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Dogwood at Garden Valley Golf Resort
Rating Snapshot
About
The older Hummingbird Course, which has taken a back seat to the now-famous Dogwood Course, still offered some adequate golf even though the quality was not up to the standards of its more popular brethren. Highlighted by extreme elevation changes, the course’s signature hole was the 566-yard No. 2, which required two shots over a hill followed by a tricky approach back downhill to the green. Hummingbird course was closed recently and only the newer Dogwood course can be played.
In 1992 John Sanford was blessed with some amazing terrain for the Dogwood Course addition. Cut out of the thick East Texas forest with 100-foot-plus tall pines, this course is most often compared to the famed Augusta National because of the abundant crape myrtle, Carolina jasmine, hollies, and dogwoods–not to mention the more than 1,500 azaleas that bloom beautifully in the spring.
Although there are only two par 4s over 400 yards, the Dogwood is plenty difficult, playing to a 132 slope rating. Water is in play on 12 holes, the elevation changes are extremely confusing, and the bent-grass greens are lightning-fast.
The regulars know that a good start is imperative because the first four holes are the easiest on the course–two short par 4s and two easy par 3s over water. You’ll need that momentum as the holes grow increasingly more difficult.
The par 3 9th hole plays 212 yards with an intimidating body of water lurking left. Hole 11 features a lake to the left and behind the green. No. 13 is the most difficult, featuring a testy drive through the chute of trees off the tee and a massive lake that protects the green.
Getting there : From I-20, take Hwy. 110 (Exit 548) south. After .5 mile turn right at the sign for the golf course. Travel about 1.5 miles and turn on FM 1995.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back | 72 | 6840 yards | 72.4 | 132 |
| Middle | 72 | 6269 yards | 70.1 | 126 |
| Front | 72 | 5532 yards | 72.5 | 130 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue M: 71.9/130 | 320 | 190 | 325 | 165 | 520 | 470 | 285 | 365 | 300 | 2940 | 370 | 125 | 345 | 150 | 475 | 420 | 275 | 510 | 519 | 3189 | 6129 |
| White M: 69.7/124 W: 75.9/134 | 305 | 175 | 315 | 150 | 500 | 450 | 275 | 350 | 280 | 2800 | 355 | 110 | 335 | 100 | 425 | 405 | 260 | 495 | 490 | 2975 | 5775 |
| Red M: 67.2/115 W: 71.5/121 | 285 | 160 | 300 | 100 | 460 | 420 | 255 | 290 | 270 | 2540 | 340 | 105 | 325 | 90 | 350 | 395 | 250 | 480 | 445 | 2780 | 5320 |
| Handicap | 9 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 6 | |||
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 10 | 14 | 12 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Available Facilities
Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet FacilitiesAvailable Activities
Swimming, Fishing
Reviews
Great Layout, Poor Conditions
The course has great potential, but the management is terrible. The fairways and greens were not maintained for the price paid to play. At $60 on a Wednesday, the course should be in much better shape. The pictures I saw on Google had to be at least from 2 years ago or photoshopped, because it wasn't anywhere as nice as what is advertised.
Not worth the green fee
Paid 80$ green fee other day, didn’t realize they were back on Golf Now. Range was closed, looks like a house was built on it lol. I was extremely disappointed I paid that much once we got out on the course. It’s robbery. Take your money and go to a proper nice public course. Just trying to save everyone else the disappointment. I’d go back if someone bought my green fee but wouldn’t pay 25$ for it. I’ve gone a few times last few years just to see if it’s gotten in better condition. And it seems it’s just getting worse. I tell myself every time I’ll never go back. The layout has so much potential. But so does my neighbors cow pasture. They need some investing help out here. Hope it comes around one day.
Downhill
I’ve played this course for many years. About 4-5 years ago, this course was top 25 in the state. It used to have the best pro shop with amazing lunch and drinks, the course used to be pristine year around. I’ve golfed with people who would travel across the state to play this course.
Now……the pro shop / club house is ehhhh. No lunch or beverage carts in the course. The greens are over taken with weeds. Bunkers are not manicured. Bunkers were either hard as concrete or full of water.
This course layout is unbelievable. The potential is there, just has the wrong owner/manager.
Dirt Fairway
Needs major reseeding, minimal grass in fairways. Greens were decent, should be ok once spring hits.
loads of fun
We really enjoyed our round at Garden Valley Golf Course. The pro shop staff was very kind and helpful. They had snacks and coffee to keep us warm during our morning round. The course had some changes since our last visit. New home sites on the front nine, and on the back nine we saw some newer cabins that look like a great place for a weekend golf trip for a stay and play trip. Looking forward to coming in the spring when the azaleas and dogwoods bloom.
Great and fun golf course
I really enjoyed my round on this beautiful golf course. Greens and fairways were in excellent condition.
The staff was very friendly. I would have like to seen more items in the pro shop. not much select. Overall well worth the money and recommend anyone to play this golf course.
Good day for golf
Good day for golf. Fixed logjam issue on first tee by allowing to tee off back 9 first. Comfortable playing pace. Challenging course, greens need a little work.
Good Course
Good Course but frequently let 5 or 6 players play in a group. Pretty busy most times
Excellent Course
Excellent Course right outside of Tyler. Will become beautiful community with a lot of amenities. Golf course is in good shape and is challenging. Staff is excellent and golfers are courteous and laid-back (unlike some country clubs). Would recommend to anyone!
Good shape, nice layout
This course has a nice layout, very laid back staff who are helpful.
Rough golf experience
Wild hogs appear to have caused considerable damage to a good bit of the course. Gunfire could be heard around us as we played. Winter conditions were certainly apparent throughout the course. Fairways had a great deal of standing water to avoid. Pro shop attendant did not seem trained on how to handle a prepaid online booking. Newer golf carts and significant repairs to ball washers at tee boxes would certainly improve the player experience.
Love the layout
Greens are a lot better than they were at the beginning of the summer and are rolling good. Fairways are a little dry right now but it has been super hot outside with no rain since May. The course does need some work but I absolutely love the layout!
Wouldn't play this course without another "Hot Deal"
Course is in terrible shape, unfriendly staff who were almost annoyed that I had used GolfNow to book my tee time, tee time was overbooked by the course (Knowing that GolfNow had the foursome already, they booked two other people with a foursome to make a sixsome? It was ridiculous), and the clubhouse is in desperate need of an update.
Great Course
Great Course...and excellent staff. Sure enjoyed the round.
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