yes, I do.

If you don't have a Houston address (which I no longer have) you pay a premium for a municipal course. Plus from what I understand the tee times are a challenge to get even for Houston residents. If its only that condition approx. a few weeks or so out the year around the Open time, most won't experience it like that anyway.

Gus is a better value imo.

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Its a weird argument because its all subjective. What matters to you more? Course conditions? Tee time availability? Price? I thing MGC is a better course than Gus but its obviously pretty steep for non-Houston residents. Last few years I have played MGC free in June/July as a tournament perk and by then its nothing like it is during the tournament, as expected. However, it is still way better than what it was prior to the tournament coming there and all the $$$$ they have put into it. I'd still choose to play it over Gus given the option.

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Yeah, I tried to say in my opening statement - there are so many factors or characteristics that would need to be weighted based on what someone values.

As a non-resident of Houston if someone asked me to play MP I'd drop the $150+ just to scratch it off this list. However if I was invited to Highland I'd willingly pay that $150+ because I enjoyed it and would look forward to doing it again. I'd also more readily accept an invitation to Gus because it's a better value imo.

One of my favorite layouts in the Houston area is Timber Creek, but the greens absolutely ruin the experience for me, so I put them way down the list. So it's a variety of factors.

This is not a well researched Golf Digest article - i just pulled together a post in like 15 minutes of courses I remembered and ranked them in an attempt to help the OP out. So whether others agree or disagree, if they have a better ranking, than by all means share it.

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Yea, I appreciated the list. Gives me some courses to try I haven't played yet. I feel you on Timber Creek as someone who plays mostly down in that area. Its a lot like Battleground. Its come a long way in the last year, but it still has some issues (concrete bunkers and tee boxes, hit or miss greens, etc.). The value is there though and its pretty easy to get tee times. Find myself gravitating to Bay Forest even though my membership is at BG (like 5 minutes from my house so stupid not to).

How is Battleground nowadays?

About 10 years ago it was gem but something got ahold of their greens and last time i played out there it was damn near unplayable with either completely destroyed greens or temp greens out in the fairway.

I vowed never again until I hear from someone it's improved.

Of the courses I've played, I'd rank them:

Highland Pines
High Meadow Ranch
BlackHorse (South)
Augusta Pines
Cypresswood Tradition
Panorama Village
Atascocita Golf Club
Bearkat Course (Raven Nest)
Grand Lake Estates
River Terrace

20 feet of crap

River Plantation
West Fork