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High Meadow Ranch Golf Club opened its fairways to the public
December 17, 1999 with the Grand Opening March 10th. This
Championship caliber 18 hole layout was designed by golf course architect Tim
Nugent in collaboration with PGA Tour Pro David Ogrin. High Meadow Ranch (HMR) was
designed in the low hills of Montgomery County. Less than one hour
North of Downtown Houston, this new course is ready to play and well worth the
trip.
HMR is a well planned golf course that takes
advantage of the rolling terrain, huge trees and local vegetation. With a rating
of 75.7 from the Medal (back) tees and a slope of 133, every level of player will
be challenged. From the Medal tees, play is a very long 7270 yards. The Maroon
tees offer the ladies a very manageable 4938 yards. This course is designed with three
distinct six hole loops, the Forest
loop, the Pine Barrens loop and the Signature loop.
The Forest loop is cut through the towering Pine and Oak trees that are
native to this part of the country. The Forest loop is the longest of the three
loops and requires at least two long and accurate shots on five of the six
holes. A strategic decision is required on the very first hole. A large
Oak tree is approximately 250 yards away in the center of the fairway. You
must decide, "Do I aim left to the larger landing area or do I shoot
right where it narrows down a bit but makes for a much shorter hole?"; this
is just a taste of things to come on this loop as well as the entire course.
Hole No. 2, "Big Jack", from the tee box.
The Pines Barren loop on first impression looks to be a bit easier with its
wider fairways. This set of six holes has the same tall Pines and Oaks as well
as the "native grasses". I could not tell you the exact genus and phylum
of the native grasses that make up the rough, but I do know what I called them, PURE HELL. These tufts
of grass swallow golf balls. The fairways might as well be lined with water. The only plus our group could see about the "native
grasses" was when hunting for your ball you usually found a few keepers,
but not yours. When you play this course you will notice a sign on your golf
cart that reminds you not to spend any time looking for balls that have left the
fairway and found the rough. The golf club asks this of the
players as too keep the pace of play to a reasonable amount of time. Our
foursome finished the round in under 4 1/2 hours.
Hole No. 13, "Strangely Familiar", from your approach shot.
The Signature loop combines the now familiar Pines and Oaks, the
dreaded native grasses and a new challenge, changes in elevation. This set of six holes
requires masterful approaches in to the medium speed greens. Many of the greens
on this loop, as well as some greens on the other two loops, are protected by
narrow waste areas either directly in front of the greens or jutting in from the
sides. A missed shot means two or three extra strokes on your scorecard.
The eighteenth hole is a terrific finishing hole. Stay to the right side of the
fairway with your tee shot if possible. Your approach will require pinpoint
accuracy. The eighteenth green is extremely narrow as well as elevated. A four
foot tall stone wall and more native grasses await your mistakes on this shot.
Par on this hole is a great way to finish your round.
Hole No. 18. "The Wall", from your approach shot.
High Meadow Ranch Golf Club is a superb and unique golfing experience for
this area of the country. Houston, Texas is as flat as a board, so any golf
course with elevation changes is a treat. HMR has a full practice
facility and a well stocked Pro Shop. Ogie's, the full service bar
and grill provides a nice spot to relax after your round. HMR
has the facilities to host group functions and tournaments which include a
covered pavilion with seating for 200 people.
High Meadow Ranch Golf Club is open daily. Tee time reservations are taken
seven days in advance. Green fees
range from $50.00 to $65.00 and includes golf cart. Metal golf spikes are
prohibited. Twilight golf is also available, call for details.
High Meadow Ranch
37300 Golf Club Trail
Magnolia, Texas 77355
281-356-7700
For more information click on:
www.highmeadowranchgolf.com
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