The Ultimate 18 Hole Golf Course in Houston Texas
Texas is one of the most vibrant states in the United States. It has so much to offer, and a great golfing experience is part of its package. Houston, Texas is home to one of the best golf courses in the entire of Texas and the United States; the Tour 18 Golf Course. This ultimate 18 hole golf course can be found at 3102 FM 1960 East in Humble, Texas. It is one of the unique courses any golfer would want to play their rounds on, having some of golf’s most famous holes. Here is an analysis of this course by RunRex.
It was early in the last decade of the 20th century, in 1992, when this incredible golf course was opened. The design employed in creating this golf course was a mix of various designs from across the United States. The final result was a golf course comprised of a collection of unoriginal golf holes and 6,782 yards from championship tees. Some of the venues from across the United States whose designs were incorporated into the design of Tour 18 Golf course are the Augusta National, Harbour Town and Pinehurst No. 3. An interesting thing that propelled Tour 18 to the limelight is the fact that some of the venues whose designs inspired the design of Tour 18 were not happy with the design “theft”. Some took legal action resulting in the golf course gaining publicity nationwide.
The Course
While the course’s design may not be suited for a tour golfer, a normal golfer will definitely find this course to be quite a test. The first hole is a replica of Habour Town’s 18th hole. It is a tough hole to open the round with and architect David Edsall surely had a tough time with the design. The hole is characterized by wetlands on the left side and a small, well-protected green. The ensuing hole replicates Bay Hill’s watery sixth hole. It wraps around a large pond to the left, and you have to turn your neck 90 degrees to the left while standing on the tee for you to see the green.
The rendition of “Amen Corner” on holes 5 to 7 make them quite exciting to play. This is the highlight round for most players who play on this course. It features cobblestone bridges, blooming azaleas and a white Masters scoreboard. The latest-played leaders of the Masters have been updated on this scoreboard. These three holes are a replica of Augusta holes, with the 5th being a replica of the old 11th and the 7th of Augusta’s 13th hole. Although the pine trees here don’t match the majestic pines of Georgia Pines, they give this part of the course an incredible and unforgettable feel.
In terms of terrain, east Texas most definitely cannot be compared to Augusta, but the designers of Tour 18 did a great job in giving the 11th hole a downhill roll and a bump to the right of the green. The 12th tee takes on a subtle downhill approach to a spot behind the bunker where the green lies. The 13th fairway has a pretty amazing tilt giving golfers an amazing golf challenge to look forward to on the fairway. The 17th and the 18th holes lie to the side of the largest pond of the golf course. The par 3 17th hole was inspired by the 8th hole at Oak Tree in Oklahoma that was designed by Pete Dye. The finishing of this hole blends perfectly with the finishing hole.
In as much as the climax of Tour 18 Golf Course ends with the first nine holes, the pond that provides a water hazard in the 17th and the 18th holes adds some thrill and drama to the finish. The 14th par is, also, one of the highlights of the back nine. It takes on the design of Oakmont’s No. 3 hole with the “Church Pew” bunker.
The unique thing about the Tour 18 Golf Course is that, despite drawing the inspiration for its design for the various holes from a number of sources, it flows pretty well. The last 9 holes, particularly, are pretty smooth. Other courses whose feel you will find at Tour 18 include Merion, Colonial, Bay Hill, Shinnecock Hills and Muirfield Village. The fact that you can get the experience of playing on golf courses you might have never visited, and perhaps never will, makes golfing here amazing.
Rates
Given that Tour 18 Golf Course is open to the public, anyone can head there for some amazing golf action any day of the week except Fridays. The rates charged vary depending on the day of the week and the hour of the day. From Monday through Thursday, a round will cost you about $69.95 from opening time till 2 pm. $49.95 from 2pm to 4pm and $30.95 past 4pm. Saturdays and Sundays will have you cough out $95.95 from morning till 2 pm, $65.95 from 2 pm to 4 pm and $30.95 after 4 pm. The clubhouse is also great with friendly staff and amazing food and drinks.