Courses, products, and tips-Sharpstown Park Golf Course - Review

By Andrew L. McCray

There are so many golf courses just in the city of Houston. With that said, I have set out to do the legwork for you, and with the help of The Houston Parks and Recreation Department, we will be grading all the public courses for you.

First up is Sharpstown Park Golf Course, located at 6600 Harbor Town in the heart of southwest Houston, one mile west of U.S. Highway 59, just one block north of Bellaire Blvd. – 713-988-2099.

This golf course is rated one of Houston’s “Best Value Courses,” and I totally agree. They provide outstanding customer service and excellent facility conditions.

Sharpstown is an 18-hole, par 70 course with four sets of tee boxes, allowing moderate degree of difficulty for the novice and beginner, yet enough length (6660 from the back tees) to test the avid and skilled player.

This course is great for any level of play, with its wide fairways (1,3,4,6,8,12 & 17), challenging par 3’s and 4’s (4,7,8, & 14), tricky holes (9,10,13 & 18) and forgiving greens makes for a balance round of golf.

I really like this course because of its flexibility and its balance of playing levels. This is the perfect course for the first timer or seasoned player. It gives the first timer a big challenge with average hazards, and the higher-level player a good workout with a focus on accuracy.

Sharpstown's amenities include a driving cage for practice or warming up, two putting greens, chipping green, full service pro shop, café and beverage cart, and golf professionals who are available for lessons. Tee-times are available on weekdays, weekends and holidays.

Sharpstown Golf Course: 4 out 4 – For balance play and price

Golf Tips

By Doug Randall, head golf professional at Sharpstown Golf Course

BASIC SET-UP

A good golf swing can only be accomplished from a good set-up position. The basic set-up includes a sound grip, proper stance and good posture.

GRIP:

To accomplish a sound grip, set the grip of the club under the heel pad of your left hand, angling it from the middle section of your left index finger parallel to your lifeline. Add your right hand, wrapping the thumb pad over your left thumb with your right palm facing the target. The V’s formed by the thumbs and forefingers of both hands should point to your right shoulder.

STANCE:

A proper stance is one that places your feet parallel to your intended target line and approximately shoulder width apart, providing balance, stability, and full range of motion during the weight transfer from the right to left side.

POSTURE:

Good posture is produced by bending forward from the hips, and keeping your back relatively straight with your chin up. Flex your knees just enough to feel balanced and athletic in your legs. Your arms should hang directly under your shoulders, allowing them to move freely and uninhibited during the swing.

Doug Randall has been a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America and head golf professional at Sharpstown Golf Course since 1994. For lessons and/or information about Sharpstown Park Golf Course, please call 713-988-2099.