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River Oaks Country Club

The golf : River Oaks isn't the oldest, but it's definitely one of the preeminent names in Houston golf. Dating back to 1925 when Houston was hardly exposed to the game of golf, Philadelphian Jack Burke Sr. became the first head pro, no long before Sam Snead and Ben Hogan began coming to the club to work on their game. A new generation of golfers like Jimmy Demaret and Claude Harmon, Sr. (Butch's dad) came along, and River Oaks earned a reputation as the hub of Houston golf.
Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, River Oaks is a timeless, traditional layout that is one of the most exclusive in the country. The high-dollar real estate that Ross had to work with was small, but covered with stately old oak trees and ancient pines all nestled along the banks of Buffalo Bayou.
The layout features some of the area's best short holes-distance isn't an issue, but accuracy is imperative. In addition to the oaks and pines, the skinny fairways are lined with azaleas, magnolias, and dogwoods. The greens are small, slick, and make for challenging targets.
Other notes: Joe Finger came along in 1967 to initiate improvements of the greens, tees, and the rerouting of a few holes.

The details : 713-529-4321. 1600 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX 77019

• 1928. Donald Ross. 18 holes. Par 72. Blue - 6,868 (72.1/126). White - 6,458 (70.5/123). Red - 5,990 (68.3/120). Forward - 5,547 (72.5/118). Price - $$$$.

Getting there : From I-45 south take the Hwy. 610 exit west and find Westheimer Rd. Turn right and look for River Oaks Blvd, where you'll turn left-it will lead to the clubhouse.