Lake Bruin Golf & Country Club

Course Reviews

• WindRose Golf Club
  "Upscale heading Downscale"
  This course has so much potential. As it stands it is still one of the best courses in Houston for one thing and one thing only: Greens. It is just unfortunate that it has changed management hands several times in the last few years. In the process, each regime has focused on different things. Mostly cutting back on what the previous management did. No overseeding fairways in winter, Sand bunkers that qualify as gumbo bunkers, No restrooms on course, carts that badly need replacement. To compete with area course price points, they have dropped their average rates. What this means is more course play with less revenue. Couple this with the fact that there is less maintenance staff and no one fills in divots. Looks like a bombing campaign afterphoto on some fairways. The claim to fame is "Best greens in Houston". While this may still be true, the overall package is declining. I am concerned that even the greens may suffer as a consequence of the extra play and reduced maintenance. They used to put balls out on the range, but no more. They have some funky bag system where you lug these large red bags to the range with you. It could be so much better. Aesthetics are an afterthought. Actually, no one is thinking of aesthetics at all. I think they just keep thinking they can coast on the fumes of the reputation of their greens. Their slogan when the club opened 6 years ago was "Country Club for a day". An updated version would be more like "Mcgolf with your redneck buddies for a day".
  ---Bob, Houston, Texas
• River Forest Country Club
  "River Forest: A golfer's Golf Course."
  Probably one of the most maligned course in Western Pennsylvania, and for good reason: River Forest is a very difficult layout, and not for Patzers who want to roll it up for a par or bogey, and not for long drivers who can find themselves with a 2 stroke penalty quickly. The course seems to have an uncanny, and sometimes eerie ability to locate and humble arrogant and inattentive golfers with triple or quadruple bogeys. Designed by original owner Wynn Treadway in the mid 60's, this classical purist believed in the straight ball and excellent short-game skills. Isn't that what golf should be about? Each par four has a specific landing area for the drives, otherwise one is penalized with line of sight problems or an uneven stance. This is usually followed by small, bunkered greens that require excellent putting skills. Although the par fives give some relief(At this point in your round, it is much welcomed!)the same applies to those greens as well. And these greens are more undulated than usual, to say the least, but that is the central character of this most challenging and beautiful golf course. If you like flat greens and wide fairways for your Jumbo driver, there are plenty of Public courses in the area for you. However,if you are a golfer and want to play the game as it should be played, then River Forest is for you. Just remember to bring your A game, some good wedges and just a little respect for an excellent golf course that, when you play well, it really means something. Beautiful is the word, so make sure you take a lot of time to look at the scenery. This usually has a calming affect that can enhance one's performance. Couple this with an extremely friendly and attentive clubhouse staff, will result in an exceptional golfing experience.
  ---Bruce Linderman, New Kensington, Pennsylvania
• Lake Junaluska Golf Course
  "Nice game for the price/area."
  Lake Junaluska is a decently manicured course, which is fun to play for the price. Very reasonable green fees usually mean lacking in the ammeneties... but do we go there to golf or what? Rolling hills and manicured greens make it a nice time.
  ---Phil Booe, Clyde, N.C.
• Emerald Valley Golf Club
  "challenging"
  Great course, not in great condition but very playable. Grouchy pro-shop. Worth it though.
  ---Tim Wilson, Tacoma, WA