Today@Sam Article
Raven Nest Ranked Among State's Best Golf Courses
June 26, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton
SHSU Golf Course named to “Best Economy Courses” list by Dallas Morning News
While this newest ranking will come as no surprise to locals, recognition continues to spread statewide for Sam Houston State University’s Raven Nest golf course, which was recently recognized in the Top 25 Economy Courses in Texas by The Dallas Morning News.
The Bearkats home course was ranked one of the best value rounds in Texas, coming in at No. 11 for rounds that cost less than $49 to play.
“We are honestly very proud of the facility and we like the fact that we are ranked as a great value,” said Rich Ballinger, SHSU PGA Golf Management Program Director. “I think it brings great prestige to the University and the area.”
Ballinger says news like this solidifies their purpose for serving the Huntsville area. Raven Nest is host to SHSU’s golf teams, SHSU’s PGA golf management program, the Huntsville High School golf teams and the Alpha Omega Academy.
“We feel like we really do our part to serve the community,” said Ballinger. “We always want to do our part to grow the game in our area by hosting as many people and groups that want to play the game.”
In 2017, Raven Nest was ranked No. 16 on the same list. Ballinger says he is proud of the continued climb in value.
“This course is in great shape and the University is proud to keep it in such good condition, and the cost is only $37 at its peak on weekends,” said Ballinger. “You would have a hard time finding a better value than Raven Nest when it comes to layout and course conditions at that price, we are really proud of it.”
Currently the course is going through renovations and has limited rounds over the summer. However, since only nine holes are closed at a time, the work has not interrupted playability.
“Erosion issues around a creek that meanders through the golf course has caused us to undergo some work,” said Ballinger. “We currently have the front nine back open now but will be continuing these repairs throughout the summer.”
Courses across the state were rated by seven panel members, and the dollar values were pulled from what it costs to play on a Saturday with both a green fee and cart. Raven Nest’s cost for this type of round is just $37. Currently there is also a summer special available, that deal includes a cart and green fee during weekday rounds for only $23.
You can see the complete list from the DMN here: https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/other-sports/golf/2018/05/13/top-25-economy-golf-courses-texas-49-ranked-2018
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