Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club

Sculpted by Greg Norman out of the tall grassland prairies and rice fields west of Houston, Meadowbrook Farms is part of a planned 800-acre residential development headed by Landmark National. Norman's layout includes deep-faced sod bunkers, Lil Prong Creek, and a multitude of oaks, pecans, and sycamores that take the golfer toward greens that are extremely hard.

The lack of parallel holes allows for an open, natural setting that is perfect for golf, especially since Norman didn't favor much reshaping-instead, he used the natural topography of the former rice farm.

Holes of note on the front are the 160-yard No. 6 and the 420-yard No. 9, both accented by the tall native grasses. No. 9 involves wetlands in front of the green, which is tough considering the longish approach.

Several holes on the back can destroy your round, including the narrow, doglegging 395-yard No. 10. It's imperative to find the fairway on this one. And No. 15 is short (340 yards), but is loaded with bunkers that are difficult for the high-handicapped hack.

The best hole of the bunch is perhaps No. 18, a 545-yarder that involves a layup of a canal off the tee and two solid shots to reach the green in regulation.

All told, this one is worth the investment. The bag drop service is friendly and prompt, and the clubhouse offers affordable amenities, including a great little bar and grill.

Getting there : From Downtown Houston on I-10, drive west to Grand Parkway (Hwy. 99). Take Grand Parkway south to Fry Rd., then turn right. Take Fry Rd. west for approximately 1.3 miles, and the entrance is on the left.