Golf - Public Course · 9 Holes · Par 36
Mission
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Review and Rating of Howling Trails Holes 10 to 18 in Mission, Texas
Howling Trails, which was previously known as Martin Valley, is home to 27 holes named 1 to 9, 10 to 18, and 19 to 27. Each of the nines are very similar - flat terrain, side by side holes, and below average conditions - but the rates are only $20 per nine which includes a cart. Here is a link to our review of 1 thru 9 and 19 thru 27.
In 2016, several holes were re-routed to make room for a new waterpark. The waterpark also got most of the funds which had a significant impact on conditions at Howling Trails. However, some dollars are freeing up in 2018 which will be used for new irrigation and other improvements.
Howling Trails 10 to 18 is a par 36 with 3 tee boxes and yardages ranging from 2521 to 3172 - short by today's standards. This nine also has 3 par 3s, 3 par 5s, and 3 par 4s. The course is very traditional and straight-forward with the pin in view from most of the tee boxes, not a lot of trouble to contend with (2 bunkers and 4 water holes), and ample tree-lined fairways - which means if you're playing ok you should have a low scoring and relaxing round. Except for the wind which can cause some big problems.
A couple of the holes that we liked included:
The greens at Howling Hills 10 to 18 were in pretty good shape - dormant but over-seeded with winter rye. They range in size from average to small, have little to no undulation but some minor slope, they hold the ball well, and run true. They are a little slow.
The fairways are flat and very firm (lots of extra roll you need to plan for), generally ample, and lined by a few trees. Other fairways line at least one side or both sides of each of the fairways - the good news is if you spray the ball you'll most likely have an easy recovery shot from the other fairway. Due to funding, lots of play, dormant conditions, a freeze, a drought, and irrigation problems the fairways were in pretty poor condition with lots of bare and dirt spots. The conditions on the other two nines seemed a little better.
Bottom Line - not the best of conditions but the rates are low and the course is very playable for all skill levels - you should have a good fun round.
Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|
Blue | 3,172 | 72.2 | 114 |
White | 2,887 | 69.4 | 110 |
Red | 2,521 | 71.1 | 111 |
Approximate Weekend
Rates: $15.00 to $20.00
The Pro Shop has shirts only but they can order any gear you want. The practice facilites are ok and the grill has reasonable prices for sandwiches to burgers.
Here's How Texas Outside Determines the Scorecard RatingThe Texas Outside rating scale ranges from 1 to 10 – a perfect 10 course would be something like this: links along a cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean and bordered by tall trees; lush fairways on rolling hills with lots of natural hazards; water (which is crystal clear) on most of the holes; immaculate greens (but they are undulating and tough); lots of variety and character (each hole is completely different and includes blind shots, elevation changes, doglegs, and significant challenges); perfectly manicured traps with the whitest and prettiest sand you’ve ever seen; a nice club house with great food and a 19th hole; a GPS; plenty of beverage carts or your own cooler and ice; and it only costs $40 bucks! What this means is that you probably won’t find any 10s in Texas – try Cabo San Lucas, Pebble Beach, or some of the Hawaii courses!
All of the above determines the overall score for the golf course. In other words, we like courses that are pretty, fun, very challenging with a lot of variety, and fairways and greens in excellent condition – all for $40. We also tend to play the courses that are affordable for the masses, which means in the $30 to $80 range. We rate hard and we haven’t found a 10 in Texas yet – don’t worry we haven’t given up and we’re still looking.
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