By Larry Tucker
In 2016, a group of friends and neighbors banded together to save a unique destination that has become one of Texas’ premier golf courses—and it is located right here in Wood County! Those investors have made the Links at Land’s End a top golfing destination.
The course actually opened for play in 2000 with nine holes and added nine more in 2002. The course was designed by Williams, Gill & Associates. It is located just 80 miles east of Dallas, and many out-of-town guests drive the short journey to play a round or two at this highly acclaimed course.
Tom Keenan is the President of The Links at Land’s End and was one the initial investors along with 15 others. The course was originally put on the market in 2006 but could not sell. “I just wanted to save the club,” said Keenan. “There are 125 homes out here, and if it was going to go belly up, all we would have is a cow pasture. Our goal was simply to save it. We decided to have people around here put money into the project,” he added.
The neighborhood coalition currently owning the club bought the facilities and course in 2016. The number of investors now numbers 22 total. “We started out with 15 investors, and they were all members of the HOA. We have since added seven others, which brings us to the current number of 22,” Keenan noted.
The challenging course is secluded and scenic with 13 of the holes actually located right on Lake Fork. The layout of the course demands the golfer have considerable accuracy, but it also appeals to players of all levels. Keenan said, “Even though I’m the worst golfer at the club, it doesn’t keep me from playing!”
“It started as a nine-hole course in 2000 and completed as an 18-hole course in 2002,” he added. “The designers have created courses all over the nation, and we are very proud of the course we have today. It compares to any other course a person might be challenged to play.”
Although privately owned, The Links at Land’s End is also open to the public. It is not just a golf course, but also has a restaurant and a clubhouse where events from business meetings to weddings have been held. Lodging is also on site for golfers wanting to “stay and play.”
Jacky’s Pub
Jacky’s Pub Restaurant is quite the dining experience. It is named in honor of Jacky Cupit (PGA emeritus). Cupit was born in Longview and played on the PGA Tour from 1961 to 1973. The pub is open to the public and noted for its varied menu.
The pub offers appetizers and dinner entrees and is noted for its award-winning prime rib on Friday and Saturday evenings. The full bar has a wonderful wine selection and a large list of draught and bottled beers.
Cupit lives in Mineola, and he often frequents the Links at Land’s End, which allows him the opportunity to stay connected with the sport. “Jacky is an honorary member and will teach if we ask him to. He plays here virtually every day. Jacky told me one time that these are the best greens he has ever seen, and he has played all over the world,” Keenan admitted.
A Challenging Course
The Links at Land’s End course is designed along the shorelines of Lake Fork. It is a challenging par-71 for the 6,664-yard course. It offers spectacular views, along with an abundance of wildlife.
The five par-3 holes have strategically placed water hazards and sand bunkers. There are four par-5 holes with a combination of trees, sand bunkers, and water hazards, which call for accuracy. There are several par-4 holes, which offer risk / reward shots across a bevy of hazards.
Keenan is proud of the bunkers throughout the course. “Our bunkers are known as “Better Billy Bunkers,” and they were designed by the guy who was the greens keeper at Augusta. “They don’t even have this type of bunker at Augusta. He designed ours after he left there,” Keenan stated.
“We basically have rebuilt the club house and added many other things. It’s not fancy; it’s just a good, out-of-the-way destination we hope is enjoyed by the private members as well as the public. We put the lodges in and enjoy having the ‘Play and Stay’ packages for those who want a full experience.”
Outings at the Links
The golf course is the main attraction, but you can have a couple’s getaway, a social outing with friends, or a family golfing weekend. The “Play and Stay” packages are popular, and whether your plans are for a romantic getaway, corporate outing, or a large special event, your package will be designed to fit your specific needs. Packages include two days of unlimited golf and a one-night stay.
The popular “Turkey Shootout” is held in November prior to Thanksgiving. This year’s date was November 17. Golfers had a format of six holes scramble, six holes alternate shot, and six shots better ball. After playing, a Thanksgiving buffet was provided for all players. The public was also welcome to enjoy the buffet, which was served from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The cost was $160 for each two-person team.
The club holds many different tournaments, ranging from club championship to “Shirts and Skirts” champion. The course has also been the home to UIL high school district meets and is part of the Patriot Sporting Challenge, which raises funds for United States military veterans and first responders. The Patriot Sporting Challenge has donated more than $700,000 to support the cause.
The course is also the home to the annual Quitman Chamber of Commerce Tournament, held in early October. Also popular is the Thursday night scramble, which is open to the public.
Course Memberships
The club offers different categories of membership which include:
- Family golf membership
- Individual membership
- Corporate membership
- Non-resident golf membership (for those who live more than 50 miles away)
- Junior golf membership
Members receive unlimited golf, seven days a week, year-round. The course also offers no green fees, reduced rates for guests, unlimited use of the practice range, discounted daily cart fees, member discounts on food and merchandise, and reduced rates for lodge rooms and the pavilion.
The Links at Land’s End has grown through the years. “We now have 450 members. When you have that number of memberships, the golf course becomes sustainable,” Keenan said. “We are fortunate to be located on Lake Fork for its beauty. But unlike many courses which use lake water or city water for irrigation, we use our own wells. Our wells give us an abundant water source not subject to lake levels or water costs. This means we can keep the course in super shape.”
Contacts The Links at Land’s End is much more than just golf with Jacky’s Pub, a well-stocked pro shop, the pavilion and swimming pool, and the lodges for overnight stays. The club is located at 285 Wood County Private Road 5980. If you are interested in more information about the Links at Land’s End, call 903-383-3290 or 866-913-4110. Or visit the website at https://www.golflakefork.com.