Lake Fork Golf Course

Voted as the “Most Improved Golf Course in East Texas” by East Texas Golf Association, Lake Fork Golf Course offers golfers an enjoyable and relaxing round of golf. Over the last four years, the new Lake Fork Golf Course owners, Larry and Paula Knecht have invested a significant chunk of change and time to make a number of improvements and they are continuing to invest in the course to make it one of the best in East Texas.

Lake Fork Golf Course was a nursery and one of the improvements was to remove a huge number of trees to open the fairways, but you’ll still find some narrow slots off the tee box, some tight approaches, and over 4000 trees scattered throughout the course. Consider spending some time before you head out on your “under the trees shots” – you’ll need it. When we played in early March, the course was still dormant but in a few months the Lake Fork Golf Course will be beautiful with hundreds of crepe myrtles and dogwoods adding color and complimenting the beauty of trees, greens, and ponds.

The front nine fairways are flat with berms/mounds and trees along the side, fairly straight, and in about average condition. The front nine is short at 2781 from the tips and par is only 35. With no traps, a little bit of water, and a couple tight shots on the front, there’s really nothing to prohibit you from scoring well and having a very good round. Lake Fork will be a lot easier on the second round when you know where to place your drive to avoid the fairway tree on #3 and figure out a way to conquer #2. If you’re not a power hitter, the par 3 207 yard 2nd hole might present a problem – it requires a precise drive of at least 185 to carry the pond. Short hitters will be forced to head right to get around the water which then presents tree problems on the second shot – but you’ll stay dry and have a shot at par!

The back nine is a little tougher and much more fun with some dogs, more water, and plenty of trees to contend with. This nine is also short at 2950 from the tips and it has 3 par 5s for a par of 37. One of the new improvements is to add some additional yards and a new to at least one of the holes where the tee box will be moved back and you’ll need to carry a pond on your drive. Number 11 is a fun hole where you must fly a valley for a precise landing to avoid the trees and to give you a shot at the dog leg right green. And we really liked the par 5 #13 – a big dog leg left where long drivers might try a high risk reward shot to fly the fence and trees to shorten the 463 yards to the green, but miss and you’ll find it hard to par. For the non-long hitters, the drive needs to veer right but avoid the trees – too long and you’re wet or under the trees on the other side of the fairway. Then you’ve got a 200 yard shot to a green protected by water in the front and OB on the back side.

When we played in March, the greens were is pretty good shape, seemed a little smaller than average, a tad fast, and had some slope. They seemed true but a little hard to read.

The staff is really friendly and helpful. The new head pro, Mark Kast, seems very committed to making Lake Fork Golf Course a premier course with a family friendly atmosphere where players of all skill levels can have enjoyable round. Lake Fork Golf Course is a bargain to start with and even better if you play on Saturday between 11 and 2 – you’ll get a free burger and chips! Check them out!