When you’re at the top, there’s a misconception that the only place you can go is down.
However, Stuart Place just keeps setting the bar higher.
The 2,742-yard 9-hole par-36 golf course scored an ace in six of the seven categories in the annual Winter Texan Times Favorite Golf Course contest. Last year the quaint and pleasant course captured five of the seven categories.
It’s clear the golfers, and Winter Texans in general, love Stuart Place.
From Favorite Hole (No. 9) to Favorite Amenities and Favorite Menu Item (the Stuart Place all beef hot dog – with a cold beer running right behind in second), the course, open to the public, has turned the favorite course contest into a best golf experience with the complete package from the time a golfer enters the grounds until well after they’re home reminiscing about their day.
Winter Texans also made it clear that they loved so much more about the Harlingen course, as Stuart Place won Favorite Amenities, Favorite Putting Green, Favorite Pro Shop and Favorite 19th Hole. Voters were even more specific when they mentioned that customer service, friendly people and staff were all part of the amenities they so much loved.
Tony Butler, the city of Harlingen’s public course, won Favorite Driving Range. The range, which has more than 20 stations at each tee, is 300 yards long and, obviously, maintained for large numbers of golfers who want to hit a few balls before their round or just to take up an hour or so practicing.
“It’s completely grass, and we are constantly introducing new range balls to hit. Not a lot of places do that,” General Manager Jeff Hart said. “There are a lot of people who come out regularly to use it. We sand it often, so the divot holes heal much quicker.
“The course is easily accessible where we are located, and Winter Texans are our lifeline when they come to play and practice here.”
From the first to the last impression, Stuart Place has upped its game every year. It seems like just a few years ago, they were known as “that other course” in Harlingen. Now, they are “The Course in Harlingen,” where fun, laughter and a golf course that challenges all skills come together for what Winter Texans have said is their favorite golf course with the greatest golfing experience.
And don’t forget to grab a scrumptious hot dog and icy cold beverage while you're there.