Shreveport (Stonewall), LA

Garland DGC

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RustyP
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.5 years 83 played 34 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Diamond in the rough 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 1, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course is set on a somewhat hilly and heavily wooded Boy Scout ranch / campground, and since it was a John Houck course you know it took advantage of the landscape features!

I was running out of daylight and didn't technically have permission to be on the course, so I played as quickly as possible...

Most of the holes were medium distance (300-375) but highly technical, with dense woods lining the fairways on most. Several elevation changes on the first few holes got my attention immediately! Almost every hole offered a choice off the tee - each with it's own risk/reward factor.

The main highlights for me were holes 16 (the "Keyhole" as John Houck refers to it) and 17...especially 17!!! The first 375' of the hole was wide open and slightly downhill. From there you have to hit 1 of 2 10' wide gaps in a VERY dense grove of pine trees...seriously, except for the gaps, the trees were mere feet away from each other.

Cons:

Some might not like the rubber pads one certain holes, but personally I like the texture and feel.

Also, the course isn't regularly maintained by the Scouts, so unless there is a tournament coming up soon, the course is likely to be overgrown (but still playable).

**12/1/08 Update** Earlier this year (January) I was told that the course had been pulled, but I just confirmed with several people that it is still in the ground and open for play. However, it does sound like it's on the verge of being permanently closed. The Scouts are asking each player to pay for entry, but refuse to do any course maintenance, which has put some serious strain on their relationship with the local club.

Other Thoughts:

John Houck kept a "diary" while designing this course (which can be found on golfdisc.com) that I read well before I ever got to play the course. Knowing his thoughts and philosophy behind particular holes made the round all the more fun and interesting.
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