Howling Trails Golf Course - Holes 10 to 18

Review and Rating of Howling Trails Holes 10 to 18 in Mission, Texas

Howling Trails, which was previously known as Martin Valley, is home to 27 holes named 1 to 9, 10 to 18, and 19 to 27.  Each of the nines are very similar – flat terrain, side by side holes, and below average conditions – but the rates are only $20 per nine which includes a cart.  Here is a link to our review of 1 thru 9 and 19 thru 27.

In 2016, several holes were re-routed to make room for a new waterpark.  The waterpark also got most of the funds which had a significant impact on conditions at Howling Trails.  However, some dollars are freeing up in 2018 which will be used for new irrigation and other improvements. 

Howling Trails 10 to 18 is a par 36 with 3 tee boxes and yardages ranging from 2521 to 3172 – short by today's standards.  This nine also has 3 par 3s, 3 par 5s, and 3 par 4s.  The course is very traditional and straight-forward with the pin in view from most of the tee boxes, not a lot of trouble to contend with (2 bunkers and 4 water holes), and ample tree-lined fairways – which means if you're playing ok you should have a low scoring and relaxing round.  Except for the wind which can cause some big problems. 

A couple of the holes that we liked included:

• #16 is a 511-yard par 5 and the #1 handicap hole thanks to a slight dog-leg right, a pond on the left at 150 yards out that stretches to a raised back to front sloping small oval green
• #17 was fun – a slight dog-leg left 495-yard par 5

The greens at Howling Hills 10 to 18 were in pretty good shape – dormant but over-seeded with winter rye.  They range in size from average to small, have little to no undulation but some minor slope, they hold the ball well, and run true.  They are a little slow. 

The fairways are flat and very firm (lots of extra roll you need to plan for), generally ample, and lined by a few trees.  Other fairways line at least one side or both sides of each of the fairways – the good news is if you spray the ball you'll most likely have an easy recovery shot from the other fairway.  Due to funding, lots of play, dormant conditions, a freeze, a drought, and irrigation problems the fairways were in pretty poor condition with lots of bare and dirt spots.  The conditions on the other two nines seemed a little better. 

Bottom Line – not the best of conditions but the rates are low and the course is very playable for all skill levels – you should have a good fun round.