Chateau Elan Golf Club - Woodlands Course

No Starter

Confusing start time

Angry and mad player due to frost delay and start time

For a nice neighborhood course, terrible experience with staff and people

I find the course layout okay, though the lack of a flat lie in a fairway can be frustrating. Generally light on staff, and encountered really annoying technology (GPS) glitches with the carts.

Greens were in pretty decent shape. It rained two days ago and the course was still very wet so it was cart path only. We were in the very middle of the cart path and our carts would shut off (this happened at least 40 times and we would have to reverse back down the path that we were already on). I recommend driving the entire path in reverse so you don’t eat the windshield.

Addressed to the Pro Shop: get Ray Charles to re-adjust the gps system to actually make the cart fee worth it

I now know why it’s name The Woodlands…I get that’s it’s fall/winter golf, but the amount of leaves on the course was ridiculous. Combine in the cart locking on the cart path multiple times, with having to call the pro shop once to get it unlocked, we stopped after 9 holes. Greens were excellent, pace of play was good and pro shop staff are always great.

My first impression of the Woodlands was about as negative as I have had towards any golf course. It was the 2008 Division III National Championships, and in short, it thrashed me. Narrow fairways, lots of bunkers and firm, unforgiving greens conspired to beat me down in the first round of the tournament.

But my return trip 16 years later was a different story. In recent years the resort has toned down the bunkering, providing a bit more room to play while managing tree encroachment along the corridors well. It’s still my second-favorite of the two 18s at Chateau Elan, but I actually like it now.

Pace of play was slow due to issues with the carts. Several times we had to drive up the cart path in reverse due to the GPS locking the cart while on the cart path.

Local residents actually blocked the cart paths on hole 5 or 6 while having a family gathering. Sat on the cart path having a party while my group was putting with no courtesy in regards to noise.

We played the Woodlands for the first time and were very underwhelmed. For the money we could have played much nicer courses in the area. We got a hot deal for $85 on a Friday and could not imagine paying full price or posted weekend rates. We won’t be playing here again.

Extra charge for rider $35. Extra charge for range balls $9. I paid for 2 Green fees at $78 each. Why not throw in some range balls. Would have been nice to know the course doesn’t go back to the clubhouse . Ordered a snack after eighth hole to pick up at the turn only no turn. Girl said it would be waiting for me when I finished. That would be two hours later. I don’t want it then. Best part about the round were the two nice ladies we played with. Phyllis and Cindy.

The greens were in good shape but outside of that this is not worth 130.00 maybe 70.00 - 80.00 max!!

There is a lot to like about the course’s & amenities at Chateau Elan. The staff is great & the clubhouse & restaurant are impressive.

The Woodlands course is both tough & challenging. Bit also fun with some easier holes. It does call for shot placement; but is enjoyable for all skill levels.

The greens had been recently punched; and sometimes the cart would lock down.. for ‘getting off the cart path’ even when you didn’t.. which could be aggravating.

Overall great course & conditions.

We knew ahead that the greens had been aerated, but the price was still a little high. We wanted to play but had limited options for a day's notice.

Pace was okay except for the knuckleheads that hit into us on #3. There was a blind tee shot and instead of riding to the top of the hill like we did several times, they just hit. No apologies either.

There are several blind tees shots where the maps or apps don't really help. Pro Shop and snack bar staff were great but the 9th hole doesn't come back to the clubhouse. Be prepared before you tee off.

Overall nice course.