Island Oaks Golf Club

Island Oaks is one of the newest small-town Panhandle courses. Built in 1991 by Terry McNeil, this 9-hole public course features grass bunkers and ponds on many holes. The course is brutal from the back tees, playing over 3,600 yards–which can easily feel like 4,000 when the wind is howling.

The less macho golfer should play the more reasonable middle tees, where you’ll still face a few long par 4s. Your best chances to score are on holes 6 and 9. No. 6 is a par 3 that requires only a wedge, and No. 9 is a 482-yard par 5.

Getting there : From Lubbock take Loop 289 east, then turn left on Hwy. 62. Drive to Walnut St. and turn right again, then continue on until the street dead-ends. Turn right on CR 33 and drive 1 mile to the course. The entrance is on the right side of the street.