Creekside allows the bigger arms to air it out at Selah Ranch. The starting three holes (all par 4s from the blue tees) allow for some aggressive play but not without a bit of control on your shot placement. On the multi-shot holes, this course caters to the second shot/up shot in that a well placed first drive will yield a fair and easier second shot. Errant drives will not, plain and simple. Even with the length from the blue tees, there are still quite a few 2-able holes. Each of these as well as the rest force some shot shaping from arrow straight, slight hyzers/anhyzers, and big sweeping side to side shots. The spread of the course plays the front nine around one pond on one side of the creek and the back nine along the other side of the creek with several ponds/lakes coming very much into play. The difference between the shorts (red) and longs (blue) tees is at least a stroke on most holes and makes several of the holes play vastly different. This is advantageous for leveling the playing field among competing less skilled and more skilled players. That being said, this course favors longer arms though smart course management can yield good scores as well. All tees are large and grippy, yet not too sticky. The Houck signature signs are some of the best in the business with accurate visualization of the holes (which is important on the blind shots), the preferred routes off the tee and both short(red)/long(blue) distances. I'd rate the reds for an up-and-coming intermediate player and the blues for an advanced to open player though immense fun can be had by anyone on either set of tees.

Though the designers or owners of the property can't do much about it, the water levels in the ponds are way down. I know this saved me on at least two occasions but it would be nice if they could mark a permanent OB line where the water levels on average are. This is done on the peninsula of number 10 but not anywhere else I noticed. That's pretty much my only con for this course unless I think of something else later.

I've played some of the best courses in the south (Flyboy, Inverness, Idlewild, Cedar Hill, Roy G, Winthrop Gold) and these pair of courses are tied for best overall with Flyboy. Kudos to John Houck for identifying this plot of land and the challenge he's put forth. Already can't wait to come back, especially in the summer months when it'll play even harder. If you're coming for an all day experience I'd suggest getting a cart and changing it out after two rounds, otherwise they'll start to die in the middle of the third round. Also, there are a pair of dogs on the ranch, Cookie and Pete that are friendly as can be and like to ride in the carts so if you're playing solo, you can have a cart companion.

Really too many pros to put in words but I'll try. I was so lucky to get to play this course in particular right after they had mowed and it had rained. The fairways are beautifully defined and every single shot makes you think. There are consequences for bad choices for sure.

#10 is simply one of the best holes I have ever seen and definitely ever played Requires an accurate first shot and even more pinpoint approach.

#13 was my personal favorite on this side. No reason than just cause.

#16, #17, and #18 will test your manhood fo sho and are a perfect way to close out on of the top courses anywhere. I can say that with total confidence event though I haven't played a ton of courses.
Extra bit of cool was I got to explain to two fathers and sons what disc golf was and how lucky they were to have this course so close to them. They had wandered on to the property after hearing some friends talk about it. They said they were going home to order discs and I really hope they did cause it was a highlight for me.

Ummm..................................Bring Off but I mean what do you expect in March in NE Texas. Seriously no cons. NONE

I'm so very happy this course is in my state and I have reason to make it up there a lot because I have family all over the area being that I was born and raised 30 min from Talco/Mt Vernon. I know most people enjoyed Lakeside more but if I was forced to just play one it would be this one. Take advantage of how wonderful this place is and keep coming back.

Wonderful compliment to lakeside. Shortens up a bit which seems like a nice break, though I am not sure I shot any better over here. Just a lot of fun, really. The pins on this side require a bit more touch or you'll fly right past them into water.

Not many, I do prefer lakeside to creekside but that's just if I HAD to choose.

Just a great time on a couple of great courses. Be prepared to lose some plastic, but it's well worth it.

these are these best two courses ive ever played...it was truely aww inspiring... every hole is unique and challenging, long tee pads, and golf carts make this a fun trip...

after playing these courses its hard to go play somewhere else...

if you havent been i would go...your not gonna be disappointed..

Really nice layouts long long holes! The owners of the ranch are super super nice!!!

Can't really think of any!

Set the course record oct 8 2011 at the Selah ranch doubles shot a -15 under par on this course and took first place!

Excellent layout with a variety of holes. Terrain varies from flat to hilly on different holes and there is a great mix of open and wooded holes. My favorite features are the water hazards. This course is completely different from the red (short) to the blue (long) tee boxes. As a recreational player, I played from the red tees and it was fantastic. For more experienced players the blue tees add significant length and extra hazards to navigate.

The course signage is excellent and there are benches and picnic tables along the way, too.

Finally, though purists might scoff, the cart was a great treat and is needed if you want to play multiple rounds in one day (and you do, of course).

For new players the water holes could be intimidating. This is far outweighed by the beauty and quality of the course.

The course is quite a ways from other attractions but is a disc golf nirvana unto itself.

Played both courses and it was the best disc golf experience ever.

Plan to stay all day and play each course at least once. Bring a picnic lunch and beverages or plan a trip back to Mount Vernon for lunch between rounds. Check out the pro shop and pick up a Selah Ranch disc as a souvenir.

Finally, John can sleep at night. This course has some of the holes that John used to dream about in his sleep, in particular hole 10. The course has all the usual risk/reward of a Houck Design, but also offers a little more room to let loose on the front nine. However, the back nine is really going to make you think. Position and execution is critical on a couple of the tighter holes, and then staying dry when water comes into play is a must! Like the Lakeside course, both tees provide a good challenge and fun disc golf experience.

The transitions between green and tee are a little lengthier than the Lakeside course if you're walking, but the carts take care of that and the maps are still very easy to follow. I thought the front nine was a little big arm heavy, but it's still very fair and the back nine is what really separates the men from the boys!

I'd highly recommend making a weekend of this property. Well worth the time and relatively minimal cost to play. Of the 36 holes on the property, no 2 are alike, and with the alternate tee pads there's actually 72 unique holes on one single property.

Legit Green FEE! Yes! I know many hippie DG players hate this fact. I count this as a major PRO. Pay the fee, and rent a golf cart, and experience DG in a whole new way. This is hands-down the absolute best experience playing DG I have ever had. The location is simply gorgeous. The place is highly manicured and you can tell that a lot of care and love has gone in to creating this DG retreat. The owners are amazing people and the lodgings are stellar for the cost.

The course has a great deal of variety, from long to short, from tough PARs to birdie holes to Ace runs. Water risks, elevation, it pretty much has it all. It compares well to the best courses I have played. However, the overall experience has utterly no competition in my mind. This sets the standard for what the future of DG can be.

At least a 90 mile drive from any major Airport, but if you are making it a DG weekend, it's not bad at all. It would be tough to play on a whim.

Also, I think more tweaks are still needed. Hole 10, in particular, needs a little more clearing of the fairway, and perhaps an alteration to the OB area. Also, on hole 18 from the long tees, there is no option to lay-up. It seems a bit stringent there to force us to tin cup it.

It's too bad we can't keep it a secret!

If you love DG and have the resources to experience this, you can not miss out.

Short holes, Long holes, open holes, technical holes. Amazing tee pads, amazing tee signs, amazing course design

The only con I had actually was the distance from where I live, Turns out if we took a different route it was only 1 1/2 hrs away

If they get their exposure out there more this place would be rolling.

Both courses are a must play. These courses are CHAMPIONSHIP caliber - thru and thru. You will need to bring your complete game for these course, with any and every type of shoot possible.

Dave (the owner) and his family will treat you right. Make it a full weekend of DG with the family. Your significant other can relax in a beautiful BnB, while you play the greatest golf of your life.

Will need a cart.

Play the Short tees first, then play the big boy tees.

John - you have out done yourself.

Like the Lakeside course, this is a tremendous all-around disc golf experience. Long and challenging, even in most cases from the Am pads, the course makes great use of a huge and beautiful piece of private property with lakes, creeks, woods, and rolling hills. It's well-groomed, the pads are long, and the holes are a variety of left, right, open, tight, flat, and hilly. Championship quality in every way. The property owners are very friendly. While it's not cheap to stay and play, my wife and I had an ideal disc golf vacation here, and we'll be back.

A dream come true! This course features alot of +600ft holes that suits just about any throwing style; however I found my favorite ones to be the select few (+/-)225 ft misdirected alleyways and hyzer/anhyzer sensitive holes. John really challenged my imagination, it was so much fun to watch how the lines everyone took worked out. While this course is definitely not for beginners it is certainly one for nature lovers as this course is kept in great condition. One of the finest I've had the privilege to play.

20bucks! !!!THIS COURSE IS LOOONG, RENT A GOLF CART!!! Practice skipping rocks on a pond, it feels way better than watching your Eco-Star Boss sink if you try to go big on hole 18. It's 5 hours away from Austin!

AMAZING! I really love both courses here, it was well worth the 5 hr drive from Austin and I can tell you now, living in Austin I get to play John Houck courses all the time, and these seriously are the best two new courses I have played! John just gave Circle R a run for its money on the my favorite duel courses. Great Job! lots of big fairways and woods! creek runs thoughout! Signs are up and look really great!!!

One hole has an area of Elephant ears (I believe) in water that is about 1 1/2 ft deep of darkness, not only is this area pretty scary to walk through, but impossible to see through your disc is gone- Also keep in mind I am mad because my friend threw one of my discs into that area. Other than that it is amazing!

GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT! GO PLAY IT!
nuff said

An absolutely amazing course. This course is several steps above any out there. This is the future of disc golf. John spent tons of time on this course to make it a Championship Venue (Even has a club house). Its not only the course, but the amenities that go along with it (lodging, clubhouse, golf carts, scenery).

This course doesn't favor the right handers or the left handers, flicks or backhands like other courses I know. The 2 courses not only challenge you physically but mentally as well. I can't wait to see what happens in tourneys. I think you'll see that the finesse players will score better. Its not about having a big arm, its about playing the hole as its meant to be played (thinking ahead). I only played each course once so I don't have many specifics to rave about on certain holes. I know anyone that goes will love it and look forward to the next trip.

I agree with the above comments that it is not for the "Faint of Heart". This is a true Championship course. If you are looking for a pitch and putt course stay home.

Definitely reserve a golf cart. It is definitely worth the extra money. It will probably be a little easier to walk in the Spring and Fall, but would have been murder in the 110 degree heat that we played in without a cart.

Selah Ranch as a venue in general is simply a really beautiful place with a very tranquil feel to it. It's a huge, very well taken care of piece of property. You get a map that will help with navigation when you pay and sign your waiver. We played Creekside first, from the over 9100 ft blue tees, and it is every bit as long as it sounds. Three 600 footers right off the bat, with water to a avoid on the 3rd. Don't let the name fool you, it may be Creekside but there's 4 ponds on this course and 7 holes that bring water into play. The 16th, 17th, and 18th are possibly the most fun finish in disc golf. The 16th is a big par 5 at over 725 ft. with water all along the right (and you have to cross it off the tee from the blue box). You throw across water 290 ft. to the 17th pin and again 322 ft. to the 18th, and the 18th green is a peninsula. Great use of elevation, even better use of water. While it's the less wooded of the 2 courses, the tree holes usually have multiple lines all with great risk/reward shots. Creekside holes that stood out to me are the 3rd, a 605 footer with trees to navigate and water to avoid on the left, 8th (1000 footer with OB all along the left), 13th is another great 280 ft. risk/reward par 3 on the waters edge, 16th was probably my favorite, and the 18th is an amazing finish. Fun factor is through the roof on both these courses. The best part of Creekside is that it's fair. Even with the water and the length, there are plenty of opportunities to score on this course if you commit to your shot and hit your lines. Houck has truly outdone himself with these two gems. Anyone that wants to experience championship disc golf at it's finest owes it to themselves to make the drive to Selah Ranch and play these courses.

Once this course if finished, there will be zero cons for anyone that isn't easily frustrated. As of right now, there's no signage yet and there's still trees marked to be removed and plans to plant some. I believe there's plans to put grass in on some holes too, a few of them are a little dusty if your not in the front cart.

***BRING "LOOSE-ABLE" DISCS"***There are rooms, cottages, and a 3 BR house that can be rented on the property. You're welcome to bring a cooler with food/water. We didn't bring beer, not sure about alcohol but bring what you need because you're out in the country, closest gas station is probably a good 15 minutes or so. BUNGEE CORDS for our coolers and bags made our day MUCH easier! $10/play all day for guests staying overnight, $20/play all day for public (call ahead), $25/golf cart. *website also says they have season passes available, which I will certainly be looking into!*

Greatness again! The strategic layout here is amazing. There is every single shot in the world here and then some. The variety is great and it changes from hole to hole making for an exciting round at all times. 2 sets of tees here as well giving you more opportunity to change it up. You must have a complete game here and the other course to score well. Hole 18 from the blue tee is probably my favorite finishing holes EVER! If you cant throw a 300'+ shot straight, you better lay up, there is water everywhere and you have only about 75' wide peninsula to land on. This course also plays very fair for both leftys and rightys with a mix of lines and openings depending where you are and what you want to try. This course is also a lot more open than the other one but plays longer. Elevation is used everywhere here as well and makes you think about not only your placement on your shots but also your putts. The water that is there is used brilliantly also making you think at all times about how greedy you want to be. Some baskets are placed very strategically near the water making for interesting greens. Hole 3 has an awesome fairway with water along the left and the basket tucked nicely in the woods.. The sandy terrain looks like it will resist water after a rain very well which is a plus. Brand new discatchers make for easy spotting in the woods and are a welcome sight when its time to hit a putt. All concrete tees are nice and are all brand new as well.

Not for the faint at heart. If you like playing short par 54's and don't like championship level golf, stay away. This course is long(and longer then the other) and can be brutal if you are not careful. There is still some cleaning up to do on this side and therefore the rough can be rough. There are tons of places to lose plastic in the water if you throw a bad shot or if you get to greedy and it will be lost forever. No tee signs or trashcans, but the course is not technically open yet so that will be resolved in the near future. The first round can be tedious if your not patient because the fact you have to look for baskets and or fairways, but after a round I think you will feel much more comfortable. There is not nearly as much shade on this side as the other. The course seems to criss cross a couple times making for a goofy transition at times.

These 2 courses will be host to many fine tournaments in the near future I am sure. With both being played you will feel like not only your physical game, but your mental game will be tested. Makes for a great time and a great "golf" time. There are cabins/rooms available on sight as well as many different activities for the family to do. The cart fee is 25 along with a 20 green fee for all day play.
These will be in the top 10 in no time!