Houston

Houston is one of America's largest cities and also has the country's most diverse population. These days, the oil & gas hotbed sprawls well beyond the I-610 loop, heading into far flung suburbs like Katy to the west and The Woodlands to the north. The metro area has just over 80 golf courses, and a higher percentage of them are private compared to other metros in the Texas Triangle. The city has also suffered a reduction in golf course facilities in the previous decade due in part to several major hurricanes and flooding events. These private clubs include historic River Oaks and the more modern Whispering Pines. Tiger Woods' first U.S.-based golf course, Bluejack National is also in the market, about an hour north in Montgomery. Champions Golf Club, founded by Jackie Burke Jr., is considered one of the most reputable clubs and has hosted the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open and a Ryder Cup among other prestigious tournaments. Golf legend Jimmy Demeret is also from Houston and many others have called the city home during their playing career thanks to its plethora of private clubs, warm climate and easy airport access.

Houstonians don't have as big of a municipal golf system as San Antonio and Dallas, but it may have the most reputable muni in the state thanks to a recent redesign. The Astros Foundation commissioned architect Tom Doak to refresh Memorial Park Golf Course, located in the major city park, and it is now considered one of the best munis in the country and was announced the new host of the PGA Tour's Houston Open. The Houston Golf Association assumed control of Gus Wortham Golf Course, a former site of the Houston Country Club and dates back over 100 years. An extensive renovation made this course one of the city's favorites for local players. Outside of town, Humble is home to Houston's Bush Intercontinenal Airport and a combo of public-access courses, The Golf Club of Houston's Tournament Course and Tour 18.

Houston is a major sports town home to the NFL's Texans, MLB's Astros, and NBA's Rockets. Other attractions include SplashTown which is Houston’s biggest waterpark with over two million gallons of water. From water slides to water coasters, SplashTown has it all. Kemah Boardwalk is roughly 20 minutes outside of downtown Houston, and is a great time for a night out. From Ferris wheels and a variety of different rides, concessions and more. Houston is located a short drive from the gulf coast and a popular day trip is the historic port city of Galveston. Visitors can stay and play at Moody Gardens or visit the historic city center.