Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Whispering Pines Golf Club
Whispering Pines Golf Club
1532 Whispering Pines Dr
Trinity, TX 75862-7100
United States
Overview
Corby Robertson, who made a fortune in coal reserves, staked out the Whispering Pines course in the early 1990s, then brought Texas-based golf architect Chet Williams (at the time a design associate of Jack Nicklaus) to help him create strategies through bunkering and green contours. Williams refined the rough-hewn routing cut through east Texas piney woods into a dazzling romp across a gently rolling landscape, culminating in a final six-hole stretch along gator-infested Caney Creek and the headwaters of Lake Livingston. The club continues to make renovations, which have included tweaking greens, moving tee boxes and replacing its fairways with zoysia grass, which resulted in a No. 66 ranking on our America's 100 Greatest list.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
Previous ranking: 51st (highest).
2025-'26 ranking: 66th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in Texas since 2013.
2025-'26 ranking: 1st since 2013.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Strong layout variety and decision making starts right off the 1st tee par 4 dogleg left. Emphasis on conditioning and tight lies. Large undulations and runoffs with true roll. Interestingly we found there was no prevailing wind. Extremely unique island green on the par 3 hole #15 over the Trinity River."
Read More2025
Review
“Strong layout variety and decision making starts right off the 1st tee par 4 dogleg left. Emphasis on conditioning and tight lies. Large undulations and runoffs with true roll. Interestingly we found there was no prevailing wind. Extremely unique island green on the par 3 hole #15 over the Trinity River."
Read More2025
Review
“Very special round of golf. Be prepared! This is a great golf course highlighted by it's layout variety. Each and every golf hole fits in the overall scheme but is unique and asks different questions for the golfer to answer throughout their round. It might be a shorter par four or length on the next hole. Could be waste bunkers down an entire hole and then no bunkers on the next one. Could be a long shot that you can run onto the putting surface or an island green where you must fly the ball to the pin! The number of ways to play the #14 hole is so rewarding to watch the risk / reward play out. Such a treat!"
Read More2025
Review
“The property has a calm, secluded feel to it, and the design makes the most of the terrain without ever feeling forced. The holes flow naturally, with a really strong variety in length, direction, and strategy. Shot values are high throughout. You’re asked to hit precise approaches into well-defended greens, and the way the wind plays through the property adds an extra layer of complexity. What I appreciated most was how balanced it all felt. It never tries too hard to impress you, but it keeps your attention from the first tee to the final putt. The conditioning was excellent when I played — greens rolled true, fairways were tight, and everything felt dialed in. Visually, the course has a quiet beauty to it. There’s nothing overdone, but the setting feels peaceful and intentional."
Read More2025
Review
“Challenging but straightforward fair course, with dynamic routing that incorporates natural features of creeks, tree lined fairways and good mix of varied length in holes. While driver is the easy pull on just about every tee, retrospective look around the course gives considerably more shot options off the tee to find a safer play, but if enjoying risk/reward, this course has plenty of those shots where taking on the dangerous line will provide substantially shorter approaches. Greens were generally receptive and of considerable size offering a lot of hole locations on fairly undulating greens."
Read More2025
Review
“Challenging but straightforward fair course, with dynamic routing that incorporates natural features of creeks, tree lined fairways and good mix of varied length in holes. While driver is the easy pull on just about every tee, retrospective look around the course gives considerably more shot options off the tee to find a safer play, but if enjoying risk/reward, this course has plenty of those shots where taking on the dangerous line will provide substantially shorter approaches. Greens were generally receptive and of considerable size offering a lot of hole locations on fairly undulating greens."
Read More2025
Review
“One of the best in the state of Texas. Great layout variety mixed with great conditioning in a tough weather area of Texas. Many shot options for golfers to be aggressive or play for position. A fun golf experience that leads the pack in Texas golf design and enjoyment."
Read More2025
Review
“A great experience and fun course to play."
Read More2024
Review
“As good as it gets, if you are able to get it. Never, ever, ever say no if you get the invitation to play Whispering Pines."
Read More2023
Review
“Great variety of holes, excited to see what the next hole presents. Par 3s all vary and an awesome #16 island green. Water comes into play and affects shot options and strategy. Green complexes challenging and quick. Great scenic views that do not feel like Texas."
Read More2023
