Katy's Kid-Friendly Country Clubs - Social Events Bring Katy Families Together

With plenty of activities for the whole family, golf and country clubs are not just for golf anymore. They bring kids of all ages and their parents together for sports, food, and fun. Most are private, for members only, but even the face of private clubs is changing. Members have children and want a safe place with a wide range of fun activities to supplement the standard tennis and golf. Check out these local clubs close to home.

Willow Fork Country Club*
21055 Westheimer Parkway
Katy, Texas 77450
281-579-6262
www.willowforktennisshop.com

A Fun Social Calendar with Families in Mind
A private club, with membership by invitation only, Willow Fork is owned and operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. "Family activities are the area that we excel in," says Carrie Otto, Director of Membership. " In our social calendar, we really cater to Katy demographics. We have the best activities, and we are very welcoming and culturally diverse."

For adults, the social calendar includes such favorite events as Tennis Margarita Nights, Sneakers & Cleats, Happy Hour, Ladies' Night Out, Wine Dinners, and more. Even the kids have a full calendar of events, including Kid's Mad Science Party, Kid's Cooking Night, Chicken Little Story Time, and summer day camps. Often the kids' events coincide with an adult event, encouraging the entire family to spend time at the club.

As a golf club, Willow Fork offers a highly rated course and a full range of golf events. Men's, Women's, and Senior's Golf Associations as well as Junior Golf Camps and Clinics just scratch the surface.

Other amenities at the club include tennis events and classes, a fitness room, swimming pool,
and of course the clubhouse with restaurant, ballroom, and party rooms for private parties
and special events.

"With all of our activities, a membership pays for itself," says Otto. Golf, Tennis, and Social memberships are available, with a current wait list of about two weeks. Associate Members have limited golf privileges while on the wait list, and club dues vary depending on the type of membership desired. Willow Fork is also known for it's fantastic summer day camp that's open to kids in the community ages 5-12.

The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch
23030 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, Texas 77450
281-395-7858
www.golfclubatcincoranch.com

A Public Course with a Range of Activities
One of the few public golf courses in the Katy area, The Golf Club at Cinco
Ranch offers a full range of golf facilities as well as a restaurant that is open for lunch daily and an excellent space in which to host events. Karl Ludeke, Head Golf Professional and General Manager, explains why Cinco Ranch Golf Club is so special. "The quality of the golf course and the quality of the experience is a pretty good value," says Karl. "We have one of the biggest practice areas in the state." With Men's, Women's, and Senior's Golf Associations, Junior lessons, clinics, and camps, and one of the best practice areas in the state, golfers at any level can benefit. The Golf Club offers a player development program that allows players unlimited golf practice and 7 clinics a week starting at $36.
Catered events such as weddings, showers, business meetings can be held at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch. Local organizations host charity events at the Golf Club, which helped raise an estimated $2.5 million last year.

The Club at Falcon Point
24503 Falcon Point Drive
Katy, Texas 77494
281-392-7888
www.falconpoint.com

Newly Renovated and Geared for the Family
Conveniently located in the heart of Katy near Grand Parkway and I-10 is The Club at Falcon Point, an 18-hole private country club. The club, which recently celebrated its 21st anniversary, underwent a major course renovation in 2005 and has much to offer families in the Katy area.

Opportunities for golf at Falcon Point are available to all ages and skill levels. Various events and tournaments are planned for men, "Drills, Drinks and Divots" for the lady golfers, and Junior Golf Camps for the younger set are available.

General Manager Everrett Butler noted that as Katy has grown since the club was founded, "our demographics are changing." Long gone are the days when the club was geared mostly toward men. In fact, Falcon Point has recently partnered with ClubCorp to broaden its activities to all family members. "We're trying to offer more events for the kids, for the families," says Butler.

It's not just golf at The Club at Falcon Point. Other amenities include five tennis courts and a junior Olympic size pool-perfect for a luau or pool party. Tennis clinics and a Junior Tennis Academy are regularly scheduled. Also, frequent "Dinner and a Movie Kid's Nights" are planned to correspond with an adult event on site in an effort to offer something for everyone in the family.

The clubhouse boasts several dining rooms with a mixed grill offering lunch and dinner options on various days. Social and golf memberships are not limited to residents of the Falcon Point subdivision. Club dues vary depending on the type of membership desired.

Weston Lakes Country Club*
32611 FM 1093
Fulshear, Texas 77441
281-346-1412
www.wlakes.com

A Hidden Treasure Just Ten Minutes Away
In the nearby town of Fulshear, 10 minutes west of the Grand Parkway, Weston Lakes Country Club is nestled near the scenic Brazos River. This private membership club was built in 1986 and is part of the 1,400 acre master-planned community of Weston Lakes. It's worth the short drive to see this club that Vice President and General Manager, Steve Reichardt, calls "one of the best kept secrets" in the area.

The 18-hole course is a challenging one, admits Reichardt, but "it's one you can play every day and it doesn't beat you up." In May, the club hosts a Member-Guest golf tournament, and the club championship is held in October. Members of all ages can enjoy what Weston Lakes has to offer. Junior golf camps taught by golf pro Ross Bartschy are offered for children ages 8-16 each summer. For the ladies, Weston Lakes has active Bridge, Bingo and Bunco Clubs, a Christian Women's group and a Garden Club.

The Weston Lakes Women's Association hosts several events each year including a Gala and Auction held each fall, while the men's Rod and Gun club hosts a wild game dinner annually.

In addition, Weston Lakes has tennis courts and two swimming pools. Residents and members can fish the stocked fishing lake, Pecan Lake, which weaves gently through the property. Members can also celebrate year round at the club with Weston Lakes' Easter Egg Hunt in the spring, a 4th of July Extravaganza complete with a parade, and Brunch with Santa in December. Social and Golf memberships are available to both residents and non-residents of

Weston Lakes with membership fees depending on the type of membership desired. Reichardt, says Weston Lakes members feel that it's more than just a golf course- it's actually a community center for them.

Whatever your needs, you have plenty of options in and around Katy. Consider the activities that are most important to your family and then join the fun!

Katy Country Club Activities
Open to the Community

Willow Fork Country Club

Willow Fork Swim Team
Open registration, with priority given to Willow Fork Country Club members.
For information, check out their website: www.willowforkgators.com.

Camp Willow Fork (ages 6 and up)
Kids get exposure to golf, tennis, karate, and recreational swimming. Call 281-579-6262 for information.

Summer Tennis Camp (ages 7 and up)
Offering a full range of instruction, kids will receive 5 days of instruction, drills, games, and tournament play. Video analysis will help students visualize correct stroke production.

The Club at Falcon Point

Camp Falcon Point (Pre-K through 12 years) Activities will include swimming, golf, martial arts, yoga, theme days and field trips. Register for one week at a time by calling 281-392-7888.

The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch

Easter Buffet

April 16, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.*
An elaborate buffet to celebrate Easter! Cost is $21.95 for adults, children 6-11 are $8.95 and kids 5 and under eat free.

Mother's Day Buffet
May 14, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.*

An elaborate buffet to celebrate Mom's Day! Cost is $21.95 for adults, children 6-11 are $8.95 and kids 5 and under eat free. *Call 281-395-7858 for reservations (required).

Pamela Hammel is a Katy-based freelance writer with three young sons. A native Texan and Houstonian, she enjoys writing about life in Katy.

Peggy Loch lives in Katy with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading, rooting for the Astros and eating M&Ms.