More than 165 golf courses—many designed by leading architects—and a mild winter climate make Houston a prime destination for golfers. Challenging play, eye-catching views and lush landscaping draw rising stars and professionals.

In the Uptown area, hit the 600-acre greens at Memorial Park. Wide fairways, mature pines, and a few water features allow the less-experienced golfer to get in on the action. Recognized as one of the best municipal courses in the nation, Memorial Park offers more than 60,000 annual patrons a lighted driving range, putting and chipping greens, and a golf museum.

Inside the Beltway, in north Houston is the Tournament Course at Redstone Golf Club, where top players compete each year at the Shell Houston Open. Designed by architect Rees Jones and PGA Tour pro David Toms, the course is nestled among tall East Texas pines and native wetlands.

In nearby Spring, architect Keith Foster designed the award-winning, 26-hole Cypresswood course amid thick forests and rolling fairways. Set 20 minutes from Bush Intercontinental Airport, the public course offers a challenging and exciting experience on 800 acres of dramatic topography.

Further north, in The Woodlands, two championship golf courses enable golfers of all skill levels a chance to play, too. Try Panther Trail or The Oaks Course for challenging elevations, tree-lined fairways and water elements.

Have time for only one round? Visit Tour 18. This 6,782-yard, par-72 course pays homage to the storied greens of golf. Among the replicas are game-changing holes like Amen Corner, Sawgrass and Doral that allow the rest of us to play like the pros.

West of the city, in the Katy area, BlackHorse Golf Course continues to wow patrons with its two 18-hole championship courses carved into a lush mix of lakes, wetlands, and towering trees. Six sets of tees make it an enjoyable and challenging course for players of all skill levels.