Houston’s golf courses are like oases amid the city, with lush greenery, sparkling lakes, and panoramic views that make you forget you’re in the heart of urban Texas. Whether you’re playing at sunrise or sunset, the beauty of these courses is unmatched.
These courses are about the whole experience. You will find championship-level designs that challenge even the most seasoned golfers, with strategic bunkers, water hazards, and tricky doglegs that keep you on your toes. What sets these courses apart is their attention to detail. When you enter the first tee, you are greeted with impeccable service and a welcoming atmosphere.
The staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable round, whether renting top-of-the-line equipment or grabbing a bite at the clubhouse after your game.
Luckily, I visited some of these gems last week due to having a friend over. That friend is a golf enthusiast who cannot go a few days without playing it. So, being a local here, though, I knew nothing about the golf courses here. Therefore, holding my Houstanian pride, I decided to visit them all. Stay tuned to find out what I learned through my keen observation.
Memorial Park Golf Course
This was a bit expensive, to be honest; $ 130 for a non-resident seemed high compared to others. However, the courses were in good shape despite the drought situation going on for months. There were marshals on courses for the game to maintain a decent pace. The staff is humble and considerate for both beginners and seasoned Golfers.
Even if you are not a golf player, the cool breeze and well-maintained course feel great to walk on. Some golf courses in Houston, TX, do not facilitate wheelchairs; Memorial Park Golf Course is one of them. So be prepared for that if you have someone with a wheelchair.
The next thing I appreciated the most was the driving range. It is special because it’s surrounded by a big open space, which makes hitting balls there even more fun. You can take breaks and enjoy the nice views around the range. It’s also close to a park, so you can walk after you are done hitting balls.
Whether you are beginning to learn golf or you have been playing for a while, the Memorial Golf Course Driving Range is a great choice. It’s gorgeous, and there are lots of things to do there. Whether you want to practice, improve your skills, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, this place has everything. I would recommend it to anyone who loves golf.
This Course has a mix of short and long holes, which gives you a chance to score well with eagles and birdies on some of them. But watch out! It can mess up your game if you hit a bad shot in certain spots.
Oh, and one cool thing about this course is that it has a Beck’s Prime restaurant right there! So, you can grab a bite to eat before or after your round, which adds to the whole experience and makes it more fun. It’s one of the best golf courses in Houston, TX, to watch people play (I’m not a golfer, so I’m happy with it).
Address: 1001 E Memorial Loop Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone: +1 832-968-7486
Wildcat Golf Club
Wildcat Golf Club is the second swing in my golf tale. So, it is huge and has two 18-hole courses: Lakes and Highlands. Lakes are tougher, with ponds where you need skills to keep your ball dry. Highlands is a bit easier if you prefer a less challenging game.
Despite heavy rain recently, the greens were in good shape and fast.
The course drains well, so it wasn’t soggy. They had a rule where you had to drive your cart at a 90-degree angle. Because of the holiday, it took us longer than usual to finish our round. Normally, it’s about a 4-hour game with no waiting. This course always has a bit of a breeze, even in the hot months.
And the views are awesome! You can see downtown Houston and the Medical Center from some spots on the course. You might even spot some oil wells while playing, which adds to the cool factor. The staff at the pro shop are friendly, and the grill serves tasty food at good prices. It is a fantastic place for native golfers, especially if you don’t want to drive too far from downtown Houston. However, my friend here was only able to finish the 9 holes as the course is filled with blind spots, according to them.
So, if you’re not super familiar with the course, it can be frustrating, especially when trying to figure out where to aim for your second shot on some of the holes. There are also a lot of ups and downs on this course, which can make it tricky. I wouldn’t be surprised if you lose quite a few balls along the way. The view, staff service, and everything make it one of the best golf courses to play in Houston, TX.
Address: 12000 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77045, United States
Phone: +1 713-413-3400
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Hermann Park Golf Course
I believe this will be the most affordable golf course on my list. It only cost us $27.50 on the weekend around 8 am. This course is not super long, and you can finish playing in less than 3.5 hours if you are not spending time looking for lost balls or if you are not stuck behind beginners.
This golf course has something for everyone! If you are a skilled golfer, there are plenty of challenges to keep you interested. But if you’re new to the game like me, there are shorter holes with nice views to make it fun.
Some people complain about the carts here, but it’s obvious why they can’t let them off the path after it rains. Otherwise, the course would get messed up. The fairways are in good shape now, and the greens have recovered from some of last year’s issues. You can easily walk around the course, and there are many shady spots. They also have water stations and usually a drink cart on the course, which is nice.
Sure, the course can get crowded, and sometimes balls from other holes end up in yours, but it’s not too bad. Just be aware that there are seven holes where you need to hit over water, so if you are not confident, you might want to move up a tee box.
The driving range is good, too, with new balls and decent mats. And I love the location of the course, it’s right in the city. The walking trails surround it, and you can even hear animals from the zoo sometimes! The clubhouse café serves a tasty breakfast with a regular lunch menu. In short, it’s a great spot to practice your game and spend a few hours having fun.
Address: 2155 N MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone: +1 713-526-0077
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
This place is a great deal! Walking 18 holes on a Sunday morning costs about $44. Even if they charged twice as much, it would still be worth it. For folks who are not super into golf, this course can really test your patience. It’s got 18 holes, sand traps, and sloping greens, all well taken care of.
The only downside is it’s right by a busy street, which can be risky. But overall, it’s a great spot. The staff is friendly and helpful; they have rental clubs, gloves, shirts, shoes, and drinks. Plus, you can rent a golf cart if you don’t like walking with your clubs.
This place might not seem too special at first sight, but the staff is really nice, and the course has some tricky holes that make it fun. It’s way better than Sharpstown or Bear Creek. It’s similar to the Stephen F. Austin course but closer to downtown Houston, only about 30 minutes away from anywhere inside the Beltway.
I prefer it over Memorial because there’s less waiting. Plus, it has many beautiful oak trees that make it look pretty. I would suggest it to anyone who is not a pro golfer. However, if golf is your thing, and you are from outside of Houston, you might not find it unimpressive as my friend did. You can weigh the plus and minuses before going.
Address: 7000 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77011, United States
Phone: +1 713-928-4260
Golf Club of Houston
The course is absolutely beautiful, but it’s also challenging with long distances and tricky layouts. They have top-of-the-line golf carts, and the course is always in great shape. You can get a green fee that includes a golf cart for about $85-90, which is worth it. Plus, it even covers range balls for practice, and their driving range is one of the best I have seen.
Honestly, this course blows a lot of other public and private ones in Houston out of the water, especially for the price. And the clubhouse? It’s stunning, and the staff there are super nice and helpful. It is a suitable place for school students to join, learn, or practice their game. It is worth a visit.
Address: 5860 Wilson Rd, Humble, TX 77396, United States
Phone: +1 281-459-7820
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Author’s Remarks
I am not a sportsperson; I can’t even stand watching them on TV. However, I have the spirit of an adventurer, always ready to explore places and keenly observe things around me. So, whether you are a budding golfer or a seasoned one, this list of the best golf courses in Houston, TX, will surely benefit you.
My friend declared some of the Houstonian golf courses null and void. Therefore, they did not make it to this list. However, if you feel more adventurous, you can try the following as well:
- Clear Creek Golf Club
- Lochinvar Golf Club
- Sharpstown Park Golf Course
- River Oaks Country Club
- Champions Golf Club: Cypress Creek
Meet Olin Berg, a passionate writer who loves to explore and share Houston’s best places with the world. With a keen eye for hidden gems and a love for local culture, Olin’s articles are a delightful journey through the heart of the city. Whether it’s the most charming cafes, stunning parks, or vibrant neighborhoods, Olin’s insights and recommendations are sure to inspire both locals and visitors alike.
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