Huge sports week puts spotlight on Houston golf scene

• By Mike Bailey
• Mar 31, 2011 6:30 PM ET

HOUSTON – Though it doesn’t have a reputation as a tourist destination, this is a good week to visit Houston.

Not only is the PGA Tour in town for the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club, but the city is also hosting college basketball's Final Four. On the professional side the Houston Rockets host their in-state rival, the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, and while the Houston Astros open the regular season at Philadelphia Friday, the team had an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park.

Other than those events, there isn't much going on, sports-wise in Houston this week.

While a sports-a-palooza like this doesn't happen often – the Final Four won’t return to Houston until 2016 – the golf courses aren’t going anywhere. And with high temperatures usually in the low 80s, Houston is a highly desirable place to play golf this time of year.

Most of the golf courses in Houston are in great shape right now, mainly because it's been warm for several weeks and the Bermuda grass is completely out of dormancy. Because most courses don't overseed, spring transition isn't a problem.

If you visit GolfNow.com/houston you’ll find plenty of tee time options, especially if you're willing to drive a little. The obvious favorite is the Tournament Course at Redstone Golf Club, host of this week's Shell Houston Open. Other favorite public courses in the area include BlackHorse Golf Club on the northwest side, Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu east of town and Woodforest at Fish Creek Golf Club on the north side.