The Battleground at Deer Park is one of the most aptly named courses in Texas. Located 25 minutes east of downtown Houston, the public facility is less than 10 miles from the historic site of the Battle of San Jacinto.
In a fight that took less time than it takes to get warmed up on the driving range, General Sam Houston on April 21, 1836, led his Texas Army and defeated General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Mexican Army. The whole thing lasted 18 minutes. Santa Anna was captured and surrendered, leading to a peace treaty and the birth of the Republic of Texas.
Its unique setting and exceptional course are why The Battleground invites guests to “Golf Through History.” And it certainly delivers on that enticement with a truly memorable experience for recreational and competitive golfers alike.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Battleground opened for play in 1996 and was designed by Tom Knickerbacker. Situated on open, rolling terrain, the course provides a links-style test with twisting fairways, changing wind directions, strategically placed bunkers, and boldly contoured green complexes.
A big part of The Battleground’s enduring appeal is its wonderful mix of holes that range from long, brawny par-5s to short, ticklish par-3s. Adding to the variety, there are some freewheeling tee shots with generous landing areas and others more nerve-racking where hazards squeeze in and guard the fairways. Precision and distance control on approaches is important at The Battleground, as the undulating greens and surrounds will make avoiding three-putts or getting up and down a difficult task following a less-than-accurate shot.
Battleground’s significant location is celebrated throughout the round, with each of the 18 holes named after elements of the Battle of San Jacinto. The par-4 ninth hole, for example, is called “9 Men” for the Texas Army’s causalities (compared to Mexico’s 630), while the par-3 17th is “Patrick’s Cabin,” named after the site where the treaty of Texas Independence was signed. The influence even extends to its logo – one of the best around – with a cannon and its ammunition front and center.
With six sets of tees, ranging from 4,779 yards to nearly 7,000 yards, the par-72 layout appeals to players of all ages and abilities, and provides an exciting round of golf amidst the echoes of history.
The Battleground has plenty of other first-class amenities that elevate the experience, including a lighted driving range and three-hole short course, well-stocked pro with the latest in golf apparel, equipment and accessories, great food and drinks in the Republic Grill, and the spacious Sycamore Room, which can accommodate weddings and special events for up to 400 guests.
This spring would be a perfect time to “Golf Through History” and check in with the friendly staff at The Battleground. And if any added incentive was needed to tee it up, The Battleground will be hosting a TGA Women’s Saturday Series event on March 7. It will be the perfect opportunity to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a little friendly competition on a fantastic golf course.
The format for the Saturday Series is a two-person team scramble over 18 holes and registration is open to all female amateur golfers with a certified World Handicap System Index™ issued through a TGA member club. The entry fee is $200 per team and includes green, cart and range fees, prizes for net and gross divisions, plus two drink tickets and hors d'oeuvre following the round.
For more information about The Battleground Golf Course, click here. For more information about the TGA Women’s Saturday Series event on March 7, click here.
