 MAGNOLIA CREEK GOLF CLUB (281-557-0555)
Texas Golf Course Review
Located just south of Houston, Magnolia Creek features 27 holes of championship golf with a Scottish feel, highlighted by rolling hills, deep bunkers, and high native grasses reminiscent of the courses found in the British Isles. In fact, the three nines are aptly named Ireland, Scotland and England.
Designed by Tom Clark, this layout invites bump and run approaches from the manicured 419 Bermuda fairways, to the large undulating putting surfaces that roll true and are a pleasure to experience. Golfers will find wide fairways, but the landing zones off the tee and greenside are dotted with deep, often penal sand bunkers that are sculpted in moguls and mounds, which make recoveries a challenge for all levels of players. The "gunch" or native grasses, can also be a detriment to those seeking low scores - making shot strategy also an important aspect here.
Fittingly, the on-property restaurant is named "In the Gulch" Grille, and is famous for its St. Andrews hamburgers and Irish ale - and for a great setting for golfers looking to unwind. The breakfast we enjoyed on our visit was as good as it gets. The facility also provides a great outing menu. The clubhouse features a full service pro shop, with brand name equipment, accessories and apparel. Club fitting is also available. Practice facilities include a spacious, targeted grass range, beautiful short game area with sand bunkers and two putting greens.
There are four sets of tee boxes on each hole. The England nine measures 3582, 3262, 3015 and 2726 - the Scotland course plays to 3669, 3385, 3086 and 2755, and the Ireland 3680, 3408, 3099 and 2625 yards. The Scotland/Ireland layout is the most challenging of the three - with combinations playing to slopes measuring between 107 and 136. The and photos in this review are of the England and Scotland nines.
There are permanent markings on the cart paths at 100, 150 and 200 yards, with distances measured to the front, middle and back. 150 yard stakes and sprinkler heads measured to the center of the green are also visible on the fairways. Color coded flags indicate front, middle or back hole locations on these large, undulating putting surfaces. Grass and sand bunkers, deep swales and collection areas - as well as gnarly rough await approaches that miss their target. On the three nines, there is a total of 134 sand bunkers, and water comes into play in some shape or form on 10 holes.
This is a first class facility with upscale amenities that include coolers and rear covers on all carts, which protect golf bags during inclement weather. The conditioning from tee to green during our late April visit was outstanding. Interesting course, great practice facilities, nice clubhouse and friendly atmosphere - we highly recommend a round here! For more info, visit our page for the property, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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