Galveston Country Club

The original Galveston CC dates back to 1898 as a 9-hole track with a membership of only 30; however, the hurricane of 1900 wiped out the facility. The club moved back and forth between the island and the mainland in the early 1900s-it was once known as the Oleander Country Club around 1912 before moving back onto the beach in 1918. That location on 61st Street remained intact until 1946, when John Bredemus was asked to design the new, short, water-infested, wind-burdened layout that exists today.

Ralph Plummer and Carlton Gipson had their hands in things over the years as developer George Mitchell obtained the facility's lease in exchange for promised long-term improvements.

Today mature palms and oleanders line the fairways, and much like the old days, the modern version is known for precise shot-making. Solid course management is mandatory for scoring well.

No. 7 is the most difficult, a 418-yarder that's lined by water on the left for the first half of the hole. Bogey is a good score when the wind is blowing. On the back side, the 180-yard No. 11 is a real treat. Virtually surrounded by water, the hole plays over the edge of the lake into a green framed by bunkers with water in the back.

Getting there : From I-45 south, take the 61st St. exit, then drive to Sea Wall Blvd. Turn right and head down to 12 Mile Rd. Turn right again and drive over to Stewart Rd., then turn left on Stewart Rd. and drive a short distance to the course.