Shadow Hills Golf Course, Lubbock, TX

Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock, Texas is a friendly, laid back 18-hole Par 72 golf course. It has plenty of variety to keep the round interesting - including 2 holes over 500 yards (from the Champion’s Tee) and a few par 3 holes under 200 yards.

Shadow Hills is a moderately difficult golf course. You’ll need a strong long game to master this course, since 14 out of the 18 holes are over 300 yards (from the Champion’s Tee.) Bring a range of clubs (like your #3 and #4 hybrids) to make it easier to get through the longer holes. If you’re looking for a more challenging round, play the front 9 instead of the back 9 (although they are working to improve the back 9 so that it’s more difficult.)

This golf course is generally flat and open, which is great for beginner golfers or golfers that tend to fade or hook the ball. There are a few trees and two lakes that add some difficulty. The fairway is usually well maintained, but the grass can get a bit long and wet during certain times of the year. Bring a full range of iron clubs to give yourself options in more challenging conditions, plus plenty of balls since you’re bound to lose a few in the water.

Watch out for the water features on holes #4 and #11, as well as strong Texas winds throughout the course (especially noticeable on the Par 5’s.) Hole #6 is the most scenic, with a nice view of the lakes and trees (this is the perfect spot for a photo.) You’ll find trees scattered throughout the course, but no thick brush or dense treelines.

Here’s a few tips to help you enjoy your round. It can get a bit crowded here, since Shadow Hills is one of the most popular public courses in Lubbock. Since pace of play can be a problem, don’t hesitate to ask a slower group of golfers if you can play through. Marshalls can be hard to come by on this course.

Book a tee time at the beginning or the end of the day to really enjoy the course. It’s open from sunrise to dusk, 364 days a year. This course also has a driving range to warm up at and a clubhouse featuring Birdie’s Diner (although the service here can also be a bit slow.) Give yourself a bit of extra time to enjoy your round at Shadow Hills, and you should be fine.