Brownsville Golf and Recreation Center

Brownsville Golf Center Review and Rating

Brownsville Golf Center opened for play in the 1970's and in 1999 the City of Brownsville took over the management and operation of the course.  According to some members that we talked to, the condition of the course deteriorated but over the last couple years (2015 and 2016) the course conditions have improved 200%!  And the staff seems commited to continued improvements. 

The front nine of Brownsville Golf Center is a par 34 with three par 3s, a par 5, and 5 par 4s.  This nine is short at 2306 to 2765 yards with three tee boxes.  But it's no walk in the park – the greens are raised, there is water on all nine holes, the 10 grass bunkers can be troublesome, the fairways are a little tight, and approach shots need to be precise.  And the wind can cause lots of trouble.   We liked:

• #3 is a 450 yard par 4 with a tough tee shot from the tips (water to carry and trees left and right pinch the fairway forcing you to fly them or tread the narrow slot between them) and there is water down the entire left side of the fairway
• #4 has water down the entire left side of this 340 yard par 4 plus a tough approach thanks to water cutting into the left side of the fairway in front of the green and a couple trees that can block you shot to the green if you come in low and left

The back nine at Brownsvill Golf Center is a par 36, longer at 2785 to 3379 yards, has water on all nine holes, the fairways are wider, and the greens seemed a littler harder.  On this side our favorite holes included:

• #16 is a challenging 403 yard par 4 (#2 handicap) with a tight fairway off the tee box thanks to out of bounds on the left and water on the right along the first half of the fairway, a dog leg left, and a tough approach to a raised green with water on the left and right side
• #18 is a fun finishing hole with water where the ends and dog legs left and it's 601 yards long with more water close to the green on the right

When we played in January 2017 the fairways were ok with several bare spots.  The grass is thin and firm providing extra roll.  Most of the fairways at Brownsville Golf Center are tight to ample.  The rough was cut playable and also had several bare/dirt spots. Most of the fairways are lined by homes on one side and the backyards can come into play.

The greens were in pretty good shape – a coupls had some minor damage but nothing that would impact putting.  They are about average size, a variety of shapes, and most are raised.  You'll encounter some some and minor undulation.  The held the ball well, ran true, and were running around 9 when we played. 

There are no sand bunkers – hurray!  But there are several grass bunkers, most of them around the greens.  The grass is  a little thicker than the rough and lips range from 6 inches to 2 feet or so. 

Bottom line – well worth playing if you're in Brownsville – the rates are unbelievable, the conditions are getting better, and there are some fun and challenging holes.