Looking for feedback on a golf trip we have planned for Dec. Wild Spring Dunes tee time is the flagship and can't be changed but the other tee times/lodging options are flexible.

Coming from Austin. Decision #1 we are contemplating is whether to stay in Pine Dunes and/or Tempest. I want to play Pine Dunes at least once, but trying to figure out if Tempest is worth playing. Also, welcome feedback on lodging at Tempest or Pine Dune - We're 4 dudes - Tempest looks nicer, more comfortable for sleep (more expensive but not materially a factor for us), but it's not a major decision driver vs. playing golf.

Sun - drive from Austin, one afternoon tee time (Tempest? stay here)
Mon - 9am tee time at Wild Spring Dunes (can't change this) - head back to lodging (Tempest is 20 min closer than Pine Dunes so more convenient - play as many holes as we can at Tempest before dark)
Tue - Morning tee time at Pine Dunes - drive back to Austin

Alternative to the above we are currently considering is just staying at Pine Dunes, and playing two full rounds there along with a partial 3rd round.

I lean towards playing more courses, but it also interests me to play a course twice so I know it for the 2nd round.

Would love to hear feedback. If there is another course/lodging option I'm missing from the area, let me know.

Anyone played tempest lately? Last year it was in terrible shape and that area hasn't had any rain recently.

I was out at tempest in the spring. It was better than it was last year but it's still not what it was. Most greens and tees in good to great shape but fairways have a lot of issues.
They have iron ore out there so not the best environment for a golf course. Very unique property for east Tx and fun.

Pine dunes was having issues with their fairways too but seemed to be much improved/corrected this spring. Haven't been to either since April/May.

They are both fun courses. I probably prefer pine dunes over tempest.

Yea, grew up playing out there when it was Shallow Creek and those first few years as tempest was plush, but they rolled everything out there with new turf then. Always had some fun holes and decent set up, but it has been a roller coaster of conditions out there for decades.

Prolly a little biased but I enjoy Pine Dunes a lot more than Tempest

I am actually looking at a similar trip in a couple of weeks. The only course I have booked is Wild Spring Dunes. I played Tempest a few years back and it was in pretty rough shape, so that one is not on the list.

Add on options I'm considering:

• Pine Dunes as you mentioned.
• Crown Colony in Lufkin - its private but a while back I saw a stay and play advertised, so I'm not sure if its still available.
• Cypress Bend in Many, Louisiana. Its a further additional drive, but I heard good things about it.

jonj101 said:

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I am actually looking at a similar trip in a couple of weeks. The only course I have booked is Wild Spring Dunes. I played Tempest a few years back and it was in pretty rough shape, so that one is not on the list.

Add on options I'm considering:

• Pine Dunes as you mentioned.
• Crown Colony in Lufkin - its private but a while back I saw a stay and play advertised, so I'm not sure if its still available.
• Cypress Bend in Many, Louisiana. Its a further additional drive, but I heard good things about it.

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Not sure if these rates are still being honored, but a good deal for S&P.

Lufkin, Texas - Crown Colony Country Club

How does Pine Dunes play from the tee? Is it very penal? Or can you generally find your ball?

Our guys trip group includes ~6 players that shoot in the 90s. Looking for errant tee shots on tight, thicket lined fairways can make for long rounds.

Definitely going to be doing some hunting if you get crooked at Pine Dunes

oldag00 said:

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How does Pine Dunes play from the tee? Is it very penal? Or can you generally find your ball?

Our guys trip group includes ~6 players that shoot in the 90s. Looking for errant tee shots on tight, thicket lined fairways can make for long rounds.

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Most of our group is sub 10 handicaps but we had one guy shoot 99, 99 and 103. He sprays it all over. The course made for a long day but it's not thick brush. Most of it is tall pines. So you can find the ball but you will have to punch out.

Play the right tees and the fairway's are plenty wide. It's a great risk/reward course. Hit a great tee shot and you'll have an easy shot in. Lay up to the fat part and it's a longer shot but you're still alive.