Battleground at Deer Park

Created as a tribute to Texas' battle for independence, The Battleground is more of a links-style course that is burdened by the wind and tricky because of the abundance of water (14 holes). Despite its links flavor, the fairways are narrow, and they're lined by thick rough.

Providing sort of a golf experience/history lesson combined into one day, each hole is named after some significant person, item, or event in the Texas fight for independence. For example, one hole is named Sam Houston, while another is named after a pair of twin cannons: Twin Sisters.

No. 8 is one of the signature holes, a 175-yard poke over the water to a green that is shared with the par 5 No. 1. A waterfall accents the edge of the lake, providing a unique aesthetic.

On the back, the finishing hole is fun because you can play aggressively off the tee, free of major hazards in the landing area that is framed by mounding. The approach must carry water, and you'll need to take an extra club because the green is elevated.

Getting there : From Houston, take Hwy. 610 and loop around the city to Hwy. 225 east. Take the first Deer Park exit and turn right onto Georgia St. Next, drive 1 mile to the course, and look for the entrance on the right side of the street.