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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.
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