Hey Ags,

We are considering joining BraeBurn CC in Houston, but we are also considering Westwood. BraeBurn has a good deal for junior members right now, but I have my reservations buying in before the course is complete (though I am sure it will be great). If anyone has any insights they could share, that would be much appreciated.

We also need two equity sponsors, so if you or someone you know would be willing to sponsor us, please let me know. As an incentive, they are currently offering a $140/ month dues credit for sponsors. I'm also happy to grab a beer or play a round with anyone who would prefer to meet first.

Thanks and Gig 'em.

I'm a member at Braeburn - happy to chat with you. Good time to join now while under construction.

Want to DM or post your email?

Appreciate it, just shot you a DM.

Tripp Davis is building an awesome golf course at Braeburn. Tripp's architecture in the bunkers is second to none. That said I'm partial to Westwood and the Supt there does a great job. Both are great options, can't miss.

I live near Braeburn CC. Does that count? In laws used to be members there. Wife and I got married there too. I'm no help, but good luck.

Westwood is the far superior track IMO.

Dumb question I suppose, but how could you possibly know that if Braeburn is being renovated?

We're at Braeburn and love it. The course should be among the best in Houston once they're done w the reno. It's been years since I've played Westwood, but recall there being little else than golf. The gamer golf seen at BB is strong, but the family stuff is top notch as well. Whether it's summer pool days, holiday dinners, bingo night, etc... there's a real sense of community - and its need to watch the kids grow up together outside of school. We'v been there about 3.5 years and have really found it to be a great experience.

Neither are on a "spiffy" side of Houston. Have played them both, Braeburn was better before the redo 20 or so years ago. Harris County got in the mix & Braeburn was shortened & narrowed. To hold more water if memory serves. No clue what is going on now, while Braeburn is not a bad track it took the driver out of your hands on several holes. Agree with AggieEyes on Westwood.

The question maybe is this a move for social status or golf?

Nailed it. We need to make an intro and play when things open back up.

Thanks all. I have played WW a number of times and agree the course is great, the clubhouse is very nice and the staff are all nice as well. What is attracting us to BraeBurn is all of the non-golf stuff it offers (mainly pool and other nice amenities). WW has reciprocity with a couple other clubs in town, but that could be revoked at any time. Not having seen it, i'm sure the renovated course is going to be super nice. Curious how good BB's grounds maintenance team is?

On the length of the course, apparently they are adding 200 yards to BraeBurn, which will hopefully put the driver in play on a few more holes.

200 yrds won't help much

Maintenance team is great - new superintendent just hired after a lengthy search. Haven't met him yet, but all accounts are super positive by those who have.

On length of the course, there were three par 4s that I didn't use driver typically - one I'd hit 5 wood, one 6-8 iron, and one 4 iron. Personally, I always liked the variety but I get why some want to bomb at every chance. This was from the green tees, I rarely played the tips.

They are lengthening the course overall, but I think some of that is in the par 3s - most were 165ish, now will vary from 140 to 200 to mix things up.

I'll tell you this, if you can play well at Braeburn you can play well anywhere. Can't recall what the reno is going to do to the specifics, but prior, there was water in play in like 15 if the 18 holes. It's (was, expect it to be more so) a players course, for sure.

I kind of see Westwood's reciprocity program as a sign of struggle- why would a club need to do that?

Not my part of town, but if so, I always thought Braeburn gave you a pretty good club for the value relative to some of the others. I want to say historically full membership was $30-40k but that's about to change with the renovation.

rononeill said:

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I kind of see Westwood's reciprocity program as a sign of struggle- why would a club need to do that?

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They've had it for a decade and are much stronger now from a member perspective, so I don't see it as a sign of struggle. It's a golf only club so I view it as a nice perk to be able to visit other clubs in town that have more family oriented things to do (and some of which are more conveniently located).

That's a good point, I didn't realize it had been in place that long. Maybe is the Briar Club addition new? That would be a decent combo. Seems like I'd only heard of the reciprocity stuff recently. Regardless, WW is a legit course.

I worked at Westwood in High School, the pro lived down the street and his daughter got a few of us jobs there.

I remember hearing it closed for a while. Did they basically kill off the club and then rebuild the facilities and membership?

Are you set on sponsors?

I am and actually got signed up! If anyone has any questions on the application process, current state of the renovations, comparisons to Westwood (where I know 9 members and have played a ton), feel free to let me know.

Awesome!