Houston is home to a wide range of solid golf courses, but some definitely stand out over others. When you are going to spend 4-5 precious hours out on the course, you want to be sure you don’t waste your round at a second rate muni course.
Luckily I have some recommendations of the Top 10 Best Public Golf Courses in Houston based on following criteria:
1) Course in good overall condition (decent fairways and greens)
2) Generally easier to get a tee time on (this helps for those that wait to play at the last minute)
3) Cost. While everyone tries to manage their expenses, this is not the most important consideration for me since rates are generally $60-100 no matter where you go if you are trying to play at prime hours (Saturday and Sunday mornings).
Sidenote: if you only care about price, go to Golfnow.com and search that way. I used to do this all of the time when just trying to get some swings in. More on this in another post.
#1. Memorial Park Golf Course
Houston’s Premier Public Course
After having gone through a complete renovation, the new Memorial Park Golf Course has been converted into a championship level track. Starting in 2020, it will be home to the Houston Shell Open, the annual PGA Tour tournament the week before the Masters.
Having played this course a few times since the facelift, the course boasts almost 7,200 yards from the back tees, sure to test even the longest of ball strikers.
While the course is still fairly open off tee, the greens are Memorial’s defense mechanism. If you have heard the expression “turtle back greens” before, you know what I’m talking about here. Several of the greens at Memorial require precise iron shots to hold the green, otherwise you are left with a tough chip that could end up rolling back to your feet.
If you are just looking to practice, Memorial is also a great venue with its new double deck driving range, and chipping and putting greens. Not to mention, the Beck’s Prime burger joint located next to the clubhouse where you can cool off with a burger and a beer.
All in all – the new Memorial is in great shape and provides a challenging test of both the long game and short game.
9.8
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
The newly renovated Memorial Park Golf Course is a championship caliber track that is enjoyable to play and a great test of your game
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Centrally located in Houston
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Must get tee times days in advance
- Pace of play can be slow
#2. Golf Club of Houston - Tournament Course
36 Great Holes of Golf with Spectacular Views of Houston
The former host site of the Shell Houston Open, this golf course provides a challenging, dynamic course that has the best collection of challenging holes in the area for public access.
The course boasts greens manicured to the PGA Tour’s extreme standards. Fairways are kept in carpet-like, pristine condition, unique to many courses in Houston. Throughout the course, there are numerous elevation changes and hazards meant to challenge even the best in the business. Not to mention, there is a beautiful clubhouse and practice facility meant to cater to the pros that is open to public access.
The Tournament Course at Golf Club of Houston is one of only 11 courses that hosts PGA tournaments in America that is open to the public. While walking down the fairways or staring down a long par putt on one of its iconic holes, you can almost put yourself in the shoes of the pros like Jordan Spieth that have walked these very holes.
Come visit and play a round in the shoes of the pros. Boasting 7500+ yards from the tips, this course brings a challenge for all that want it.
9.7
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
PGA Championship quality golf course that has been home to the annual Shell Houston Open (recently moved to Memorial Park Golf Course).
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Generally one of the pricier rounds in Houston, but worth every dollar
#3. Wildcat Golf Club - Lakes Course
Dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and lots of water
In a city that is flat as a pancake, the Lakes course at Wildcat Golf Club not only provides a great experience through its unique layout and challenging golf holes, but it also provides some of the best views of Houston as a result of its dramatic elevation changes throughout the course.
The Lakes course, which is 7,016 yards from the tips, is a challenging golf course. The first few holes require semi-blind tee shots before giving you a few breather holes before the “Lakes” portion of the golf course starts coming into play. The 7th through 12th holes offer an abundance of water and few bailout areas, making this stretch the most challenging on the course.
The final 6 holes offer another variation that is unlike any previous holes, culminating in the par-5 18th hole, that forces a semi-blind drive before a huge downhill shot to the final green.
The course feels like a true Texas golf course, complete with native grass, marshlands, wildlife, and yes, even oil pumpjacks nodding away silently off the edge of several golf holes.
Every hole on the Lakes course is unique to the others, making every round anything but monotonous. This course is always is good shape, and the greens roll smooth, fast, and true.
9.7
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and native Texas scenery at this very challenging yet fair golf course.
PROS
- Course condition
- Ease of getting tee time
- Pace of play
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Lots of hazards, so bring lots of balls!
#4. Tour 18 Golf Course
Play the Replica Holes of the Best Golf Courses in the World
Have you wanted to play the best courses in the world but just not had the time or savings yet to make those trips? Then you can do the next best thing and go play Tour 18 golf course.
The developers at Tour 18 have recreated with stunning accuracy the most epic golf holes in the America like the infamous three holes of Amen Corner at Augusta (complete with last years Master’s scoreboard), the infamous island green of #17 at TPC Sawgrass, the beautiful #14 at Pebble Beach and the water-lined stretch of #18 at Doral’s Blue Monster course.
Tour 18, located near George Bush airport in Humble, Texas, is a hidden gem for Houston golfers. The course is almost always in great shape, generally is easy to get a tee time on, has a great practice facility and clubhouse, and provides a stiff challenge from all tee boxes.
This is one of my favorite courses to go play when I want to work on a variety of aspects of my game, and the unique course layout makes for an adventure everytime you go out.
The only thing that would make it better if it was closer to Houston proper.
9.6
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
One of Houston’s top golf courses, Tour 18 brings the most venerated golf holes in America to Houstonians looking to test their game on the best golf holes every created.
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Not playing the actual famous golf holes
#5. Cypresswood Golf Club - Tradition Course
Beautiful Texas Golf Course Tucked Away in the Woods
The Cypresswood golf complex is a hidden gem to Houston’s golfers, as it boasts 36 holes of award-winning championship golf open to public year round. Nestled in the rolling terrain along the Spring Creek, the Tradition Course at Cypresswood is a beautifully tree-lined course that brings the best of East Texas golf design to Houston.
The Tradition course, designed by Keith Foster, was described by him as “A return to the game, where you can have fun and get lost in the game”. The Tradition course challenges everyone’s abilities through a wide variety of tree-lined dogleg holes that reward risk-taking.
Home of several Texas Golf Association Mid-Amateur qualifiers and the Houston Amateur Qualifier, the Tradition course is sure to pose a fun challenge to even the most seasoned golfers.
9.6
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Beautiful golf escape into the tree-lined Tradition Course that brings the best of what East Texas has to offer.
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play / Ease of tee availability
- Practice facility
CONS
- Not a very walkable golf course
- Pro shop is sparse/ lack of restaurant
#6. Wildcat Golf Club - Highlands Course
A Links Style Layout With Beautitful Changing Elevation & Texas Flair
In contrast to the Wildcat Lakes Course, the Highlands Course offers golfers a Texas-style links experience with rolling fairways, large elevation changes, and deep ravines and native grasses that have a habit of disappearing the errant tee shot.
Playing almost 7,000 yards from the tips, this course offers beautiful panoramic views of the Galleria, Texas Medical Center, and NRG Stadium and offers golfers a great challenge.
Though there is far less water and fewer blind tee shots than the Lakes course, the Highlands course requires careful course management. The Highlands is impressive because every hole uses the changing elevation in a different way. With some challenging forced carries and strategically located natural habitat, the Highlands will make you hit a variety of shots from different distances to earn a good score.
The fairways and greens stay in impeccable condition year-round, despite the course receiving a lot of play. The fairways and rough are TifSport Bermuda, one of the hardiest grasses available; the greens are TifEagle Bermuda, which is remarkably consistent and putts fast and true.
Like the Wildcat Lakes Course, the Wildcat Highlands course is a great challenge for all ranges of golfers and is another great Houston golf course that pays tribute to the native habitat found here. Highly recommend.
9.5
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Challenging Texas Links Style Course in great condition with beautiful views of the Downtown Houston complex
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Deep ravines that will eat golf balls!
#7. Cypresswood Golf Club - Cypress Course
Another Beautiful Texas Golf Course Tucked Away in the Woods
Like the Tradition Course, the Cypress Course at Cypresswood is situated in the rolling terrain of South Texas with beautifull tree-lined fairways and greens protected by bunkers and lakes. A unique part of the Cypresswood complex is there are no houses along the course, so it truly feels like getting back to nature as you make your way through your round.
The Cypress course offers a more friendly layout than the Tradition course, but only by a small margin. Like Tradition, Cypress has 18 unique holes with many doglegs and natural barriers that require good course management and careful shot shaping.
Like the Tradition course, Cypress is generally fairly easy to get a tee time on, which is always a plus for those looking for last minute tee times.
9.5
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
The easier twin sister of the Tradition course, the Cypress Course is another great track that will put your talents to the test
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play / Ease of tee availability
- Practice facility
CONS
- Pro shop is sparse/ lack of restaurant
#8. BlackHorse Golf Club
36 Great Holes of Championship Golf in Cypress
Blackhorse Golf Club offers a variety of picturesque South Texas landscapes across two 18-hole golf courses it offers. Both courses sport beautiful oak and pine tree lined fairways, beautiful lakes, and bunker protected greens.
The rolling fairways and well manicured greens are always in great shape and offer a fair test of your skill level. Don’t be fooled by the large fairways, the greens are well protected and pose a distinct challenge for approach and greenside shots.
With a variety of different tees, the course is ultra playable by all skill levels. The practice facility is also top notch. Stop in the clubhouse after a round, the food and drink are worth settling up your gambling debts!
9.4
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Two great 18 hole courses located in the rolling Cypress countryside
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in great shape
- Pace of play
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- A little further outside of Houston
#9. Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
Recently Redone Historic Golf Course
Home of the Greater Houston City Amateur Championship, the new Gus Wortham has been brought back to life by the $9.5 million in renovations that were completed in 2018.
Despite appearing short on the scorecard, the course is really challenging off the tee, and has long par 3’s and a handful of 440+ par 4’s from the tips. The newly redone greens roll smooth and fast and are in overall great condition.
The only drawbacks are that the course hasn’t commenced Phase II of their renovation, so the pro-shop is still a trailer and the cart situation is a bit of a mess. However, don’t let that discourage you, since it’s a great option for a fun round at a decent price only 15 minutes from downtown.
9.4
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Recently renovated historic golf course close to downtown Houston that offers a challenging test of skills at a reasonable price
PROS
- Course condition
- Greens in good shape
- Pace of play
CONS
- Lack of clubhouse
- Amenities are spartan
- Not a drink cart in sight
#10. The Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park
Best Value in Houston for a Fun Challenge
A demanding course from the tips, Battleground at Deer Park is a great track for those looking to play a good golf course at a reasonable price.
One of the most well-kept secrets in Houston, Battleground has a variety of challenging holes that require creative shotmaking and correctly placed tee shots to avoid the water hazards. Though it is one of the easier courses mentioned in this post, Battleground has a variety of defense mechanisms that will keep even the most seasoned golfer on his or her toes.
Battleground has a full pro-shop and restaurant/bar, so make sure to stop in after the round to grab a bite and a refreshing drink.
9.0
TOTAL SCORE
Quick Summary
Laid back course that offers a fun challenge and is a favorite for golfers looking to play a quick round for a decent price
PROS
- Price
- Pace of play
- Course layout
- Facilities & amenities
CONS
- Course condition from time to time
