Creek/Bunkers at Northgate Country Club

The golf is the centerpiece of a small, upscale housing community, Northgate is crammed into an area of land that's dominated by huge trees. Labeled a shot-maker's course because of the super-tight fairways and small, testy greens, the course offers 27 holes of golf that many consider some of the toughest in Houston.

The Bunkers Course is named appropriately, featuring loads of sand in the design. They say No. 1 is the toughest opener in Texas, playing 417 yards with two extremely dangerous shots. The tee shot must be perfectly placed and the approach must carry 200 yards over water.

The Creek Course is narrow and loaded with water. The best hole is No. 8, a 200-yard-plus par 3 from an elevated tee box. A creek looms right, and the green features a ridge in the middle and bunkers on either side.

Getting there : From I-45 north, exit 1960 and turn left. When you come to Northgate Forest Dr., turn right and the course will be on the right side of the road.