When people think of Galveston, they often defer to thoughts of beaches and a quaint downtown area full of museums, art galleries, dining establishments, and historic mansions. They may even recognize Galveston as a port used to sail off on a cruise to the Caribbean.
But something that should also come to mind about this island city off the Gulf of Mexico are the beautiful, breathtaking golf courses affording anyone who enjoys the links the opportunity to experience Galveston from a different perspective.
So when you’re cruising out of Galveston or just there to take in the sights and sounds of the beaches and city, plan an extra day to grab your clubs, lace up your shoes, and head to the tee box of one of the stunning stretches of ocean side golf courses this 19th century town has to offer.
Moody Gardens Golf Course
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A consensus top spot to golf and take in the sights of Galveston Island is the Moody Gardens Golf Course. This course has undergone an extensive $16 million renovation in the last six years and has transformed from a run-of-the-mill municipal course to a legitimate, competitive public golf course complete with new turf grass, brand new clubhouse facilities, and new greens that feature better reads and paths for putting.
This Jacobsen-Hardy designed course was voted a Top Ten newly remodeled course with green fees less than $65 by Golf Digest, and through all the renovations it has maintained a historical approach to a golf layout while still featuring spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico from its shorelines.
You might feel more than just a few miles away from your Galveston hotel room when you catch a glimpse of one of the monkeys living in the rainforest sections of the course. Or when you pause to watch a vintage airplane fly overhead en route to Galveston’s air museum, you’re sure to enjoy every second of golf in a place so beautiful, you may even forget about the score.
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Galveston Country Club
Galveston Country Club – Source: Facebook
If you want more of an exclusive club outing, be sure to check with the Galveston Country Club for a challenging experience with a club that has boasted continuous operation since 1898 and a course that has been in its current location since 1947. Originally designed by Ralph Plummer, this Jacobsen-Hardy redesigned course offers lots of value for a very affordable rate.
With four par-5 holes and more than 6,000 yards of playable fairways, this course is perfect for anyone looking to lay it on heavy with a driver.
While the Galveston Country Club is a private club, it does offer non-members a chance to play the course through its generous reciprocity with several other private clubs across the country, and contacting the pro shop (409.737.9830) at the golf course is the best way to learn which memberships it honors.
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Bayou Golf Course
Bayou Golf Course – Source: Facebook
Situated just a short 14 miles outside of Galveston sits the Bayou Golf Course on the outskirts of Texas City. Nestled right at the inlet to the Gulf of Mexico, this course offers a tropical climate feel year-round, and some of its best features just may be the blue skies and radiant palm trees that seem to light up and highlight each hole along the links.
Scheduling a tee time is as simple as taking in the sights, and with affordable and very reasonable pricing this course makes for the perfect outing. A group of Houston-based architects are responsible for the layout of this challenging championship course, and for more than 35 years, this course’s battle-tested tees, fairways, and greens have welcomed golfers of all skill types.
While the Bayou Golf Course may be the best option for budget-conscious golfers or those looking to escape the intensity of other competitive courses, it still maintains a proper respect for the game with a very well manicured layout and professional staff.
