Maybe at one point in someone’s recent memory, Stuart Place Country Club in Harlingen was probably considered “Little Stuart.”
Now, it’s a golf giant. Underdog, or diamond in the rough, be gone. The secret is out and well-known.
Golfers, and probably several non-golfers, declared that the 9-hole course was their favorite course across the Valley during the Winter Texan Times annual Favorite Winter Texan Golf Course contest.
The par-36 course plays approximately 2,600 yards, is walkable and has enough challenges to give golfers at any level some risk and reward opportunities.
Read more: Stuart Place Country Club: Everybody knows it’s name
It’s starting to feel like spring, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the South Texas climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite golf courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.
This year, we wanted to delve into the history of our Valley golf courses. We hope you enjoy this bit of history and learning about the courses you visit and love. For the next three weeks we will feature a different part of the Valley. This week we will feature the Lower Valley golf courses.
You have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, to vote for your favorite golf course in each Valley region, and your overall favorite. If you have any words to share about your favorite, or what you like about the Valley golf courses, be sure to email us at news@wintertexantimes.com. You can find the ballot in this issue, or online at www.wintertexantimes.com.
Read more: Upper Valley contains some of the Valley’s oldest courses
It’s starting to feel like spring, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year-round in the South Texas climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite gold courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.
This year, we wanted to delve into the history of our Valley golf courses. We hope you enjoy this bit of history and learning about the courses you visit and love. For the next three weeks we will feature a different part of the Valley. This week we will feature the Mid Valley golf courses.
Read more: Rio Grande Valley golf courses steeped in rich history
It’s almost spring, and for us, that means golf – even if you can play it nearly year round in the South Texas climate. Each spring we ask our readers to vote for their favorite gold courses. The Valley has many courses to choose from, and Winter Texans seem to try to catch them all while visiting the Valley.
This year, we wanted to delve into the history of our Valley golf courses. We hope you enjoy this bit of history and learning about the courses you visit and love. For the next three weeks we will feature a different part of the Valley. This week we will feature the Lower Valley gold courses.
Valley International Country Club
Golf in the Rio Grande Valley has a long tradition, tracing back to the mid-1840s when it is reported that soldiers from Fort Brown introduced the sport to what was then known as Brownsville Country Club – now named Valley International Country Club.
Over the years, the sport grew and the names to graze VICC included not just the best from the Valley, such as Al Escalante and Tony Butler, but also Jimmy Demaret and Hall-of-Famer Ben Hogan.
In the 1930s, the city and VICC hosted a driving contest. “It was an era when Brownsville was coming up in the golfing world. The game was so popular that the city had its own practice driving range located across the street from “The Terrace,” a miniature golf course on the main street of the city, West Elizabeth,” wrote Rene Torres in the Port Isabel Press.
Read more: Rio Grande Valley golf courses steeped in rich history
It is that time of year again. It is time to vote for your favorite golf course. We do this every Spring, when the weather is just right to get out on the courses again.
You have three weeks to let us know what your favorite golf course is.
By filling out the survey, you could win free rounds of golf and other prizes. You can fill out the form in today’s edition of the Winter Texan Times (or the next two issues) or fill out the form online at www.wintertexantimes.com. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15.
Read more: Golf Survey Begins
Ballots for the Valley Star Awards are rolling in. If you want to make sure your voice is heard, you need to vote for your favorite Wintertainers™. This year’s categories are Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Duet Musical Group of the Year, Vocal Group or Choir of the Year, Individual or Small Band Act of the Year, Novelty, Comedy, or Variety of the Year, Rock N Roll Band of the Year, and Country Band of the Year. There is also the coveted prize of Entertainer/Group of the Year. This award is for your top favorite and can be anyone.
Nominees for the categories include Curt James, Diego, Rick McEwen, Rusty Rierson; Brenda Coin, Elaine Nelson Show, Naomi Bristow, Ruthi; Dale & Gayle, Diego & Edith; Spittin’ Image; Ambassadors of Grace, Men of A Chord, Razz Ma Tazz, Senior Ambassadors; Helen Russell & Co., Jason Whorlow, Kai, Ron Moshier; Castaway, Festus Lives Comedy Show, Pat Davison & Tess, Redneck Revival; Cruisers, Night Howlers, Renaissance Rockers, Rte 66; Baker Family, Goldwing Express, Lindley Creek, and Steven May & Southern Knights.
Read more: One week left to cast your ballot for your favorites
Be ready to have some laughs at this year’s Valley Star Awards set for Wednesday, February 15th. This year’s show will include Redneck Revival – a duo that is bound to bring some bustling laughter to the crowd.
The Piano Man – Jason Whorlow – joins this year’s Valley Star Awards stage lineup.
Armed with two guitars and an old suitcase drum, to say this Americana duo is greater than the sum of their parts would be a vast understatement. Winnie Brave has been hailed as one of Alberta’s best kept secrets. Known for their dynamic and energetic shows, Winnie Brave is a sonic force to be reckoned with.
Regan James has been in the Rio Grande Valley for about 11 years and is attracting attention at different venues with his high energy, great entertainment and music. Regan James (Swedeen) lives in Minnesota with his wife Char in the summer months and has made his home in the Valley since 2013 in the wintertime.
