 The Courses at Watters Creek - Traditions Course (214-509-4653)
Texas Golf Course Review
Note: This review is of the original Chase Oaks course. The new Traditions Course has been re-designed and is now open for play. We will provide a review of the new course in the future.
The Courses at Watters Creek - formerly Chase Oaks - in Allen just northeast of Dallas is a 27-hole golf facility that is known as one of the most challenging designs in the region. All of the photos in this review are of the 18-hole Blackjack course, which is a true shot makers design. The nine-hole Sawtooth Course can also be played as a 18-hole layout - from different sets of tees that measure 3012 yards the first time through, and 3004 yards on the way in. This course plays to a 130 slope rating.
The Blackjack Course plays along a rolling terrain with ample fairway bunkers and penal ridged walled mounding that creates the need for accurate placement off the tee. There also are numerous ravines and ponds that have to be negotiated along the tree lined playing surfaces. The medium sized, mildly sloping green complexes are often open in front and have significant recovery room.
The course is set in a secluded parkland environment, with some residential properties along the perimeters. There are some gorgeous golf holes, highlighted by tee shots over water hazards and doglegs that are defined by trees or lakes. While some holes play tightly through the forested terrain, there usually is a fair amount of room for slightly offline tee shots or approaches.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 6773 yards/139m slope, 6355 yards/130 slope, 5810 yards/124 slope, and 5123 yards with a slope of 122 from the forward tees. On course yardage markers are located on the fairways and cart paths at 100, 150 and 200 yards, sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, and 150 yard stakes are posted on all par fours and fives. Color coded flags indicate front, middle or back hole locations.
The clubhouse facilities include a well stocked pro shop, bar & grill that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and locker rooms with showers for men and women. Practice facilities are comprehensive, and include a targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker and putting green.
Water hazards come into play on 12 holes in some shape or form, and 39 sand bunkers are strategically situated to challenge the tee shots or approaches on this course. Rates here are extremely reasonable, and on our early June visit, Chase Oaks was in wonderful shape from tee to green. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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