Bentwater (Grand Pines) - Texas - USA

Already featuring 36 holes from Arthur Hills and Tom Weiskopf, respectively, the Bentwater Yacht & Country Club turned to Jeff Blume for its final 18, and many believe it to be the best yet. Helpful to that claim is the course’s complete isolation; the master plan includes stipulation that no property will be sold that might lead to real estate popping up along the fairways at Grand Pines.

This move was made in an attempt to replicate two greats of American golf — Pine Valley and Pinehurst — by placing emphasis on shortgrass throughout. The trees of Sam Houston National Forest will certainly contribute to the necessitated “pines,” and the significant bunkering will contribute to any comparisons between the aforementioned clubs.

No. 13 will let you relive a shorter version of the famous “Great Hazard” at Pine Valley; if you choose to take the left fairway, you’ll cross two sets of bunkers to earn an eagle attempt. The twist on the classic hole is that you may also take the right fairway for a longer, safer route. Expect plenty of such twists, and trees, in this design.