The nine-hole Needler is the perfect complement to the championship course at Whispering Pines Golf Club near Trinity, Texas
TRINITY, Texas -- Designed by Chet Williams, Whispering Pines Golf Club's Needler Course is the perfect complement to the club's original course, which has been ranked the no. 1 course in Texas by the Dallas Morning News.
Williams, who also designed the championship course, drew inspiration from several different sources, such as Pine Valley, Augusta National and British links courses, to create a unique nine-hole layout that can be played in hundreds of different combinations. Holes range in length from 68 to 312 yards, depending on the tee selected.
Located about 70 miles north of Houston, Whispering Pines Golf Club opened in 2000 and is the host course for the Spirit International, a biennial golf tournament that features the best amateurs from around the world. Owned by Houston billionaire Corby Robertson, the course is also a non-profit, private club with proceeds going to charity.
Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 1
The first hole on The Needler short course at Whispering Pines Golf Club was built around a natural setting of ponds and creeks.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 2
The second hole on The Needler Course plays anywhere from 87 to 164 yards -- over water.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 3
The third hole on Whispering Pines' Needler Course can be played from a variety of tees that produce much different angles to the green.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 4
Playing as long as 305 yards, architect Chet Williams says the fourth hole on Whispering Pines' Needler Course isn't a par 3, but a drivable par 4.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 5
The fifth hole on The Needler Course was inspired by the approach shot on No. 2 at Pine Valley.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 6
The hollows in front of the green on the sixth hole were created from the dirt used to build up the fifth green on The Needler Course at Whispering Pines Golf Club.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 7
There's water everywhere on the seventh hole on Whispering Pines' Needler Course, which can play as long as 200 yards.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 8
Nos. 8 and 4 on Whispering Pines' Needler Course share the same green, which is around 28,000 square feet.
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Whispering Pines Golf Club - Needler Course - hole 9
The pond is natural on The Needler Course's ninth hole, architect Chet Williams' favorite on the course.
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Designed by Chet Williams, who designed the original course at Whispering Pines Golf Club, The Needler is a short course with multiple tees, hazards, elevated greens and plenty of options.
