12/19/06

One of the top public courses in the state, with forgiving tees and challenging finishes.

by Contributor

The Course
Since bursting onto the golf scene in 1985, thousands of golfers have relished the challenge of attempting to tame this Robert Von Hagge- and Bruce Devlin-designed masterpiece. Nestled in the forests of the Woodlands north of Houston, the TPC-Woodlands course has earned its ranking as one of the top public courses in Texas.

The Experience
From 1985 to 2002, this 7,295-yard beauty hosted the Shell Houston Open. With plenty of room off the tee, it's a tough, but forgiving course. Don't plan on coasting into the clubhouse: the 17th and 18th holes are rated as two of the toughest finishing holes in the state. But playing where the pros play isn't cheap--green fees run about $85 to $125 during the week and will set you back about $105 to $125 on the weekends.

Vital Stats
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,295
Driving Range: Yes
Cart Rental: Yes

11/06/02

Tournament Players Championship Course

by JasonL

This course lets you feel the atmosphere of the Shell Open in Houston.

Recommend: Play this course after the week of the Shell Open Tournament.

09/07/02

Why the TPC?

by brazosm

It's a great course, but it is overpriced, overrated, and too far away from the city. It is also too hard for most average golfers to enjoy. There are better values located closer to the city, such as River Terrace Golf Club in Channelview.

• Pros: top-notch course
• Cons: overpriced, too far away, too difficult

08/27/02

Water Worries

by nik10

The course was great. A lot of water. Be sure to buy extra golf balls, you'll need them! Conditions were excellent.

08/12/02

course conditions A+

by mongoose

This course is in fantastic shape for this time of the year...Greens are perfect and fairways immaculate. It just costs a little bit more to go first class.

• Pros: perfect greens, first class treatment, good practice area
• Cons: nothing I know of

08/09/02

Great Course-Great Memories

by tmaster

As a big fan of the PGA, I watched a lot of Houston Open Tournaments. I can remember a lot of great shots by the World's greatest players. Curtis Strange winning 3 times. The last time he stuck a 3 iron inside of 10 feet on 18 to force a playoff and then did it again to win the playoff. Or when Lee Trevino actually knocked the flag down on 18. I saw Tom Watson at age 42 hit a 360 yd drive on #5. It's a great experience to play this course and follow in their footsteps. Although it takes me a few more strokes to get there.

• Pros: Great history, excellent layout, great condition

07/23/02

If these holes could talk!

by DebraStaley

To be designated as an official TPC course, you must stand out in both design, natural beauty and ability to be played by both amateurs and professionals. This local course passes the test with flying colors. Close by, spectacular shape and AFFORDABLE.

• Pros: Beautiful setting, Friendly staff, Easy to get to

07/19/02

excellent service/conditions

by nancyamiller

Great place for women to play and feel comfortable. Beautiful course! Everything is so neat and well-kept. It's so exciting to play where the pros play! The service and merchandise in the proshop is great and they are SO classy, but friendly. NOT stuffy like you might think because it held a PGA tourn. for years. Hotel has very affordable golf packages and it's so close to Houston. A great experience!

• Pros: staff/service, clientelle, well-kept
• Cons: #18 is SO long!

07/19/02

Outstanding Golf

by mooseking

The Course of Champions.. Now I know why the PGA Tour played here so many years. Great Greens.. Fairways and "make you want to think holes"

• Pros: Greens, Routing, Fairways
• Cons: lost a lot of balls, Hot, humid

07/19/02

Great greens

by patrickm

The greens at the TPC are incredible. No wonder the pros enjoyed the course so much during the Shell Houston Open.

• Pros: course conditions, value, great greens
• Cons: lots of water, bring extra balls