The Woodlands Country Club

The Palmer Course at The Woodlands Country Club opened in 1978 as part of Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay's work in this master-planned community north of Houston. The course was originally known as the West Course before being renamed to honor Palmer's design legacy at the property. The Woodlands development, conceived in the 1970s, integrated golf into its residential and commercial planning, and Palmer's routing reflects the era's approach to parkland design within forested Texas terrain. The course plays through stands of pine and hardwood trees characteristic of the region, with fairways carved from the natural woodland setting. Water features appear on several holes, and the layout incorporates elevation changes modest by Texas standards but significant enough to add variety to shot-making. The design emphasizes strategic bunkering around greens and landing areas, typical of Palmer and Seay's collaborative work during this period. The Woodlands Country Club operates multiple courses and serves a private membership drawn from the surrounding residential community. The Palmer Course has hosted regional amateur competitions and serves as one of the club's championship layouts. The facility includes traditional clubhouse amenities and dining consistent with established private clubs in the Houston metropolitan area. The course has undergone periodic updates to maintain playing conditions and adapt to modern equipment, though the fundamental routing and design character remain rooted in the Palmer-Seay original. It represents a recognizable example of 1970s resort-community golf architecture in the southern United States.