The Chief

Decided to play last minute and checked Shanty Creek website as I wanted to play Hawk's Eye twilight. Website showec plenty of availability....but when I called from downtown Bellaire to go out as single.....all of sudden there are no openings until almost 4pm?? That seems a bit far fetched....so rather than calling I just drove to The Chief. Was a bit disappointed my last couple of plays a few years back (conditioning was not good and course was deteriorating).

When I arriving the gal in the proshop was super accomodating. I've been playing The Chief off and on since it opened in 2000. The current 10th hole was originally a ridiculously hard Par 5 that they turned into a Par 4 and the course has been rerouted so you return the proshop/restaurant area after the 9th. Current 16th through 18th holes were the original 1, 2 & 3 starting holes. The rerouting was a good thing and there's a lot more scenic driving through thick forest to reach the next tee box. The signs can be tough to follow but if you pay attention you'll have no issues getting around.

Some of the greens have some minor fungus issue but I did not notice impacting my play. Tee boxes and fairways were great....traps generally okay. The course is in the best shape I've seen in at least a decade and all of the improvements eliminating some sand traps and filling in a bit of water hazard on the 5th hole make the course a bit more friendly. The white tees are more than enough (139 slope) for any serious golfer. The Chief has to played a few times to get the hang of it...forced carries and trouble if you get marginally off line. This is course that you must learn to fully appreciate and enjoy....it has several quirks and shots you normally are not face so first timers - just smile when you park a ball in the woods and say to youself- I can't wait to get another crack at this place. I played the 129 slope gold tees and had a very enjoyable round. Other than a couple of lay up tee shots the course is much more playable and you can still swing away in most instances. The yardages are deceptive - elevation changes abound and with certain wind conditions even downhill shots can easily be an extra club or two. There are a number of holes that play really really long uphill - several approaches don't appear to be uphill but are.

Staff could not have been more pleasant....everyone had a smile on their face. Range and practice area to warm up. Awesome outdoor patio and bar as well as a the Pelican's Nest which is wonderful to enjoy a post round dinner or libation. There were several people picking up takeout.

On a weekday afternoon I got around as a single in 3 hours - a perfect sunny day with enough wind to keep things interesting. Solid 4 stars plus plus and I highly recommend .....better than playing at those completely packed Shanty Creek courses...Chief IMHO a much better value.

This course is amazing definitely a resort course because there are long cart rides between holes. Overall was very impressed and will play here again next fall

This course is awesome. One of the most beautiful I have played.

The course was in overall great condition for being late season. It was a challenge for us average golfers, but we had a blast nonetheless! I would definitely recommend checking it out!

Always enjoy playing this course although it is out of the way. The course was in very good condition. While the fairways are fair if you can hit them, the course can be a challenge if you miss. Some holes you definitely have to choose your landing area in order to have another shot at the green. The course layout is a little confusing with the holes being here and there and moved about - better signage on some holes are needed.

The fairways and greens were in good shape. This course is fair but you need to hit the fairways or figure a double boggy. They probably would get more play if the rates were a little lower - out of the way unless your staying at the resort there.

Very unique, hilly should I say somewhat tricked up tough track with lots of blind shots. Wierd layout but fun nonetheless. Wife and I enjoyed it. A 139 slope from white tees a real challenge.

Course was in good shape staff very friendly. We had a hard time finding some of the holes as the course is not well-marked. I would suggest a few more directional signs.

This course was very hilly and nestled in the trees on many holes. There are long distances between greens and the next tee with very steep cart paths. I would never walk this course!!! The course was in good condition and was fun to play and was not crowded at all. We