Lochinvar - Texas - USA

One of the most exclusive golf clubs in Houston, Texas, is Lochinvar. The dream of Texas businessman Curtis Hankamer, it was designed by Jack Nicklaus in the late 1970s. Sorry ladies, it is a classic, all male club with no tee times, no restrooms and no dues. The operating costs are split amongst the 250+ members.

If you did not know where it was located, you would be hard pressed to find it. The entrance is hidden behind what appears to be an old fence gate. However, if one knows the magic code, one can gain entry and a real jewel awaits. I was flying into George Bush Intercontinental, back when it was just Intercontinental, and the passenger next to me nudged me and asked, “What is that golf course? I am from Spring, Texas (a nearby town) and I have played all the courses around here.”

I replied, “Lochinvar.”

He exclaimed, “Wow, I thought Lochinvar was a myth.”

The day we played I must admit I was in awe when I walked in the locker room and there on display was Claude Harmon’s green jacket from The Masters. Subsequently, I learned that there were several “backup” green jackets. Claude was the original pro, and the duties were passed onto one of sons, Butch. This was back in the day when I actually visited the range. I hit a few balls and noticed down at one end Harmon was working with his protégé who was on break from Stanford. In hindsight it was a surreal day on a super golf course, and everyone birdied at least one hole. I did it the hard way by waiting until 18. Best of all, it did not cost us a penny. Which reminds me, Lochinvar’s motto is “Golf first, last and always.”

If you can get on, you gotta go.

First let me say, I have a bias when it comes to Lochinvar GC. I spent a lot of my teenage years here and kicked and screamed when my I turned 25 yrs of age and came off my dad's (Club President from '84-'88) membership. This is one of my lifelong favorite courses. As it has been listed in many golf publications and if you want an money game look no further than Lochinvar (ie $100 one downs).

Note this is one of the few 'male only' golf clubs left in the state of Texas let alone the United States. With a membership of less than 200; this is a true golf club. Over the years, I have seen handfuls of PGA players (Couples, Elkington, Fowler oh and Tiger) as well as former President George Bush Sr (41) and Michael Jordan play here.

The Harmon family spent a number of years teaching here from Claude Harmon Sr (1948 Master Champion), Butch Harmon (Top Teaching pro) and Claude Harmon III.

You wouldn't know the club was there driving down Farrell Road. Once inside the gates, you can feel the stress fall drop off you.

Under the direction of the designer Jack Nicklaus, he flipped 9's over the years. #3 (old #12) is a challenging par 4 and has the typical features that a well designed Nicklaus hole has; water running along the left side of fairway and then crosses in front of a slightly elevated green. #7 (old #16) and #8 (old #17) look innocent from the tee box but can come up and bite you. #9 (old #18) is a strong front side finishing hole where keeping your tee ball in the fairway is just a start. From the tips this is a 3-shot hole. #12 (old #3) is another signature designed hole. A well played tee ball give you a shorter iron into the green but you can't help but notice the water lurking to your left. #16 (old #7) is a nice lengthy par 3. #18 (old #9) is a great finishing hole. Going for the green, isn't for the faint of heart. Not to mention you finish in front of the spacious clubhouse making it a much better spector hole than the old #9.

Lochinvar GC ranks easily inside my top 10 courses played.