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bay Area Golf Report: Part 1
By JOHN BECHTLE (Published 5/04)
The game of golf has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts in the past few years, and South Shore Harbour Country Club is certainly doing its part to maintain a commitment to be one of the best. Over the years, the course at South Shore has certainly changed with the times. Once a links style course with no trees, plenty of sand and plenty of flat holes, the 27-hole facility has evolved into more of a traditional style course with added rolling hills, water hazards and other challenges. As head staff professional Daren Heflin puts it, facility owners and staff members have all done their part to remain true to their players, both members and resort visitors alike. "We haven't sacrificed anything in an effort to make South Shore Harbour Country Club one of the finest private facilities in the area," Heflin said. "We're unique to a lot of the other private courses in the area in that we do feature 27 holes, whereas most of the others feature 18. That provides players the opportunity to play a round of golf much quicker and easier without being slowed down by slow play. At the same time, golfers want to be challenged during a round, and we feel like we have several holes on this course that provide those challenges."
In particular Heflin and his staff are excited about the revamping of of three holes on the South's nine-hole layout. Jeff Bloom, designer of the 18 holes at Bentwater, has overhauled No. 3 and No. 4 on the South side and is completing work on No. 8. Rolling hills, larger water hazards and other challenges have been added. Along the way, other improvements to drainage and the like have been made. "Each year we make improvements to a couple of the holes on the course," Heflin said. "We're proud of what we have. Obviously we cater to our members and want them to be accommodated, but we also want to provide the best for charity events, out- of-town visitors and anyone else who might make it out our way. The Houston area has seen a lot of growth in the game in that courses seem to be popping up everywhere. That said, we feel like South Shore Harbour Country Club has been and will continue to be one of the finest courses in the area."
During his seven years at South Shore, Heflin has gotten a great feel for what the facility offers. The course has a South nine, a Shore nine and a Harbour nine. As for Heflin's favorites, he enjoys the closing holes on Harbour's 16 through 18. According to Heflin, 16 and 17 are long par fours while 18, a par five, features a small island green that leaves golfers with plenty of opportunity for fame or despair. "No. 18 has one of the smallest island greens you'll see anywhere in town," Heflin said. "That hole gives you a great chance to keep a good score going, but at the same time can do damage to that score. I think players love it because it is the closing hole and it can open up opportunities for you if you're trailing or if you're in the lead. With that small island, you really have to hit a good shot to get on the green, then have to use caution in getting up and down. We've seen players have a lot of fun with it, but it's a challenge to say the least."
Whether you're looking for a new country club to join or simply planning a tournament outing, South Shore Harbour Country Club is a great choice. The facility and it's staff remain committed to delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. "We have members who have been with us for a long time, and we have new members who have only been with us a short while," Heflin said. "They are here because they really enjoy playing golf here, and we do our part to make it as fun and enjoyable for everyone who comes out to play."
SSH SUMMER CAMPS
Heflin and his staff have also established dates and times for the facility's annual round of summer camps. Open to youths ages 5 to 17, the camps will feature instruction in all of the fundamentals of the game – including putting, chipping, driving, short game and more. Heflin will be involved along with his knowledgeable and friendly staff that includes first assistant Todd Totty and assistants Derek Barfield and Ron Stuckey.
The first session will run June 15-18 from 8 to 10 a.m. and the second session is June 20-23 from 8 to 10 a.m. Both session will conclude with a final day scramble style tournament and pizza party.
Beginning June 11 and resuming each Friday of the month, Heflin and his staff will also host a junior development camp from 9 a.m to 10 a.m. For more details about registration and requirements for the junior camps or development series, call the South Shore Harbour Country Club pro shop at 281-334 -0525.
"We have a lot of great things happening right now, and we're looking to do more," Heflin said. "Over the years we have remained dedicated to making improvement and doing things to not only please current members but attract new players and members. It's been a lot of fun, and we have other things in the works."
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