Wildcat Golf Club - Highlands

The first of the two courses at Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, the Highlands is a links-style layout with elevation change, a few blind shots, and high fun factor. Designed by Roy Case, who also crafted the Lakes Course at Wildcat, the Highlands is a par-72 that plays 6,954 yards from the back tees (there are four other sets, starting at 5,005 yards). It opened in 2001, and established a first for courses in the area. First off, it's built on a reclaimed site that served as an oil field as well as a landfill. There are pump jacks on the course to this day, which is part of what gives it some much character. Secondly, the views are incredible. Due north is the imposing NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans in the NFL (and the now empty Astrodome), as well as Houston's massive Medical Center area. You can also see downtown Houston and the Williams Tower in the Galleria from different parts of the course. As for the layout, Case created visual deception on many of the holes, with native grasses lining fairways and some of the bunkers. There are some big elevation changes, too, which is very atypical for courses in the Houston area. The semi-private club is also billed as the preferred home of the city's professional sports teams, and it's not uncommon to see local sports celebrities out there from time to time. Both courses share excellent practice facilities that include a double-sided range, practice putting greens and extensive short-game area that includes a practice bunker. The golf shop is well stocked and well laid-out. And inside the clubhouse is the excellent restaurant, Vista Grille, a popular spot that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.