Garden Valley Golf Resort

We moved to East Texas in 2005 and in the summer of that year, I discovered what some were calling the “Augusta National“ of East Texas.

17 years later, this course is barely a shell of its former self.

Fairways and roughs have been “plowed under“ by hogs that the course seems to be OK with because it has been this way for several months.

There is no longer a driving range. In preparation of houses that will be built on the course, that was shut down in 2021.

Due to that same subdivision plan, the ninth hole which was a very long, challenging par 4, has gone from what was a beautiful “risk/reward“ golf hole, to a drivable 260-280 yard after thought.

The course does not allow any outside coolers, but in my last three rounds, all of the water coolers were empty and there was no cart/beverage service.

Cracked cart paths, exposed roots and deep ruts throughout the course, standing water in bunkers that are filled with packed sand that resembles hitting off concrete, all contribute to this rating.

Why a 2-star vs 1-star?

This course has great bones to work with and if the owners are serious about revitalizing what was easily the flagship course in the Van Zandt/Smith County areas just a few years back, they have an amazing canvas to work with.

That being said, until they decide to put some of their hard earned money into rebuilding this course, I would strongly advise AGAINST spending any of your hard earned money to play this course.

Played here May 18, 2013. This course was bought along with many others by a lawyer group from Marshall, Texas. They have ruined this course. EXTREMELY poor maintenance. The clubhouse needs painting, the pro shop is a joke and they even put down the wrong date for our tee time. (Friday instead of Saturday) The fairways were NOT even mowed for Saturday play!!! The gardens of azaleas were not maintained anymore and it just basically looked like crap. The greens were hairy and had several dead spots. I do not understand why the putting green was punched and sanded, but not the rest of the course??? Save your money and go somewhere else around Tyler. Pine Dunes is a much better public venue.