Spring is just around the corner, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the Valley climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite golf courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.

Last week we featured the lower Valley. This week we have the upper Valley, and we will also feature the mid Valley courses. We will introduce you to the many golf courses the Valley has to offer. We invite you to take the time, visit a few of them, if not all, and vote for your favorite golf course.

Champions Lakes Golf Club

Challenging without being overboard is how many golf enthusiasts would describe Champion Lakes, formerly known as Palmview Golf Course in McAllen. This course is the standard at which all other courses across the Rio Grande Valley compare themselves to.

Now with a collegiate look, with golf bays and lockers for UTRGV golfers, Championship Lakes also sit within unique settings.

The beautiful par 72 championship layout boasts a length of 5,779 yards from the middle tees but can quickly turn into a challenging 6,771 yards if played from the back tees. It’s wide, generous, and rolling fairways feature “419” Bermuda grass and are lined by Common Bermuda roughs and mounds that at places create a links style atmosphere. Fourteen (14) man-made lakes provide the golfer with pleasant thrills and some of the most panoramic views in the area. The recent addition of new tees and trees further enhance the character of the layout.

Champion Lakes is located at 2701 S. Ware Rd. You can call (956) 681-344 for more information.

Los Lagos Golf Club

There seems to be a simple formula – well, simple looking but not always simple to accomplish – to be considered one of the Valley’s favorite courses: Have a nice course, with varied challenges, have great food and terrific customer service.

No wonder Los Lagos is another regular in the favorite golf courses. Beyond the formula, Los Lagos also offers a unique layout with dozens of moguls, fairways that always seem to lean toward the water (don’t they all?) and asks this question often of golfers: Do you think you can go for it? Sharp turns made to cut across, water and other traps at exactly the place where you want to hit the ball makes this course challenging fun… and a favorite.

Los Lagos Golf Club ensures you will find not only a great golf course at great value, but also a few fun rounds! A laid-back atmosphere with a friendly, professional staff that thrives on making every guest feel right at home, it’s just the start to an exceptional day on the golf course.

Los Lagos Golf Course is a par 72, 18-hole championship golf course that offers more than 7,188 yards of fun off the Black Tees. The course originally opened as an 18-hole facility in 2001. Today, all golfers are welcome to enjoy the undulating fairways, epic ponds, and views of the Practice Facilities/Driving Range or Night Range 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The driving range is lit up for nighttime operation, it covers 250 yards in length, and has two target greens and a putting area.
The course features five sets of tees to provide a fun challenge for all ability levels. The course is located at 1720 S. Raul Longoria Rd. in Edinburg. Phone number is (956) 316-0444.

Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club

Compared to many of the Valley’s golf courses, one could consider Monte Cristo off the beaten path. But, when you’re good – you’re good.

Magnificent trees, a beautiful layout and an island par-3 make this course a regular favorite. Some holes are wide open; others look you in the eye and say, “give it your best shot.” The par-3 island hole is a spectacular looking hole, but just don’t let its looks deceive you. It may be straight and not super long, but it’s a definite hurdle filled with risk and reward.

Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club is known as Edinburg’s home for golf. Their 18-hole championship course is a challenging test of skill for any golfer. With the added distraction of its beautiful seven lakes and the South Texas landscape, selecting the proper club becomes a real challenge. Monte Cristo is located at 2919 North Kenyon Rd. in Edinburg. For more information call the Pro Shop (956) 381-0965.

Howling Trails

Howling Trails Golf Course in Mission, offers a unique experience for visitors looking to enjoy a round of golf in a serene setting. With a focus on providing a positive impact on individuals' lives, the course encourages self-reflection and stress relief through the exploration of horoscopes.

By incorporating the positive influence of fortune telling into their services, Howling Trails Golf Course aims to provide a space for personal growth and relaxation, making it a destination where visitors can not only enjoy a game of golf but also find a moment of introspection and positivity.

The course is in the middle of several Winter Texan Parks, who all feel that it’s home, even though it was recently purchased by the La Joya ISD. It’s not a difficult course.

Call (956) 585-6330 to get the full list of amenities, along with a few surprises, the Course holds tight to its chest.

Shary Municipal Golf Course

A work in progress is the best way to describe Shary Municipal Golf Course, a 27-hole golf course with a full-service driving range that is open every day, except for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

But that constant work shows every single time you step on the course. It seems that this course has been improving every day for the past decade.

Daily play can be by tee time reservation or on a walk-in basis. Most golfers walk the course, but a fleet of 70 electric carts is available. Private carts are welcomed for a nominal fee. Daily green fees are competitively priced, as are annual green fees of $900. The golf course is the number one tourist attraction for the City of Mission during the winter months.

The Golf Shop offers a complete selection of golf equipment and golf attire for men and women.

Special orders can be made in person or online and are accommodated quickly. Other services provided are golf handicaps and a lighted driving range. The entire operation of the Shary Municipal Golf Course is managed by a Golf Director/Head Golf Professional. The shop staff consists of a Head Pro Shop Clerk, Administrative Assistant, four regular clerks, a cart mechanic, and two cart attendants.

The course is located at 2201 N. Mayberry St. in Mission. Phone number is (956) 580-8770.

Tierra Del Sol Golf Course

When all other courses across the Valley, in Texas and across the nation started to feel golf was on a downward swing, Tierra Del Sol did the unthinkable – they put nearly a million dollars of improvements into it. The renovations have been well worth it.

They built it and the golfers came. And they are still going.

The course did a major reconstruction, from golf paths, to filling deadpan and “prettying up the place.” It has a wide range of holes from grip ‘em and rip ‘em to show what type of touch you have.

And the greatest thing? You feel majestic walking up No. 18, with the stately looking clubhouse in the background – and your final destination.

Tierra Del Sol Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72, municipal golf course, located at 700 E. Hall Acres Rd., in Pharr. Call (956) 402-4545 for more information.