Texas Golf Insider Spring 2014

Golf Insider TEXAS

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Eagle Pointe Golf Club and Recreational Complex STPGA Foundation Pro Am - April 21

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Spring 2014

STPGA

Foundation Pro-Am Eagle Pointe Golf Club

APRIL 21

Player / sponsorship information,

CALL (281) 385-6666

TURNING REALTY TO REALITY We can help you find your country home, business or farm & ranch property west of Houston. Listings are centrally located between Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

Darrell Grafe, Realtor (979) 732-1850

darrell@TexasStarRealty.com 903 Walnut St., Columbus, Texas 78934

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Contents 6

Cover Story

Eagle Pointe is the Hidden Gem in the Piney Woods!

3 WELCOME How to contact us, plus download the Texas Golf Insider Magazine to your iPhone using a special QR code tag FROM THE PUBLISHER Visit TheTexasGolfInsider.com to keep up with local news and events

16 WINE & REST

A list of Wineries and Bed & Breakfasts on the Bluebonnet Trail.

Cover:

Eagle Ponte Golf Club and Recreational Complex continues to elevate the game

Follow Us

18 SHELL HOUSTON OPEN A preview of the 2014 Shell Houston Open to be held at the Golf Club of Houston on April 3-6

MAP & DIRECTORIES 20 MAP 21 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY 22 GENERAL DIRECTORY

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18

REGIONS SAN ANTONIO, HILL COUNTRY & AUSTIN 30 38 64 66 67

FORESIGHT GOLF FAMILY STAR RANCH’S ALL INCLUSIVE DEALS GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS COURSE DIRECTORY

TEXAS

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

4

FROMTHE THE EDITOR EDITOR FROM

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine Texas

GOLF INSIDER P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher Central Texas Area Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Melanie Grafe Houston Regional Publisher: Office: 979-732-1909 melanie@thetexasgolfinsider.com Contributing Writers: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel, Ava Blair Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay & HHPhoto.com Web Project Manager: Marcede Pullen CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 750,000 readers.

3 ANNUAL EDITIONS DISTRIBUTION Throughout Central Texas, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Greater Houston at Golf Courses, Welcome Centers, Golf Shows, Golf Retail Stores and more.

Copyright ©2013 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information.

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Welcome to our spring issue.

Evidence shows the old “stick” and “ball” game was played as early as 1297. It has gone from 22 holes to 11 then 9 and 18. Golf has changed the way we conduct business, meet new people and stay fit. If you are looking to add golf to yours or your child’s lifestyle, this issue is a great resource to help you begin. Two great teachers that offer player development programs for all player types are Jeff Strong at Eagle Pointe Golf Club (p.6) or David Pilsner at Timber Creek Golf Club (p. 14).

If you’re looking to plan an event, many of the courses listed inside specialize in group events- golf tournaments, business meetings and special events.

Our Cover Story Eagle Pointe Golf Club, celebrates 15 years of providing superb golf and customer service in the growing city of Mont Belvieu, just east of Houston.

Elevation, continued improvements and enthusiasm that permeates the facility are just a few key elements why golfers enjoy coming out to Eagle Pointe Golf Club. Eagle Pointe brings a different level of conducting business on and off the course, and they are the only golf course in the area with a Wave Pool.

With many tournaments on the schedule this spring, one that has continued to be a success for junior golfers is the STPGA Foundation Pro-Am that will be held at Eagle Pointe GC on April 21. If you are interested in playing or being a sponsor, turn to page 12. The Shell Houston Open will be held March 31-April 6 at the The Golf Club of Houston, formally Redstone.

Enjoy the warm days ahead.

Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher

Melanie Grafe Regional Houston Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

5

Art Stricklin

One of the foremost experts on golf history and travel in Texas, Stricklin has written a total of seven books and has personally played at a majority of the state’s 800 golf courses. Stricklin graduated from Baylor in 1983 and then spent more than a decade working for newspapers throughout Texas, including three years as the golf writer for the San Antonio ExpressNews.

Steve Habel

Steve Habel is a national correspondent for Cybergolf, managing editor for Texas CEO Magazine and works as a contributing editor for Horns Illustrated magazine, a publication focusing on University of Texas sports.

Habel also writes two golf blogs and works as the media coordinator for Hall of Fame player and golf architect Tom Kite, architect Jeff Brauer and the City of Arlington’s golf division. Habel is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America as well as the Texas Golf Writers Association.

TEXAS

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COVER STORY

Eagle Pointe is

Houston’s Hidden Gem

By Art Stricklin

Year after Year, this golf complex in the Pines of Southeast Texas exceeds their customer’s expectations in golf, business and family fun.

Nestled in a scenic forest of pine trees, full of progress and possibilities, the hidden gem of the Eagle Pointe Golf Club and Recreation Complex grows as a calm and challenging alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Houston golf scene.

Located less than 35 minutes from the concrete canyons of downtown Houston, off I-10 in the once tiny, now growing town of Mont Belvieu, the forested facility combines great public golf, and a varied recreation complex with indoor swimming, plus a wave TheTexasGolfInsider.com

pool and a few homesites for those who want to make area their full-time headquarters.

But what makes Eagle Pointe truly special among golfers and visitors is the combination of course elevation changes rarely seen in the Houston area, prime course condition with a mid-price green fees, a growing nearby city, plus the site for current and future championship golf events.

“This is one of the great layouts in the Houston area for public golf,” said Jeff Strong, the complex General Manager

COVER STORY

7

in the Piney Woods

and Director of Operations, who has overseen the golf department since the course first opened in 1999.

Strong has worked in others places in the area, but has found Eagle Pointe a unique and inviting destination.

“It’s a great place to take buddies for the weekend or come work on your game or play on your own.”

The par 71 course meanders along through the towering pine trees, while you’ll find the ground will rise or fall as much as 40 feet, certainly rare in the Houston and Southeast Texas. Designed by noted Texas architect Rick Forester, the course is the pride of the Mont Belvieu community and holds a top ranking in the Houston area.

Strong said the key to the continued improvement at Eagle Pointe is that we feel it is important to take care of the course which benefits the golfers.

“The golf course is the reason people come to see us,” he said. “It is the reason we keep it in good condition.

Our goal is to beat our customer’s expectations and be in better condition than our competition.”

Among the holes which were lengthened and strengthened over the past couple of years were the No. 4 hole which was lengthened to 420 yards from the back tees, No. 5 upgraded to 430 yards, No. 6 going 450 yards, the par 3 eighth, which will be lengthened to 220 yards and the 13th hole went to 415 yards.

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8

COVER STORY

It was quite an upgrade to the course which already featured plenty of trees, sand and some water on the course. In addition, the greens received a similar, if more subtle upgrade.

Our philosophy on greens maintenance is that we walk mow the Flora Dwarf greens to promote a more consistent roll by maintaining a tighter cutting height than a riding mower can produce. Again exceeding our customers’ expectations and producing the best green possible for our guests.

“We just have better greens plus the rolling terrain which can drop as much as 40 feet from tee to green, which is very unlike most of Houston with lots of trees and scenery. There is a lot to like here with more people discovering it all the time,” Strong said.

Among the next improvements at Eagle Pointe is an aggressive aerating, and top dressing of all the fairways to promote solid growth and ensure a better playing surface for all members and guests.

“It’s already made a huge difference in the course and it will only continue to get better,’ said the Class A PGA Pro. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Head Pro Chip Craig is a life member of the PGA and an STPGA player of the year and has over 20 years of teaching experience. He works with the Player Development Program along with the growing junior program.

The professional instructors at Eagle Pointe, led by Strong, and the Eagle Pointe Golf Club Staff, can provide players with the type of individual attention that yields results.

The staff of PGA pros works with players of all skill levels, from the beginning student to the seasoned low-handicap golfer. Players can decide the subject matter of your lesson: putting, chipping, bunker play, posture and alignment, swing fundamentals, or course management.

The practice facility at Eagle Pointe, including the oversized driving range and separate teaching area, is designed to provide the proper and private environment for optimum learning. And if your short game is not up to par, there is a dedicated pitching green with practice bunkers and two areas to practice putting.

Playing lessons on the championship course are also available.

COVER STORY

Every summer the golf staff at Eagle Pointe conducts a Summer Junior Golf Camp, which is open to all juniors between the ages of 6 and 18.

Last summer, the Junior Golf Camp was split into four separate sessions.

These three-day sessions are the perfect opportunity for a child or grandchild to learn all about the game of golf, from fundamentals to etiquette to playing strategies. Both boys and girls are welcome from complete beginners to advanced juniors. No prior knowledge of the sport is necessary to participate.

Included are three days of training, three hours per day of instruction, range balls, lunch each day, prizes, an Eagle Pointe logo cap, logo shirt, Certificate of Completion and one FREE admission to the famous wave pool.

Instruction covers the following topics: putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play, irons, fairway woods, driver, and U.S.G.A. rules & etiquette.

Students are separated by ability and each session is restricted to a maximum of 30 students, with up to three PGA professionals instructing each day.

Another added bonus to the Eagle Pointe facility is that there are few homes anywhere on the golf course.

“We have people come out here all the time who haven’t been here before and it shocks you that there is still nice a course and surroundings someplace so close to the city. A lot of people don’t even know that it is here,” Strong added.

Some of the top players in Southeast Texas have certainly discovered it. Rising PGA Tour star Shawn Stefani makes Eagle Pointe his home course while the Class 5A Regional golf tournament has made Eagle

9

Pointe its regional championship site for the past 12 years with many of top high school and now college players coming to challenge Eagle Pointe Among the top players who have played in the 5A regional tournament here are Cory Whitsett now attending Alabama and Portland Rosen attending Virginia “We’ve had many great ones and this year will be no different. It is a joy to watch young athletes fulfill life’s goals. The teams know when the event is completed they earned their way to the state tournament,” said Strong.

Other great players will arrive later this year to challenge Eagle Pointe when the Texas Senior Open is played here for the first time in October. The Southern Texas PGA will also hold its prestigious foundation pro-am at Eagle Pointe April 21st, 2014 As if the championship golf course and instruction wasn’t enough, Eagle Pointe lives up to its name with a state of the art fitness facility and recreation complex.

It has a number of facilities not seen anywhere else under one roof. Start with a state-of-the-art complex, add in some of the TheTexasGolfInsider.com

10

COVER STORY

best equipment in the health industry and just for good measure, throw in all the sports amenities that any active person would enjoy.There are all the ingredients to fulfill your fitness and recreational goals making the Eagle Pointe Recreation Complex an unbeatable option for membership.

Included in the facilities are: • Two full basketball courts • Two racquetball courts • Four outdoor lighted tennis courts • Heated indoor lap pool • A dedicated group exercise room • Group cycling room with outdoor views • The Pointe Grill Restaurant • Tanning salon • Massage therapy room • Locker rooms • Child watch and outdoor play area • Half-mile nature and jogging trail There is also an outstanding Strength and Cardio-Vascular Area with more than 4,300 square feet of the industry’s top strength and conditioning equipment. Fitness equipment includes 25 Technogym cardiovascular machines, 6 Precor cardiovascular elliptical machines, a full complement of Technology equipment as well as more than 8,000 pounds of free weights and dumbbells ranging from 5 to 125 pounds.

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Currently there are nearly 1,600 members who use the recreation complex on a monthly basis, and the facility is also perfect for a day long corporate outing combining both golf and business meeting in a scenic and productive setting.

Memberships, for those who want to make Eagle Pointe a close-in or scenic weekend golfing spot are extremely valued priced at $80 a month for an individual and $120 for a family.

The City of Mont Belvieu is expecting to grow from 5,000 people to 15,000 in the next ten years. Barbers Hill School district is now a 4A school and will continue to grow.

We’re a mid-priced golf course, priced right where we need to be, but with so much more,” Strong said. “It is fun watching a city grow and our leaders in the city are making sure it moves in the right direction. The city has built a new park and has just renovated Eagle Drive.

For more information on this hidden Houston-area golfing and recreation gem, go to www.eaglepointegolfclub. com or www.eaglepointeonline.com or make the short drive out Interstate 10 to see for yourself and view the golfing gem in the scenic woods that everyone is talking about.

SHO TIME APRIL 3-6 Golf Club of Houston

Visit www.shellhoustonopen.com for tickets and information.

ShellHoustonOpen.com

D.A. POINTS, Defending Champion

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COURSES

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Mont Belvieu, TX

(281) 385-6666 www.EaglePointeOnline.com RATES

Mon-Thur Friday Weekend Holiday

18

TWLIGHT*

$45 $32 $47 $40 $60 $40 $60 $40

*Twilight begins at 1 pm

STATISTICS Par: 71 Black Blue White Red

Yards Rating Slope 7077 73.2 128 6502 70.9 121 5927 68.0 116 5213 67.4 113

PERSONNEL

Architect............................... Rick Forester Director of Golf........................Jeff Strong Course Record.............. Justin McKay, 62

AMENITIES

• Online Tee Times • Meeting/Banquet Rooms • Outdoor Pavilion • Two Restaurants • Recreation Complex & Wave Pool • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • Memberships Available

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

A

vid golfers in the Houston area yearning for a pure golf experience set apart from the city and brimming with secluded, natural surroundings can find that true, undisturbed feeling at Eagle Pointe Golf Club.

The par-71 Rick Forester design located less than 35 minutes from downtown Houston off I-10 in Mont Belvieu, is equal parts peaceful, eye-catching and playable. The course’s distinguishable characteristics are its

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

COURSES

13

Exceptional location to host your event

rolling fairways, stunningly tall pines, dramatic elevation changes and an abundance of water.

With no homes on 17 of the 18 holes, golf is what you get at Eagle Pointe.

The trademark of Eagle Pointe is its steeply tilted, undulating greens that will challenge even the most expert players. Strategically speaking, it’s important to place your approach shots below the hole at Eagle Pointe because of the quickness of the putting surfaces.

The facility also offers a state-of-the art fitness center and an 8,000-square-foot tournament pavilion that would be the perfect place for corporate outings, weddings or charity events.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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REVIEW

Two Questions about Junior Golf # 1 - How do I get my child interested in golf? # 2 - What does it take to get good?

Question number two is easier to answer than question number one.

What does it take to get good?

For you to get good at golf, there is a set of skills to master, combining the physical and mental aspects. Physically, you have to be able to hit all of the shots from driving to putting and all shots in between. Driving, long fairway shots, wedge shots, chipping, bunker shots, putting, and trouble shots - by learning these skills and by practicing, you can become good at the game.

Then there is the mental aspects of the game. These are skills you can learn and improve with practice and experience. A theory of the Dan Plan - says 10,000 hours of practice ( 6 hours a day, for 6 days a week for 6 years) will

David Pilsner, PGA Director of Golf Instruction, Timber Creek Golf Club (281) 734-0177 - dpilsner@timbercreekgolfclub.com

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give you world class skill. This may not be the complete solution, but I think it is part. So, for your child to become good at golf, it is important and critical that the opportunity to learn and to practice is there.

But what about question number one?

How do I get my child interested in golf?

I have asked a number of PGA Tour Players and other very good golfers, how they got started.

I have gotten answers like “everybody in my family played so I played”, “I wanted to beat my big brother so I practiced all the time”, and “I didn’t have anyone to help me learn, I just figured it out by myself”. Golf is fun but it’s hard. I recently read how golf was much like rock climbing, both were fun! This makes good sense, they both have different fun factors. FUN is the key to getting kids interested in golf and that’s what we do here at Timber Creek Golf Club.

If you are trying to hook a kid on golf, keep it fun. If you can, find a good golf professional to help you. Keep your expectations realistic.

As soon as you can, get out on the golf course.

Practicing on the range might be necessary but the golf course is so much more fun.

A good time to introduce your child to golf is at any age. Start by bringing your child to the golf course to have fun on the putting green or driving around in the golf cart. Don’t take them to the course so you can practice and expect them to like it. Make it fun, teach them about the game, and don’t worry about the technical stuff. Group instruction like summer golf camps can start at 4 to 5 years old. Wait until you are sure they are ready for golf lessons.

And if you remember one piece of advice, here it is: The best thing you can do to hook your kid on golf is to take he or she to the golf course and play together.

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

MAP #36

DIRECTIONS

I-45 S., exit and turn right on FM 2351, turn right at 2nd light.

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Architect: Jay Riviere

RATES

Call the Pro Shop or visit our website for online specials

COURSE AMENITIES

• 27 hole golf course • Golf Academy • Legends Restaurant & Bar • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • 200-seat pavilion for tournaments and events • Online Specials and EClub

4554 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546

281-993-1140

timbercreekgolfclub.com

COURSES

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Friendswood

Timber Creek Golf Club A splendid layout 20 miles from downtown Houston Beneath the towering Oaks and sturdy Pines that permeate Timber Creek Golf Club, golfers are enjoying the game like never before. “People who play here frequently call this their club and have a sense of belonging,” general manager Mike Griswold said. “They don’t pay dues to get that.”

The course’s culture is equaled if not surpassed by the design of Jay Riviere, who incorporated dense woodlands, winding creeks and rock outcroppings. “Our course isn’t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,” Griswold said.

With its classic Clubhouse Pub atmosphere and an eclectic menu that appeals to virtually every taste, the Legends Grill at Timber Creek is the place to meet. The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can custom design a program for beginners, recreational players or highly skilled players who are in need of a tune-up. The Academy also offers Custom Club Fitting, the latest in high-end club-fitting technology.

Bring your group to Timber Creek for an outing or a tournament that provides a country club experience at a public course price. From its outstanding course conditions to its food and beverage facilities, from its fully-stocked golf shop to its legendary service, Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood rivals any private club in Texas. Timber Creek Golf Club…Where You Belong.

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FEATURE STORY

Bernhardt Winery 9043 County Rd 204, Plantersville, TX 77363 (936) 894-9820 www.bernhardtwinery.com Cork This! Winery 21123 Eva St., Ste 100, Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 597-4030 www.corkthiswinery.com

Bellville, Texas Texas Ranch Life 979-885-8338 Somewhere in Time B&B 979-865-9547 Lazy A Ranch 979-865-5337

Messina Hof Winery & Resort 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan TX (800) 736-9463, ext. 234

Brenham, Texas House of Atreus 979-830-8547

Peach Creek Vineyards 2029 Peach Creek Rd, College Station, TX (936) 825-3669 Website: www.peachcreekvineyards.com

Cat Spring, TX Blisswood B&B 713-301-3235

Pleasant Hill Winery 1441 Salem Road, Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 830-VINE (8463) www.pleasanthillwinery.com Saddlehorn Winery 958 FM 1948 N, Burton, TX 77835 (979) 289-3858 www.saddlehornwinery.com Windy Winery 4232 Clover Road, Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 836-3252 www.windywinery.com

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College Station, TX Rudder Jessup B&B 979-693-1749 7F Lodge & Spa 979-690-0073 Columbus, TX Prairie Street Heritage House 979-732-5555 New Ulm, Texas Cedar Cabins 866-625-4607

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

17

Baytown

Public Golf Club

RATES

COURSES

MAP #2

18

SENIOR

M-Thur $36 $25.87 Friday Golf & Lunch $45.27

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Champ: 6969 / 73.4 / 138 Regular: 6389 / 70.2 / 133 Senior: 5955 / 68.7 / 126 Forward: 5248 / 71.4 / 123

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architects: Jay Riviere & Dave Marr Director of Golf: Jeremy Reed

Evergreen Point Golf Club

4 stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” Evergreen Point Golf Club is conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston. If you want Texas Gulf Coast golf at its best then look no further than Evergreen Point. We offer a challenging 18 hole championship layout set on over 200 acres among tall pine, oak and magnolia trees. Water comes into play on 15 out of 18 holes. Evergreen Point offers a great value from our daily rates to our corporate outing packages. The Bar and Grill offers great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with ample seating for larger groups and parties.

“Great Golf History, Great Golf Value. Open to the Public!

Online Golf Specials at evergreenpointgolf.com”

COURSE AMENITIES

• Practice Facilities • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Bar and Grill • Corporate Outing Packages • Tournaments Welcome

1530 Evergreen Road Baytown, TX (281) 837-9000 evergreenpointgolf.com

New Mobile App

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FEATURE STORY

2014 Shell Houston Open Preview

By Burt Darden

SHO Time is coming!

The best golfers in the world will be on hand at the Shell Houston Open the week of March 31-April 6.

Houston’s PGA TOUR stop is being played at the same location but the venue, formerly known as Redstone Golf Club, has been re-branded as the Golf Club of Houston. Escalante Golf of Fort

The 18th green at the Golf Club of Houston Tournament Course allows spectators a close and unobstructed view of one of golf’s toughest finishing holes.

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Worth purchased Redstone Golf Club, the Houstonian Golf and Country Club, ShadowHawk and BlackHorse Golf Club from the Redstone Companies last April.

Returning to its week-before-The-Masters slot on this year’s PGA TOUR schedule, the Shell Houston Open figures to attract yet another world class field. Last year a total of 45 players from 13 different countries (excluding the U.S.) teed it up in the SHO. Among the international Masters invitees who played last year: Angel Cabrera (Argentina), George Coetzee (South Africa), Branden Grace (South Africa), Trevor Immelman (South Africa), Ryo Ishikawa (Japan), Marc Leishman (Australia), David Lynn (England), Rory McIlroy (No. Ireland), Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Carl Pettersson (Sweden), John Senden (Australia), Mike Weir (Canada) and Lee Westwood (England).

Additionally, a total of 14 U.S. players in the SHO field also played in The Masters: Keegan Bradley, Stewart Cink, Ben Curtis, Lucas Glover, Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, John Merrick, Phil Mickelson, Mark O’Meara, Brandt Snedecker, Steve Stricker, Michael Thompson and Nick Watney.

FEATURE STORY

19

Players have until the Friday before SHO week (March 28) to commit or withdraw from the event, so the field will be changing each week as the tournament nears.

D.A. Points holed a clutch 18-foot parsaving putt on the final hole to win the 2013 Shell Houston Open. Points shot 64-7171-66—272 for a 16-under-par total. That was one-shot better than Henrik Stenson of Phil Mickelson, 2011 SHO champ, is a fan favorite. He is known for spending hours signing autographs after play Sweden and Billy Horschel. Stenson would during tournament week. go on to take first place in both the PGA TOUR FedExCup reached more than 115,000 youngsters Points Race and the through its in-school program, plus more European Tour’s than 2,000 others at its green-grass faciliRace to Dubai. ties located in Humble, Hockley and Quail Net proceeds Valley. of the tournament Visit the tournament website www. benefit local shellhoustonopen.com for event tickets and agencies. Ongoing tournament updates. beneficiaries include On site parking is free from March Chinquapin Prep 31-April 2. On-site parking requires a pass School (since 1979), during competition April 3-6. General Cenikor Foundation, parking (for those who do not have on-site Inc. (since 1996) parking passes) is available at the ecopark D.A. Points, 2013 Shell Houston and Project Joy and lot at Bush Airport where air-conditioned Open winner, reacts with a fist pump shuttle buses provide roundtrips for $5 per after sinking a par-saving putt on Hope, added this the final hole to secure the victory. year. Last November person. the HGA announced community impact dollars of $2.287 million from the tournament and its other golf-related activities.

HGA has cumulatively generated more than $59.7 million for local causes since 1974. HGA Youth Programming includes The First Tee of Greater Houston, the HGA Academic Scholarship Fund ($860,000-plus to date) and the HGA Junior Golf Program, established in 1957.

The First Tee of Greater Houston Chapter is the largest in a worldwide network of nearly 200. In 2013 The Shell Houston Open features open-to-the-public grandstands located throughout the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston. the First Tee of Greater Houston

All photos coutesy of HHphoto.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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36

28

36

Pasadena

Deer Park

2

5 5

Mont Belvieu

74 Magnolia

41

Montgomery

28 70 38

1458

72

7

75

New Ulm

Industry

109

26

109

62

8

STPGA Foundation Pro Am – April 21, 2014 Benefiting Junior Golf Call (281)385-6666 to register and sponsorships www.eaglepointeonline.com

Brenham Country Club (979) 836-1733 SP 18 72 62 4107 Hwy. 105, Brenham, TX 77833

21

Practice Fac. Food Rental Clubs Pro Shop Lessons Ad on Page

COURSES

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Par

Type: M=Municipal, PR=Private, P=Public, SP= Semi-Private.

Type Hole

Map Number

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

6520/72.3/127 • • • • • 23

www.brenhamcc.com

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex (281)385-6666 P 18 5 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580

71

Evergreen Point Golf Club (281) 837-9000 P 18 2 1530 Evergreen Rd., Baytown, TX 77523

72

7077/73.1

• • • • • 12

www.eaglepointeonline.com

6969/73.4/138 • • • • • 17

www.evergreenpointgolf.com

Jersey Meadow Golf Course (713) 896-0900 M 18 71 41 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040

6660/733/136

• • • • • 51

www.jerseymeadow.com

Timber Creek Golf Course (281) 993-1140 P 27 36 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546 www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

36 36 35

3575/3418/3135 • • • • • 15

MAP

SHOPPING

TYPE

LOCATION

PHONE

28

Edwin Watts

Retail

Houston Galleria

713-627-2411

PG. 70

GOLF ACADEMIES / INSTRUCTION

WEBSITE PHONE Eagle Pointe Player Development Jeff Strong, PGA www.eaglepointeonline.com 281-385-6666 Golf Academy at Timber Creek David Pilsner, PGA www.timbercreekgolfclub.com 281-993-1140 MAP REAL ESTATE TYPE

LOCATION

PHONE PG. 75

Real Estate

Columbus. TX

979-732-1850

72

MAP DINING 2 Evergreen Bar & Grill 36 Legend’s Grill

Texas Star Realty

TYPE American American

LOCATION Evergreen Point Golf Club Timber Creek GC

PHONE 281-420-6008 281-993-1140

PG. 21 21

MAP

TOURNAMENT

TYPE

LOCATION

WEBSITE

PG.

74 5

Shell Houston Open PGA STPGA Foundation Pro-Am

Golf Club of Houston Eagle Pointe Golf Club

ShellHoustonOpen.com 18 eaglepointeonline.com 2

Evergreen Bar and Grill

1530 Evergreen Rd., Baytown, TX 77523 281-837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com Open 7 days a week till 7pm. Can accommodate large to small groups for tournaments, banquets and special events. Enjoy the great view of the golf course. Call today for more information on booking your next event at Evergreen.

Legend’s Grill

4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546 281-993-1140 Customer service at its best. Open daily, lunch specials and full bar. Comfortable place for business meetings and special events.

The adjacent outdoor pavilion can accommodate larger groups for tournaments and private parties.

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DIRECTORY

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

COURSE TYPE

LOCATON

Alvin Golf & CC

PUB

Alvin

281-331-4541

Longwood GC

Cypress

281-373-4100

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

832-381-1000

Meadowbrook Farms GC PUB

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TYPE LOCATON PUB

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TheTexasGolfInsider.com

936-448-302 979-826-4001

PUB

281-459-7800

PUB-Public, M-Municipal, SP-Semi-Private, R-Resort, PV-Private

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

DIRECTORY

23

Brenham Country Club Semi-Private Club

18 Holes $40 / 9 Holes $20 Free Cart Tues-Thurs Weekend Half Cart Fee $12.50 Open Tuesday - Sunday, Closed Monday Call Today For More Information

Memberships Social $50, Swimming $60 / mo. (Initiation Fee $125) Golf $100 / mo. for a one year contract (No Initiation fee) Equity Golf Memberships Available

RETAIL

LOCATION

(979)-836-1733 Brenham, TX

PHONE RETAILER

LOCATION

PHONE

Golf Retailers Big O’s Golf D & J Golf Edwin Watts Golf Games People Play Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf USA Golf Warehouse Golf Warehouse II

League City Bryan Houston Beaumont Humble Katy Pearland Houston Houston Sugar Land The Woodlands Houston Houston Houston

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Great Golf in San Antonio|Hill Country|Austin

“Home of the All Inclusive Golf Experience at Star Ranch” TheTexasGolfInsider.com

28

CA$H

fore CANCER

“A Fun Time for a Serious Cause” cashforecancer.org

2-PERSON SCRAMBLES HELD MONTHLY WITH A CA$H PAYOUT!!

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE THRIVEWELL CANCER FOUNDATION COST: $60 per player (includes: golf, cart, range balls, food, drink ticket, and Cash prizes) 2014 SCHEDULE February 23rd—11:00 shotgun March 30th—10:00 shotgun April 27th—10:00 shotgun May 25th—9:00 shotgun June 29th—9:00 shotgun July 27th—9:00 shotgun August 24th—9:00 shotgun September 20th—Season Headliner—10:00 shotgun ($125 per player--$6,000 cash purse with a full field) All players must have a verifiable handicap as all tournaments will be a net competition.

PLEASE CONTACT VAALER CREEK GOLF CLUB TO SIGN UP AT 830.833-0706 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Melanie Grafe 979-732-1909 melanie@thetexasgolfinsider.com

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In Corpus Christi, Oso Beach Golf Center and Lozano Golf Center are the latest Foresight Golf courses to offer the “Play Better Golf” program and golfers couldn’t be more excited! Under the leadership of Ira Kramer, golfers will be able to hone their skills, grow in the game and learn how to handle the challenges that come with coastal golf.

Read two of Ira’s tips under the “Play Better Golf” tab on either course’s website, then be sure to stop by and see how Ira can help you!

osobeachgolf.com • 361-826-8010 5601 S. Alameda St Corpus Christi, TX 78412

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

lozanogolfcenter.com • 361-826-8016 4401 Old Brownsville Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78405

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TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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Synthetic Grass, Putting Greens More Durable and Cooler Southwest Greens is recognized as the leader in the sale, design and installation of synthetic landscaping and turf solutions. The most recent innovation, the new Bolt™ fiber, dramatically improves natural appearance and, with sports grade resins provides better durability and springback for lawns. Our exclusive HydroChill technology promises a cooler, more comfortable backyard – especially on the hottest days.

Whether installing an outdoor putting green or a backyard artificial grass lawn, Southwest Greens offers several varieties of synthetic grasses to meet the most demanding environments. Longstanding endorsements by pros such as Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Jack Nicklaus speak to the professionalism of Southwest Greens. 30,000 projects worldwide attest to Southwest Greens capabilities and our ability to deliver quality results in both Commercial and Residential markets.

Southwest Greens’ eco-friendly artificial grass and synthetic turf sets the industry standard for performance, aesthetics and durability.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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Artificial Lawns, and Pet Turfs Bolt + HydroChill Whether you want a maintenance free lawn, a putting green to help lower your golf handicap or a playground surface the whole family can enjoy – Southwest Greens has the right artificial or synthetic grass product for your needs.

Golf Courses

Putting Greens

Lawn Turf

Visit Our Showroom at Jeff ’s Backyard 435 West Nokoma Street San Antonio, Texas

512-618-0030

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TheTexasGolfInsider.com

38

FEATURE STORY

The All Inclusive Continues The Golf Club at Star Ranch

By Art Stricklin

One of the longtime favorites in the Central Texas golf market, the Golf Club at Star Ranch has certainly aged well since first opening more than a decade ago in the once remote, now growing small Austin-area community of Hutto.

Golfers, no matter if they’re regulars, first timers or those who haven’t been here in a long time are always impressed with the top-notch course conditions just as I was during a recent visit.

Part of the reason for the continued Star Ranch shine is general manager Ricky Heine and his son Jared, the golf course superintendent, both coming from a strong course management background which reflects in the outstanding course setup and conditioning.

Add that to the longtime golf TheTexasGolfInsider.com

management expertise of Star Ranch Director of Golf Rob Fulford and you see why this daily-fee facility, the original home of the all-inclusive golf package in the region, has remained a local golfing favorite.

Every year things are refreshed for newcomers, those who haven’t been here in a while and those that come all the time, Fulford told me when I asked about 2014 plans.

Among the improvements I saw during a recent visit was a newly reshaped practice range where golfers can work on all phases of their game, but the look from the tee line may be a bit different with new target areas and grading One of the true beauties of the Star Ranch facility is that you can work on your short game and putting on the putting and chipping areas and

FEATURE STORY

39

to Shine at

then get out the big sticks to whack away on the practice range.

There’s something for every golfer to work on and with the all-inclusive packages always plenty of balls to hit before and after your round.

Of course, the classic par 71 Bechtol-Russell designed golf course by the Austin architectural pair of Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell has only improved as well. Built in the scenic Austin outskirts, the layout includes large landing areas and undulating greens with water on almost half the holes. The course itself is not cluttered with homes, giving you a clear view of the scenic Central Texas surroundings.

The lack of forced carries, blind shots and narrow fairways also helps speed pace of play for foursomes and especially large tournament groups.

Play from the proper tees, tee it forward as the golf mantra goes these days, Star Ranch can be a memorable, pleasurable, but still challenging experience. Tee it all the way back, more than 7,100 yards from the back tees, and it’s all the golf course you ever want.

That what’s one of the country’s most unique amateur tournaments will find out later this summer when Star Ranch hosts the 2014 Bobby Jones Open. It’s open to any golfer in America, from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska, with the same first and last name as the famed amateur and co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club.

From unique tournaments to fun and profitable charity events to a fun round with your family or friends, Star Ranch does have everything covered.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

There is also a separate tournament pavilion between the ninth hole and practice facility which can be used as a day-long tournament headquarters and dining facility or groups can move into the clubhouse if weather becomes a factor.

Star Ranch also does about 30 weddings a year that may not include golf at all, but the groups just wants to be here because of the scenic surroundings and the variety of facilities.They are really set up for all kinds of groups with a boardroom which can seat 8-12 people for a business meeting in the morning, lunch at noon, then golf after that.

Another factor that has played into the growing popularity of Star Ranch is the ease of access to the course from all over South and Central Texas. Once considered remote from parts of the region or even portions of Austin, the new Tollway 130 has cut the time from

San Antonio or Seguin to Star Ranch to less than an hour. Highway 45 and the Tollway 130 have made the course easy to get to from all over Austin.

Of course, the all-inclusive package is what made Star Ranch famous and TheTexasGolfInsider.com

continues to set it apart in the area.

For those who haven’t experienced the Star Ranch All-Inclusive package before or haven’t been there for a while, it includes an 18-hole green fee, cart, unlimited range balls before and after you play, plus complimentary breakfast and lunch along with free space available replays if 18 holes just wasn’t enough.

Other improvements will be a new cart fleet added later this year and new items on the all you can eat lunch buffet at the modern 15,000 square feet clubhouse.

As my most recent visit confirmed, Star Ranch is one of the true upscale Central Texas public golf pioneers and has only gotten better with time.

“We just keep it simple,” Fulford told me. “It’s all inclusive, fun and fulfilling.”

That’s a good way to describe my most recent visit to Star Ranch. To make yours in the near future, just call 512-252-GOLF(4653) for a tee time or for more course and facility information.

All Inclusive Golf Package Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls and Complimentary Hot Breakfast & Lunch Buffets

For Reservations:

(512) 252-Golf (4653) Book Online at :

www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2014 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2014 Group Specials

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REVIEW

F

The Hub of the Hill Country, Boerne Shines as a South Texas Star with varied options

or a small south Texas town with a funny sounding name, Boerne, 30 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio, is making all the noise for the right reasons these days. It has upscale shopping, great golf getaways and nice weekend relief from the stress, hustle and bustle of the maddening big cities.

Typical of a small town with a fulltime population of 10,000-plus, which carries the slogan “Boerne as unique as our name,” it offers a wide variety of options from shopping, dining, golf and recreation to the newly unveiled Hill Country Mile down a path on the historic Boerne Main Street.

Indeed, Boerne, TheTexasGolfInsider.com

named for a German Pioneer in the 1850s, has acquired another well-earned title, Hub of the Hill Country. That’s particularly true when it comes to golf.

Within 50 minutes of the town, there are dozens of public access golf courses, from San Antonio and its many golfing gems to Bandera, Kerrville and New Braunfels.

Among the many courses you can easily access from the area are Lady Bird Johnson golf course in Fredericksburg, Buckhorn in Comfort, Vaaler Creek in Blanco, Canyon Lake Golf Club in Canyon Lake, River Crossing in Spring Branch and the Resort at Tapatio Springs right here in Boerne, all possessing a top

REVIEW

Hill Country 18-hole experience. Then when you’re finished you’re still headed back to Boerne for continuation of your relaxing stay.

Of course, golfers can’t operate on an empty stomach and that’s where the Hill Country Hub has you covered as well.

From fine dining to family-owned, even a Weird Dining Tour, there are plenty of eats in Boerne, before and after your rounds. Of course, there is also a wide variety of lodging from romantic bed and breakfasts to charming resorts and familiar lodging stops.

Something for everyone, in the right place and more importantly at the right pace. That’s what is drawing extended weekend traffic from the Houston area and many other major cities of Texas.

Those who haven’t seen Boerne in a while or have never made the trip are generally amazed by the huge upgrade in shopping, service and quality in the Hub of the Hill Country experience.

There is enough upscale shopping to

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think you’re in the finest of Texas stores, but in an unhurried, authentic style which makes you glad to shop, save and stay for more fun.

No better evidence of that is the Hill Country Mile, actually 1.1 miles to the purist, a true Texas-sized mile which meanders along the banks of the Cibolo Creek in River Road Park, past meticulously maintained historic properties, through small pocket parks, notable restaurants, and sophisticated shopping.

It was created and opened in 2010 as a catalyst to unify and preserve the rich cultural identity of downtown Boerne and serve as a bridge between the downtown shopping and the cultural

center. Part of the mile includes the Downtown Historical District and the River South Arts District, showcasing both Boerne’s shopping and cultural charms.

The Boerne Visitors Center, located on Main Street, has proven expert in creating itineraries for visitors who want to do a lot or very little during their brief Hill Country Hub experience. One recent visitor wanted to see an authentic South Texas rodeo. That was TheTexasGolfInsider.com

44

REVIEW

done with plenty of time for Texas dining and tours of some of the area’s most historic restored churches and homes.

The home of one of the oldest German settlements in Texas, along with the longest continually operating German Band in the U.S., the huge limestone churches which have stood for more than 100 years and the Cibolo Nature Center make the new Boerne quite a sight to see.

The surrounding area offers Hill Country Wine tours, lazy days at the lake, private hunting camps, day spas, batting cages, a skate park for kids, along with a historic 100year old bowling center.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Of course, if big city beckons you, then San Antonio is only a few minutes away with the Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World amusement parks, the vibrant Riverwalk, the historic missions and the ever-important Alamo.

But eventually, all roads lead back to Boerne for rest, relaxation and regeneration. The new Boerne is a very good place to be these days.

A place as unique as its name and the Hub of the Hill Country is really hard to beat for a weekend, a week or even longer.

For more information and to plan your own Boerne adventure, go to www.visitboerne.org.

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COURSES

Public Course

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #29

RATES

Monday-Friday $30 Seniors and Military $24.50 Saturday and Sunday $39.50 (Tax Included)

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Director of Golf: Dave Roberts Superindendent: James Fillpot

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6550 / 71.0 / 125 White: 6080 / 65.5 / 119 Gold: 5339 / 66.4 / 118 Red: 4815 / 64.0 / 113

DIRECTIONS

From I-35 north, take Exit 178 and turn right onto Country Club Drive. The entrance to the course is on the right side of the street.

Cibolo

Northcliffe Golf Club Home of the Noon Twilight Rate - Mon-Fri Just $22 Northcliffe Golf Club is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained golf courses in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area. The par 72 course is enjoyable for the average golfer, yet a challenge to the low-handicap players. Our rates are hands-down some of the most competitive around as we offer a great value to locals and visiting players alike.

Northcliffe Golf Club is the the Home of “Twilight at Noon Seven Days A Week” Originally designed in 1979 by Joe Finger, the linksstyle design features generous fairways and leaves the golfer several options to play each hole. Northcliffe also has the unique design with 5 par fives and 5 par 3’s that wind through the course with no major elevation changes.

Coming soon to Northcliffe Golf Club is a brand new 1000 square foot patio deck and a new restaurant “Shifu’s 41” With a friendly informal atmosphere and customer service that is dedicated to making your golf experience exciting and enjoyable, Northcliffe is easily one of the “best kept secrets” around. We invite you to come relax, take it easy, and have a great round.

5301 Country Club Blvd.

Cibolo, TX 77546

830-606-7351

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

Enjoy Championship Golf in the San Antonio Area!!!

A Premier San Antonio Golf Course & Event Center!

Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center is ideal for weddings, quincenearas, corporate outings, meetings and golf tournaments.

Whether you’re searching for a top of the line golf course with knowledgable staff, or a beautiful location to host your wedding or special event, Olympia Hills offers everything you need to make your visit memorable.

Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center in Universal City, Texas, was rated #1 “Best New Affordable Public Golf Course” in Texas and No. 4 in America for 2001 After golfing one of the best courses around, stop in our pro shop for a great selection of equipment and accessories, then grab a bite to eat or a cold drink in our clubhouse bar & grill.

For Weddings, Tournaments, Banquets & Tee Times Call…

(210) 945-4653

www.olympiahillsgolf.com

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COURSES Open to The Public

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN San Antonio MAP #85

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6819 / 70+8 / 124 White: 6412 / 68.3 / 117 Gold: 5552 / 72.0 / 118 Red: 5235 / 72+0 / 118

Fort Sam Houston Golf Club Salado Del Rio

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Kevin Tucker Director of Golf: Joseph Mendez Superintendent: Tim Blanchard

COURSE AMENITIES

• Open to the Public • Banquet Room seats 300 • Practice Area • Full Service Pro Shop • Grill • League Play Available • Tournaments Welcomed

Open to The Public

Salado Del Rio was lengthened to more than 6,500 yards, and thanks to additional mounding, renovated bunkering and an improved drainage system, it will be far more enjoyable to play more days of the year.

Salado Del Rio is a scenic course with its tree-lined fairways, additional mounding around the greens and forced carries over hazards. Some you can play out of, some you can’t. The stretch of holes from the fourth through the eighth is particularly breathtaking as they play along and across Salado Creek, offering more pronounced doglegs and dramatic elevation changes.

1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, TX 78209-6443 210-222-9386 www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

San Antonio MAP #85

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6857 / 72.8 / 128 White: 6527 / 71.2 / 123 Gold: 5620 / 66.9 / 109 Red: 4989 / 68.6 / 113

Fort Sam Houston Golf Club La Loma Grande

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Kevin Tucker Director of Golf: Joseph Mendez Superintendent: Tim Blanchard

COURSE AMENITIES

• Open to the Public • Banquet Room seats 300 • Practice Area • Full Service Pro Shop • Grill • League Play Available • Tournaments Welcomed

The La Loma Grande Course, originally developed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, was built by the soldiers themselves in the early 1930s. It is the only military golf course to host a PGA Tour event — two Texas Opens that were won by hall of famers Arnold Palmer and Gene Littler. Now it has been returned to the dream of Tillinghast’s original design. La Loma Grande has always been the flatter of the two layouts, but most regular players also consider it the more difficult course with its pushed-up greens, particularly on the back nine, and its diabolical bunkering and mounding around the greens.

1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd | San Antonio, TX 78209-6443 210-222-9386 | www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Advertisements do not express or imply endorsement by any part of the Federal Government, and media involved are neither paid for nor sponsored by any part of the Federal Government

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COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

830.833.0706

for special weekday and weekend rates go to

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

V

FEATURE STORY

RVing and Golf in the Texas Hill Country

53

By Steve Habel Special to Texas Golf Insider

Pleasanton Country Club Pleasanton, Floresville and San Saba are top destinations for hooking up your RV and hitting the links

G

olfers exploring the highways of the Texas Hill Country via an RV can find scores of places to hook up for the night, a week or even longer within a short distance from (and sometimes on the same property as) courses that are challenging, fun and economical.

It helps, too, that many of the towns in the area sport other top-notch attractions for those times off the course, including wineries, breweries, quaint shopping in charming and historical downtown sectors and museums with links to Lone Star State history.

It’s easy to put together a nice three-day itinerary for an RV trip across the Hill Country, beginning and ending in San Antonio while making sure that there’s a place to tee it up at every one of the stops and plenty of things to do in the afternoons after the golfing is done.

So let’s gas up the bus, load it up and hit the road…and the links.

Day 1: Pleasanton

Getting there: From downtown San Antonio take I-37 south for about 30 miles.

Take exit 113 toward FM-3006 and drive about three miles. I quick left on Second Street/ US-281 brings you to the downtown sector.

Famous for its “live Oaks and friendly folks”, Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco

Pleasanton, population of about 9,000, is one of the most beautiful sights in South Texas. John Bowen, San Antonio’s first Anglo-American postmaster, founded and named the town of Pleasanton after his good friend and fellow early Texas settler John Pleasants.

Setting up: Atascosa RV Park, a brand-spanking new place to park your RV, is located just 10 minutes from downtown Pleasanton and set on 10 quiet acres off a peaceful country road. All 24 paved sites were designed with shade in mind (something you don’t find at other RV parks) and visitors will enjoy the evening cover and breeze that adds to the sense of tranquility and relaxation. The park is gated with remote-control access for added security and offers laundry facility with a covered porch, air conditioning and coin operated washers and dryers for the visitor’s convenience.

Teeing off: Pleasanton Country Club offers a par-72 championship course carded at 6,529 yards from its back set of three tee boxes. Designed by Steve Mrak and opened for play in 1968, the course is mostly flat and easy to walk. Its putting surfaces are large and the fairways are tree lined. More than 500 live oak trees provide the breathtaking beauty and the shot-altering defense that gives this course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

54

FEATURE STORY

Concan Golf Course

its teeth while water comes into play on five holes. A round of golf at Pleasanton requires the golfer to use not only every club in the bag, but also his or her imagination and it’s a fun, but challenging, golf experience on one of the most scenic layouts in all South Texas.

Off the course: Situated at the juncture of the Atascosa River and Bonita Creek, Pleasanton was founded in 1858 and named the county seat of Atascosa County. It was established because the former county seat at Amphion was moved due to conflicts with the Indians. Also known as the “birthplace of the Cowboy,” Pleasanton had a growing population of cowboys around the 19th century primarily to ward off attacks from the Indians. Each October, Pleasanton hosts the “Cowboy Homecoming Festival,” which commemorates the time when the cowboys driving cattle from South Texas to the railheads up north would return home.

Day 2: Floresville

Getting there: From downtown Pleasanton, head northeast on TX-97 E for 23 miles. Take a quick jog to the left on the TX-181 Loop (also known as Third Street) and you’re in downtown Floresville. The land and name for this town would be given to honor the Flores de Abrego family, who were descendants of the former Canary Islanders.

Floresville is considered one of the gateway towns to the Eagle Ford Shale play, where the oil industry is booming.

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Setting up: You can’t go wrong at the Eagle’s Nest RV Park, the newest and most spacious place to park your RV in South Texas.

Just outside of town on TX- 181, the park has the largest lots of any in the area and features pull-through spaces for easy access. There’s plenty of privacy and the park is set in a great location close to shopping and medical facilities in Floresville, with dozens of restaurants are just minutes away. Huge oak trees add to this 50-acre South Texas RV ranch paradise and help create a natural environment . There’s also a new on-site laundromat, a fishing pond and a picnic area.

Teeing off: River Bend Golf Club in Floresville can be a challenge to even the longest of hitters, playing at 7,030 yards from its back set of five tee boxes. Designed

by Larry Hawkins, River Bend GC combines some of the most unique play in the area with a course designed to provide an exciting golfing experience for players of all levels. Beautiful oak trees and meandering streams give the golf course its character, with elevation changes, multi-tiered greens and challenging areas of forced carry including water and areas of forced layups in a links-style course, especially on the front-nine. The back-nine is a more traditional golf course. All of these attributes join with the constant Texas wind to make River Bend GC a test of all levels of golfers. River Bend GC also has a unique practice facility that features an aqua range with an island green.

Delaware Springs Golf Course

FEATURE STORY

Off the course: While Floresville’s growth has been a benefit of the oil and natural gas exploration, the city still maintains its “small-town” atmosphere and friendliness, with any business or shop you could want or need. In the mid-18th century Rancho de las Cabras, “the goat ranch,” was established near Floresville as a mission ranching operation for Mission Espada. This would be the precursor of the Texas ranching industry. Don Erasmo Seguin settled in this area in late 1824, and his ranch “Casa Blanca” began as a 9,000-acre tract near present Floresville. His son, Texas military and political figure Juan Seguin, would also reside on the ranch.

Day 3: San Saba

55

the massive 448-yard eighth – are on the newer, front-nine), two 580-yard par-5s and the colossal 625-yard ninth, one of the longest three-shot holes in the state. While the course’s longer holes are on the front-side (which plays at 3,628 yards), the back-side at San Saba River GC sports the holes that pulls in the best players from the region and beyond.

The lion’s share of the track’s more than 2,700 mature pecan trees are on the back-nine and if the player struggles with his control he or she might need a calculator to tally the damage.

Off the course: San Saba is commonly known as the “pecan capital of the world.” The area was thickly populated by prehistoric man, evidenced by the many artifacts unearthed by archaeological workers during the past 75 years or more in many sections along the San

Getting there: Get ready for a little trip.

From Floresville, head north on TX-181 for 19 miles before it merges into IH-37 N. Go back through San Antonio for 11 miles where IH-37 becomes US-281 N. Drive for 85 miles, through the towns of Bulverde, Blanco, Johnson City and Round Mountain then go west (left) on TX-71 toward Llano.

After 22 miles, turn slight right on TX-16 N and drive 34 miles into San Saba.

Setting up: This a town that cherishes its RVers and golfers, so much so that it puts the best option for setting up on Alsatian Golf Course the same property as its stellar golf course five minutes east of town. The San Saba River RV Park and Clubhouse facility is San Saba River Golf Course a place where each campsite offers full-service hook-ups, a grill area and a fire ring. The clubhouse Saba and Colorado Rivers and other nearby features a kitchen, a dining area, a great room streams. San Saba’s residents and visitors with satellite television, bathrooms, showers enjoy the area’s two suspension bridges, and a laundry facility. national registry trees, historic building and Teeing off: San Saba River GC is not churches and the oldest fully functional jail in a track for the weak of heart or for the the nation. It has long been considered the Hill unaccomplished player, especially if it is Country’s hunting and fishing paradise and attacked from the back set of four tee boxes. offers much more for the outdoor enthusiast From the tips, the course has four par-4s of today including bicycling, nature photography 400 yards or more (three of those – including settings or just old-fashioned relaxation.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Tournament Schedule May 17--18 3-Person Scramble April 12--13 4- Person Scramble June 7--8 Guys and Dolls Scramble June 28 Larry McNeely Charity Classic 4-Person Scramble

$ 5.00 off green fee coupon required.

Expires 6-15-2014

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

57

Lago Vista G o l f

C o u r s e s

Lago Vista • 512.267.1170

Lago Vista Golf Course is a par 72 18-hole championship golf course that offers over 6500 yards of fun and challenging play. The course originally opened as a 9-hole facility in 1971 to help promote lot sales in the young, unincorporated neighborhoods that make up the city of Lago Vista today. Shortly thereafter, under the guidance of course designer Leon Howard, the course was renovated and expanded to 18 holes, and operated as a private country club until the mid 1990s.

Today, all golfers are welcome to enjoy the undulating fairways, epic lake views, and abundant wildlife at Lago Vista Golf Course.

Highland Lakes • 512.382.6529 Highland Lakes Golf Course, designed by Leon and Charles Howard and built in 1978, has been newly acquired and improved by the City of Lago Vista. The multilevel, sloping tifdwarf greens provide a demanding, yet uniquely challenging golf experience.

Originally known in the 1970s and 1980s as World of Resorts Country Club, Highland Lakes Golf Course is generally considered the more challenging of the two courses.

Same Day Special!

36 Holes – $52 • $2 Beers

For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call

512.267.1170 or go to www.lagovistagc.com

58

H I L L C O U N T R Y R V P A R K S

Beachcomber Park 800-379-3083 lakebuchananrv.com

Galloway-Hammond Parks and Recreation Center 512-756-6180

Big Chief RV Resort 866-922-4433 bigchiefrvresort.com

Granite Rock RV Park 325-388-8900 graniterockrvpark.com

Blanco Settlement Country Cabins & RV Park 830-833-5115 blancosettlement.com

Heart of Texas Lake Resort 512-756-7766 heartoftexaslakeresort.com

Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park 800-977-0081 canyonoftheeagles.com Cedar Lodge Waterfront Resort 512-793-2820 cedarlodge.info Dos Rios RV Park 325-347-1713 dosriosrvpark.com Edgewate Resort 512-793-2818 the-edgewater.com Fort Mason City Park 325-347-2064

Hidden Falls Adventure Park 830-798-9820 hiddenfallsadventurepark.com Hi-Line Lake Resort 325-379-1065 hilinelakesresort.com Hofbrau RV Park 830-596-2073 hofbrau-rvpark.com Inks Lake State Park 512-389-8900 tpwd.state.tx.us Krause Springs 830-693-4181 krausesprings.net Llanorado Lodge 325-388-4823 tpwd.state.tx.us Llano River RV Park 325-247-5100 llanoriverrvpark.com Miller Creek RV Park 877-868-2622 millercreekrvresort.com

118 Club Circle Kingsland, TX

325-388-6660

LighthouseCountryClub.com

Northpoint Landing RV Park NOW OPEN

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Poppy’s Pointe Resort 512-793-3922 poppyspointe.net Rio Vista Resort 325-388-6331 rio-vista-resort.com Riverview RV Park 830-693-3910 Roadrunner RV Park 830-868-7449 roadrunnerrvparktexas.com Shady Oaks RV Park 512-793-2718 campingfriend.com/shadyoaksrv Sunset Point on Lake LBJ 830-798-8199 sunsetpointlbj.com

59

Savor The Hill Country Taste Alamosa Wine Cellars 325-628-3313 alamosawinecellars.com Becker Vineyards 830-644-2681 beckervineyard.com Bell Mountain Vineyards 830-685-3297 bellmountainwine.com Chisholm Trail Winery 830-990-CORK chisholmtrailwinery.com Duchman Family Winery 512-858-1470 duchmanwines.com Driftwood Estate Winery 512-858-9667 driftwoodwinery.com Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 830-885-4121 drycomalcreek.com Fall Creek Vineyards 325-379-5361 fcv.com Flat Creek Estate Winery 512-267-6310 flatcreekstate.com Fredericksburg Winery 830-990-8747 fbgwinery.com Grape Creek Vineyards 830-990-2710 grapecreek.com McReynolds Winery 830-825-3544 mcreynoldswines.com Pedernales Cellars 830-644-2037 pedernalescellars.com Perissos Vineyards 512-656-8419 perissosvineyards.com Pillar bluff Vineyard 512-556-4078 pillarbluff.com Rancho Ponte Vineyard 830-324-6704 ranchoponte.com

Sister Creek Vineyards 830-990-8555 sistercreekvineyards.com Spicewood Vineyards 830-693-5328 spicewoodvineyards.com Stone House Vineryard 512-264-3630 stonehousevineyard.com Texas Hill Vineyard 830-868-2321 texashillsvineyards.com Texas Legato Winery 512-556-9600 texasslegato.com Torre Di Pietra Vineyards 830-644-2829 texashillcountrywine.com Woodrose Winery 830-644-2539 woodrosewinery.com

H I L L C O U N T R Y

W I N E R I E S

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

60

Public Course

RATES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #41

18 9 Twilight

Weekday $ 35 $19 $25 Weekend $45 $23 $33

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Bunker Hill General Manager: Doug Fipps Superindendent: Jason Kelly Course Record: Kyle Jerome,62

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Black: 6891 / 72.0 / 127 Blue: 6329 / 70.3 / 121 White: 5829 / 68.2 / 110 Red: 4931 / 66.8 / 106

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • •

Practice Facilities Golf Academy Bar & Grill Fully Stocked Pro Shop Online Specials

Burnet

Delaware Springs Golf Course One of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”

R

ated four out of five stars on Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” list, Delaware Springs Golf Course is a Hill Country classic cradled by a variety of native trees and accented by charming scenery. The beautiful 6,891-yard par-72 track unfolds onto gently rolling hills and offers golfers scenic vistas at every turn, making it as picturesque as it is challenging.

The aesthetic value is just one reason why Delaware Springs has become a Hill Country favorite. Visitors are often impressed by the attitude of the golf course staff, a friendly and courteous crew that makes strangers feel right at home. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, the facility features a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar and dining room overlooking the 18th green.

To enjoy Hill Country golf at its finest, come visit Delaware Springs Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of Burnet.

Course designers Dave Akland and Dan Procter named each hole after a local feature, such “Mountain View” and “Roon the Bend” because of it’s sharp dogleg right. Few homes line the holes.

600 Delaware Springs Blvd.

Burnet, TX 78611

512-756-8471

www.delawaresprings.com

Play A Round.

Then Play Around.

Alles in Fredericksburg!

Serious golfers will find it “all in Fredericksburg.” At Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course, you’ll play on contoured fairways built to USGA standards with 48 challenging bunkers, water in-play on over half the holes, lush Champion Ultra Dwarf underfoot and spectacular Hill Country views. Your fleet of new electric “chariots” await at the clubhouse, featuring the Red Bird Grill and Golf Shop.

Plus, your 19th hole is historic Fredericksburg—where you’ll find wineries, spas, gourmet cuisine, shopping, live music and so much more! As far as getaways go, it’s your ace in the hole.

VisitFredericksburgTX.com 17-Texas Golf Insider-Feb2014-4.875x7.75.indd 1

|

866 997 3600 12/16/13 11:38 AM

Hassle Free Printing We Take Printing Seriously…Not Ourselves.

Call 210-804-0390 for Special Online Pricing

Plant Tours available!

5,000 postcards $149 10,000 flyers $349 1,000 magazines $995 (16 pages, 60# paper)

Visit us at www.shweiki.com CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR PLANT TOUR 210-804-0390 • Email samples@shweiki for a FREE quote or call 512-480-0860

64

GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE TYPE PHONE COURSE TYPE PHONE AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course Public Falconhead Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Course Municipal Lions Municipal Golf Course Municipal Morris Williams Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Club Public BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort BASTROP: Colovista Golf Club Semi-Private Hyatt, Wolfdancer Resort Lost Pines Golf Course Public Pine Forest Golf Club Public BLANCO: Vaaler Creek Golf Club Semi-Private BOERNE: Tapatio Springs Resort BURNET: Delaware Springs Golf Course Municipal CANYON LAKE: Canyon Lake Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf & Country Club S emi-Private COMFORT: Buckhorn Golf Course Public CONCAN: Club at ConCan Resort DEVINE: Devine Golf Course Public FLORESVILLE: River Bend Golf Club Public FREDERICKSBURG: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Municipal GEORGETOWN: Cowan Creek Golf Club Semi-Private Legacy Hill Golf Club Semi-Private White Wing Golf Club Semi-Private HORSESHOE BAY: Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort Apple Rock Resort Ram Rock Resort Slick Rock Resort KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Municipal KILLEEN: The Course of Clear Creek Public City of Killeen Municipal Copperas Cove Golf Course Municipal KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public Lighthouse Country Club Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private Highland Lakes Public

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(512) 248-2442 (512) 272-4228 (512) 402-1558 (512) 453-0276 (512) 444-0999 (512) 477-6963 (512) 926-1298 (512) 386-7077 (800) 646-5407 (512) 629-4585 (512) 308-9653 (512) 321-2327 (512) 321-1181 (830) 833-0706 (830) 537-4197 (512) 756-8471 (830) 899-3301 (830) 931-3100 (830) 606-7351 (830) 995-5351 (830) 232-4471 (830) 665-9943 (830) 216-2800 (830) 997-4010 (512) 864-1244 (512) 864-1222 (512) 864-1244 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 257-4982 (254) 287-4130 (254) 699-6034 (254) 547-2606 (325) 388-8888 (325) 388-6660 (512) 262-5555 (512) 267-1170 (512) 267-1170

LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal LLANO: Llano Golf Club Municipal MANOR: Shadow Glen Semi-Private MARBLE FALLS: Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bandit Golf Course Public Landa Park Golf Course Municipal PLEASANTON: Pleasanton Country Club Semi-Private PFLUGERVILLE: Blackhawk Golf Club Public ROUND ROCK: Forest Creek Golf Club Public The Golf Club of Star Ranch Semi-Private TeraVista Golf Club Semi-Private SALADO: Mill Creek Inn & Country Club Semi-Private SAN MARCOS: Quail Creek Country Club Semi-Private SAN SABA: San Saba River GC Municipal SEGUIN: Golf Club of Seguin Semi-Private Starcke Park Golf Course Municipal SPICEWOOD: Pedernales Golf Course Public SPRING BRANCH: River Crossing Club Private SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal Golf Club of Texas Public Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort La Cantera Golf Club Public La Loma Grande Public Mission Del Lago Golf Course Municipal Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio Public Silverhorn Public The Palmer Course Public The Republic Golf Course Public TPC San Antonio Resort Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private Willow Springs Golf Course Municipal UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Public UTOPIA: Utopia Golf Course Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

(512) 556-3202 (512) 259-5855 (325) 247-5100 (512) 278-1304 (830) 693-3300 (830) 609-4665 (830) 221-4340 (830) 281-3486 (512) 251-9000 (512) 388-2874 (512) 252-GOLF (512) 651-9850 (254) 947-5698 (512) 353-1665 (325) 372-3212 (830) 303-0669 (830) 401-2490 (512) 264-1489 (830) 904-4653 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 677-0027 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 826-4041 (210) 533-8371 (210) 222-9386 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700

THE PERFECT DRIVE

65

THE COAST COURSE TYPE PHONE Alice Municipal Golf Course

Public

(361) 664-7033

Brownsville Golf Center

Public

(956) 541-2582

Buccaneer Bay Public GC

Public

(361) 790-7513

Colony Creek Country Club

Semi-Private

(361) 576-0018

Corpus Christi Country Club

Private

(361) 991-2811

Cottonwood Creek Golf Course

Public

(956) 428-7758

Edinburg Municipal Golf Course Public

(956) 381-1244

El Campo County Club

(409) 543-6592

Private

Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Public

(956) 542-9861

Ganado Golf and Country Club

(361) 771-2424

Public

Goliad Country Recreation Assoc. Public

(361) 645-2144

Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Public

(361) 749-1974

Harlingen Country Club

Private

(956) 412-4110

L.E. Ramey Golf Course

Public

(361) 592-1101

Newport Dunes

Semi-Private

(361) 749-4653

Padre Isles Country Club

Private

(361) 949-8056

Palm View Golf Course

Public

(956) 687-9591

Rio Colorado Golf Course

Public

(979) 244-2955

South Padre Island Golf Club

Public

(956) 943-5678

The Victoria Country Club

Semi-Private

(361) 573-3712

Tierra Del Sol Golf Club

Public

(956) 702-2320

Tierra Santa Golf Club

Public

(956) 973-1811

Treasure Hills Country Club

Semi-Private

(956) 365-3100

Village Executive Golf Course

Public

(956) 968-5331

Valley International Country Club Semi-Private

(956) 546-5331

RIO GRANDE VALLEY COURSE TYPE PHONE Adobe Wells Country Club Alamo Country Club Brownsville Municipal GC Cimarron Cottonwood 21 Ebony Hills Golf Course Fair Winds G.C & Practice Range Fort Brown Memorial GC Harlingen Country Club Jim Paul Golf Course Llano Grande Golf Course Los Lagos Golf Club Martin Valley Ranches Golf Course McAllen Country Club Meadow Creek Golf Club Palacio Real Golf Course Palm View Golf Course Rancho Viejo Country Club Raymondville Municipal Course River Bend Resort Shary Municipal Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club Tony Butler Municiapal GC

Private Private Public Private Semi-Private Public Public Public Private Public Public Public Public Private Public Semi-Private Public Semi-Private Public Semi-Private Public Public Public

(956) 686-8801 (956) 787-0910 (956) 541-2582 (956) 581-7408 (956) 428-0766 (956) 381-1244 (956) 423-2010 (956) 541-0394 (956) 412-4110 (956) 943-7520 (956) 565-3351 (956) 316-0444 (956) 585-6330 (956) 928-0440 (956) 581-6267 (956) 381-0964 (956) 687-9591 (956) 350-4000 (956) 689-9904 (956) 548-0191 (956) 580-8770 (956) 943-5678 (956) 216-5970

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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118

Alpine

170

16

Utopia

6

7

11

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1604

47

473

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6

Gore Rd.

Castroville

53

46

87

41

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11 29 725 35

98

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Kyle

80

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Practice Fac. Restaurant Banquet Fac. Pro Shop Instructions Ad on Page

Delaware Springs Golf Course (512) 756-8471 SP 18 41 600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet, TX 78611

72

6891/72/127

• • • • • 60

Highland Lakes Golf Course (512) 382-6529 P 18 20 20552 Highland Lake Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645

72

6529/72.2/137 • • • • • 57

Jersey Meadow Golf Course (713) 896-0900 P 18 2 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040

72

6357/73.3/ 136 • • • • • 51

Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course (830) 997-4010 M 18 53 341 Golfers Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

72

LaLoma Grande Golf Club (210) 222-9386 P 18 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

72

6774/72.5/124 • • • • • 50

Lago Vista Golf Course (512) 267-1170 M 18 20 4616 Rimrock Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645

72

6579/70.0/118 • • • • • 57

Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa (432) 424-5000 SP 18 95 100 Main Street, Lajitas, TX 79852

72

7413/74.3/131 • • • • 24

Lighthouse Country Club (325) 388-6660 P 18 68 118 Club Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639

72

6855

• • • • • 61

Northcliffe Golf Club (830) 606-7351 SP 36 29 5301 Country Club Blvd., Cibolo, TX 77546

72

6550/72/125

• • • • • 46

Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center (210) 945-4653 P 18 35 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City, TX 78148

72

6923/72

• • • • • 47

Plum Creek Golf Course (512) 262-5555 SP 18 98 750 Kohler Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640

71

6210/71

• • • • • 30

See Map on Page 66 Type: M=Municipal, PR=Private, P=Public, SP= Semi-Private.

Type Hole

Map Number

Yardage /Rating /Slope

67

Par

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

www.delawaresprings.com

www.lagovistagc.com/highland-lakes.html

www.jerseymeadow.com

6432

• • • • • 62

www.golffredericksburg.com

www.fortsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

www.lagovistagc.com

www.lajitasgolfresort.com

www.lighthousecountryclub.com

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

www.olympiahillsgolf.com

www.plumcreekgolf.com

Salado Del Rio Golf Course (210) 222-9386 P 18 72 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

6819/70.8/124 • • • • • 50

San Saba River Golf Course (325) 372-3212 SP 18 91 723 County Rd. 102, San Saba, TX 76877

72

6904/72.5/ 119 • • • • • 56

Star Ranch Golf Club (512) 252-4653 SP 18 3 2500 FM 685, Hutto, TX 78634

71

7030/71.0/117 • • • • 41

The Max (956) 726-2000 P 18 99 27700 FM 1472, Laredo, TX 78045

72

Vaaler Creek Golf Club (830) 833-0706 SP 18 87 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606

72

www.fortsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

www.golfsansaba.com

www.starranchgolf.com

6211/72

• • • • • 33

www.themaxlaredo.com

6864/73.0/140 • • • • 52

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

68

DIRECTORY SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING SHOPPING/SERVICES Boerne CVB

Mac Wylie Golf

Coushatta Casino

24200 IH 10 West #114, San Antonio, TX 78257| www.macwyliegolf.com | 210-698-2244 | Map # 7, Ad Page 65

Lajitas Golf Resort

San Antonio, TX 78257| www.southwestgreens.com | 512-618-0030 | Ad Page 36

Star Ranch

1315 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | www.teegolfclub.com | 512-916-GOLF(4653)| Map #80, Ad Page 71

www.visitboerne.com | 830-249-7277 | Map# 47, Ad Page 42 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA 70648 | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Ad Page 27 100 Main Street, Lajitas, TX 79852 | www.LajitasGolfResort.com | 432-424-5000 | Map# 95, Ad Page 24 2500 FM 685, Hutto, TX 78634 | www.starranchgolf.com | 512-252-4653 | Map# 3, Ad Page 38

SHOPPING/SERVICES Edwin Watts Golf

1050 NE Loop 410, San Antonio,TX | www.edwatts.com | 210-822-4060 | Map # 3, Ad Pages 28

Edwin Watts Golf

4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christie,TX | www.edwatts.com | 361-852-0358 | Map # 83, Ad Pages 28

ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’

1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com | Ad Page 70

Henslee Productions

115 Industrial Dr., Boerne, TX 78006 | www.hensleetv.com | 210-274-5380| Ad Page 68

Southwest Greens

The Golf Club

The Golf Ranch Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, Georgetown, TX | www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573 | Map #84, Ad Page 29

World Car Nissan

www.worldcar.com | 210-599-5999 | Map #11, Ad Page 26

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Tune Up Your Game with The Golf Club and Cobra’s new BiO Cell Driver

By Steve Habel

The Golf Club, the only Austin-area retailer south of the Colorado River dedicated strictly to golf, is a haven for players looking for the best in new equipment and accessories as well as the area’s most diverse selection of gently used clubs.

Located in its convenient stand-alone facility on Ben White Blvd. nearly equidistant between MoPac and IH-35, The Golf Club maintains the unmatched attention to detail and fair pricing that have drawn area golfers to the store for the past decade.

The Golf Club is the place to get Cobra’s new all-titanium BiO Cell driver, which takes adjustability, customization and pure distance to the next level and garnered mention in Golf Digest’s Hot List for 2014. The BiO Cell driver features eight adjustable loft settings, allowing golfers to tune the driver for maximum distance to match their swing.

It also features new Crown Cell weighting and forged E9 BiO Cell face technologies that reduce the weight in the crown and face to deliver a lower center of gravity, higher moment of inertia and faster ball speeds. The result is a much larger sweet zone that delivers longer and straighter drives, even on off-center hits.

The driver’s hosel allows for BiO Cell to be configured from 9.0 degrees to 12 degrees in 1 degree increments. With BiO Cell, players don’t have to give up forgiveness for distance.

And of course, Cobra has taken customization to the next level with five color options for its new drive: blue, red, orange, silver and new to the lineup – black.

The Golf Club is well-equipped to make sure players get the most from the driver’s versatility. The store has two dedicated hitting bays encompassing nearly 1,000-square feet and featuring the nFlight golf club fitting system to optimize your game to the nth degree.

“Our customers know that we have the cutting edge products that they need to improve their games and give them the edge they want on the course,” said John Rowsey, The Golf Club’s founder and owner. “We’ve been doing things the right way since 2003 and we’re able to pass our savings along to our customers.”

For more information on The Golf Club call (888) 453-0102 or log on to www.teegolfclub.com.

The Golf Club

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www.teegolfclub.com 1315 W. Ben White Blvd.

Austin, TX 78704 512-916-GOLF (4653)

NEW & USED Find us online @ www.teegolfclub.com

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