Golf in Cypress

When course architect Roy Case designed the 36 holes that would become Wildcat Golf Club, he drew inspiration from two distinct styles by laying traditional Scottish links-style holes over the undulating Texas Hill Country topography. Players encounter lots of tall grasses but few trees as they eventually reach 100-foot elevations, where they’ll catch glimpses of Houston’s skyline, Reliant Stadium, and the Galleria. The Club is divided into two 18-hole courses – the Highlands Course and the Lakes Course - each blanketed in TifSport Bermuda grass fairways and TifEagle Bermuda putting surfaces so smooth that golfers have reported reaching into the cup and pulling out a single red rose instead of their golf ball.

Though situated next to one another, each course bears its own unique set of challenges. Deep ravines and strategically placed bunkers befuddle players on the Highlands Course, while the Lakes Course lives up to its name with water as its defining characteristic. A series of lakes comes into play on seven holes, nowhere more dramatically than on the twelfth hole, a unique par 5 configuration whose tee box, two fairway sections, and green are separated by intersecting water hazards, which double as watering holes for thirsty golf carts.

Highland Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Total length of 6,954 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 73.6 from the back tees
• Course slope of 138 from the back tees
• Five sets of tees per hole

Lakes Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Total length of 7,016 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 73.2 from the back tees
• Course slope of 135 from the back tees
• Five sets of tees per hole

Situated northwest of Houston, the Houston National Golf Club and Strategic National Grass Reserve pocks itself with 27 holes, playable, like Voltron, in three possible combinations. Designed by legendary hole artists Von Hagge, Smelek, Baril, and McConaughey, the rolling green is punctuated by varied hazards and distractions like ponds, sand traps, and virtual gazelles. Both beginners and professionals can find something to challenge their walking and bad-shot-excuse-making skills. Houston National's GPS-equipped carts automatically keep the game's score and track your position in case you get lost amidst the unending flatness.

Heron Lakes Golf Course incorporates an array of water hazards into its 5,240-yard, par 68 executive layout. The course is comprosed mainly of par 3s and 4s, yet features one par 5 on both the front and back nine so players can test their long game and show off new flame decals on their drivers.

Players can stretch out their swings before rounds at Heron Lakes' driving range, which also serves as the classroom for lessons conducted by the course's teaching pros. After a day spent roaming the facilities, golfers can avoid a salad of fairway grass with a meal at The Sandtrap Grill, which slings tequila-lime chicken, baja fish tacos, and hamburgers among a menu of classic American fare.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 68 course

• Length of 5,240 yards from the farthest tees

• Course rating of 72.7 from the farthest tees

• Slope rating of 117 from the farthest tees

• Three tee options