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It’s no secret Galveston is an ideal getaway destination for Texans and out-of-state vacationers alike. With more than 30 miles of sandy beaches and plenty of attractions, there is a plethora of options to please even the pickiest of travelers.
Perhaps the crown jewel of Galveston’s attractions is Moody Gardens. With its three iconic pyramids and abundance of attractions, Moody Gardens has been a staple of the island since its inception in 1986. Among its offerings are multiple theaters, learning adventures and, of course, the Rainforest, Aquarium and Discovery Pyramids. Moody Gardens truly is a fun, educational destination for the entire family.
Not to be lost among the learning experiences, however, is Moody Gardens Golf Course. One of Galveston’s best-kept secrets, the current course bears almost no resemblance to when it first opened in 1976 as Galveston Municipal Golf Course. After more than $16 million in renovations, the course officially opened to the public as Moody Gardens Golf Course in 2008.
Renowned golf course architectural firm Jacobsen Hardy oversaw the comprehensive renovation project, which included re-routing of the first five holes, adding undulation and slope to the fairways and green complexes, adding and redoing bunkers and a complete remodel of the clubhouse.
The most important change, however, was arguably the least visible. To ensure pristine playing conditions on the seaside course, salt-resistant Paspalum grass replaced the existing Bermuda grass and a new irrigation system was installed.
The changes paid immediate dividends, as Moody Gardens became one of the Houston area’s premier public courses. In 2010, for example, Golf Digest named it one of the country’s best golf course remodels with rates under $65.
With the new grass providing optimal turf quality, the par-72 course now has the desirable links-like canvas and playability features for the windswept environment sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Sydnor Bayou. With five sets of tees – the longest tipping out around 6,900 yards – this player-friendly course offers something for golfers of all skill levels.
A lucky number of TGA Members recently had the opportunity to experience Moody Gardens under tournament conditions, when the club hosted the 2017 Texas Father-Son and 2018 Texas Spring Shamble. This fall the state’s best juniors will get to take on the challenging layout when Moody Gardens welcomes the Legends Junior Tour’s 14th Jackie Burke Cup Matches from Nov. 10-11.
The season-ending invitational event features the top 12 players from North and South Texas facing off in a Ryder Cup-style competition. Each team is comprised of eight players from Boys 15-18 Division, two from Boys 14 & Under Division and two from Girls 12-18 Division, as determined by LJT Player of the Year Points Standings. An LJT awards dinner will kick things off on Friday evening, followed by Foursome and Four-Ball Matches on Day 1 and Singles Matches on Day 2.
The festive atmosphere at Moody Gardens offers the perfect environment for this competitive, yet fun end to a great season.