Heading there later this week. What are your thoughts on the layout, staff, conditions, etc.?

I haven't played it in a few years so take this with a grain of salt...

The conditions were impeccable. One of the nicest courses I've ever played at.

Layout was just OK. I guess I had built it up too big in my head but the actual design of the course was a little underwhelming.

It's also been a few years for me, but I would agree with everything Sooner Born posted.

The best part about it was that there were only two foursomes on the course the day we played, so you could play as fast or as slow as you wanted.

I love the layout. The last 6 holes are world class.

Best course I have ever played hands down. I liked the layout, but didn't find it to be anything spectacular. The staff, including caddies, were very friendly. I played about a year ago and have another invite to go back. I am not sure when I'll be able to get away to do so, but I can't wait!

That's the thing...I remember the island hole as being cool and the hole before that with an optional, risk-reward carry but other than that, I don't really remember much.

I could still tell you about every hole of a lot of courses I've played only once, even five years ago.

It was beautiful and immaculate though. I do remember that...also remember the scented cold towels on every hole.

I have played there about 20 times. It is without doubt my favorite and the best conditioned course I have ever played. The pro there, Chris Roe, is an awesome guy and one hell of pro. Great place.

I got to play it alot this summer, like every day due to the job I had and love WP! The Spirit was just two weeks ago out there so the course should be in amazing shape!! Enjoy it!! The pros Chris Rowe, Brandt Kieschnick and Clay Jeffirs are great guys!! Best course I've ever played!

Looked in great shape from the road today. Greens looked amazingly good.

agsuper1, you a super in the area?

I was for 13 years and then made the switch to sales this year.

I'm a graduating senior this semester and could use some advice on which course and super to work under. Care if I e-mail you and ask some questions?

Tur***gie-

I'm in the business as well if you have any questions. Username@hotmail.com

aggienick@hotmail.com

Turf - RustyGCS is a super also. Great guy. I'm sur he wouldn't mind talking to you as well. My dad has been a club pro for 31 years at the same club, so if you have any questions about that side of it let me know. Dad and I were both RPTS majors at A&M.

Clint, thanks. I was actually looking further into becoming a GM and I'm looking to gain a little more insight about the job path to do so. If you think he could help, have him e-mail me at cain24@neo.tamu.edu or e-mail me his e-mail address.

Fantastic course and layout. If it weren't literally in the middle of nowhere, it would be a perfect U.S. Amateur venue.

[This message has been edited by monkeyaround (edited 11/22/2011 11:51a).]

Anyone have any contacts with a member here? I'd like to get a group of Ags on this weekend. TIA.

You probably need to know a member who plans to play this weekend because I don't believe they allow unaccompanied guests.

Thanks. Wasn't sure what their policy was.

My family has a farm in Groveton and just trying to make a connection for when I visit.

Dp

I don't know that for a fact, but Chet Williams who designed WP was the architect on our new course that opened a year ago and I talked to him some about WP and believe that's what he told me.

Cool you got to chat with him and thanks again. Hoping someone stops by with some more info.
I am a member at Eagle Pointe in Mont Belvieu but spend a lot of time in the WP area.

Eagle Pointe is a hidden gem. My son has played a couple of STPGA Jr events there. We really enjoyed it.

Played 2 weekends ago and the greens were great but fairways were a bit patchy. They had gotten a lot of rain leading up to opening weekend and the fairways suffered quite a bit. Not a huge deal if you're ok plying it up and moving the ball in the fairway within reason.

Make sure you get out on the Needler (Par 3 course). It's a blast.

I've played it 20 or so times and it is as good of a design as you'll find. Holes 14-18 are fantastic.

Thanks for the info.

Right now I'm just looking for someone to link up with for a round. Obviously I don't have the $15K to be a member (yet) but would like to use golf to glorify our Savior and SGA is a great way to accomplish that.

Holy smokes that is a hefty membership fee. I live in Huntsville and am a property owner/member at Elkins Lake but after seeing the particulars of WP, I think I will stay close to home

Whispering Pines GC- Whispering Pines, NC

Great course and where I'm learning to play the game.

Funny how there is one in Texas too!

bdgol07 said:

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Holy smokes that is a hefty membership fee. I live in Huntsville and am a property owner/member at Elkins Lake but after seeing the particulars of WP, I think I will stay close to home

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Not a member but as I understand it, it is $15,000/year and that gets you a set number of rounds (I think 40 or so). But it is a 501(c)(3) and you can write off a substantial part of that. At the end of the day, it's not much more than most clubs. The issue for most is getting there.

If any Ag members don't want to pay the $1K per night for a cottage I have a brand new cabin on 30 acres that's 10 minutes from WP.

More than willing to trade a free night for getting me on.

I understand your desire, but guys who are members of places like this aren't going to take a flyer on a random guy they don't know. Especially a place like Whispering Pines that's 2ish hours away from a major city center.

Your best bet is lucking into a friend or acquaintance who is a member or friend of a member. Like anything else in this world, it's all about networking and who you know.

Or be a rater for one of the golf publications. That helps with access for those clubs who are interested in their positions on the lists.

Good luck. Whispering Pines is special.

Wow, an oldie. Had an awesome visit. One of these days I'll get to play...I hope

Great point. I work in Houston for the largest Terminals group in North America. If nothing bites here, I'll just start asking around HQ.

Thanks again for the replies.

In the business as well, with a good friend who just transitioned from Superintendent to GM.

WP is pretty great. My only complaint is they built some ridiculous greens. The green on #11 is probably 7500 sq ft with only 3 or 4 pin positions. It is a fantastic design and I don't feel they needed the 3 or 4 really tricked up greens, that, in my opinion, detract from the layout.

The playing experience is really special.

Conditions are always fabulous and the Needler shouldn't be missed.

They do require a member with the group, but it's only 1 member per 2 foursomes. I agree the needler is amazing, and the customer service level is unmatched anywhere I've ever been.