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Contents 8

Cover Story Vaaler Creek Golf Course, Golf the way it was meant to be 6 WELCOME How to contact us, plus download Texas Golf Insider - New App available on Google play or App store 24 FE ATURE COVER STORY

Foresight Golf, Making the difference in South Texas Golf.

Vaaler Creek Golf CLub 30 LANDA PARK Now open for play. Everything old is new again.

Cover: Vaaler Creek Golf Club “ Texas Hill Country’s finest golf experience”

38 A FRESH START The Golf Club of Texas and ConCan get a facelift.

43 FEATURE STORY Boot Ranch, The Texas Hill Country’s finest private golf community.

MAP & DIRECTORIES 62 GENERAL DIRECTORY 64 MAP 65 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

Bandit Golf Club

REGIONS GREATER HOUSTON & TEXAS COAST 70 78 80 81

BAYOU GOLF COURSE RENOVATIONS DONE GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS COURSE DIRECTORY

42 TEXAS

Golf Insider Boot Ranch TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

FROMTHE THEEDITOR EDITOR FROM

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher

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 Editor: Ava Blair Contributing Writers: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay, Office 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 ©2014 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.

WOW! Can you believe the holidays are right around the corner? Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, and parties. I want to welcome all of our northern friends who will be spending their holidays with us and hope you enjoy the weather as well as playing some of the most beautiful golf courses in Texas. For starters, a great place to tee up your first round of golf this fall is Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco Texas.This 18 hole (par 72) championship course is 6,874 yards of some of the best Hill Country Golf you will play anywhere in Texas. If one day isn’t enough, stay and play packages are available at the Tuscany Heights Condominiums on property. If you have not played any Foresight Golf courses, that means you are not from around here. So I will give you seven very good reasons to play; The Bandit, The Buckhorn, The Republic, Plum Creek, The Max, Oso Beach and Lozano Golf Center. These are some of the best conditioned courses you will find anywhere in South Texas and some of the finest surfaces you will play on. Now if you’re planning your future and a Private Golf Community is your next destination. Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg,Texas will meet your every need. Boot Ranch is an artful expression of luxurious Texas ranch style living offering Estate Homesites, Overlook Cabins and Sunday Houses, all wrapped around an 18-hole championship golf course designed by PGA legend Hall Sutton. I want to wish all of our readers and traveling friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear. Mike

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melanie Grafe

Regional publisher for the Texas Golf Insider â€“ Houston, with over 15 years experience in marketing and advertising, and CEO of e-Graphics Marketing and Advertising providing marketing and graphic design services.

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 stateâ€™s 800 golf courses.

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. TEXAS

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

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COVER STORY

Vaaler Creek grows with additions of the ‘good stuff’ off and on the course for South Texas golfers

By Art Stricklin Photos - Mark Lindsay

Director of Golf, Adam Grosch, has been at this green grass golfing garden spot known as Vaaler Creek Golf Club since before it opened as a humble nine-hole layout in 2007. “I’ve been here since it was dirt. I feel like it’s my baby at times.” It’s a relaxing yet challenging par 72, 6,874 yard test from the back tees with MiniVerdi grass greens, Bermuda 419 and TifSport fairways. Most exciting for Grosch are the many off course improvements. This has made the best value in South Texas golf even better. What hasn’t changed over the last several years is the green, pristine conditions. Watered by the Trinity Aquifer, this championship course was designed by architect Michael Lowry and has now grown to 18 holes. The second nine has added plenty of scenic layouts within the pleasant Hill Country surroundings. The new 3,500 square foot outdoor covered pavilion is barely a year old, but has already become a big hit and a welcoming finishing spot for Vaaler Creek golfers. Located at the turn, the pavilion provides a shady spot for a cool drink, a quick bite to TheTexasGolfInsider.com

eat and a chance to celebrate or commiserate over your latest Vaaler Creek round. There is a big-screen television above the scoreboard to catch the latest sports or check out how the paid professional golfers approach their rounds. “It’s already become tournament central over the first year,” Grosch said. “The tournaments use it as a headquarters for scoring, a place to catch up with the games and to hang out with your friends and fellow competitors.” “We still have the 5,500 square foot deck where you can sit and watch the sun dip into the horizon over the 18th fairway, but the pavilion is the place to sit and talk and watch sports and have a cool drink,” he added. Another exciting feature for the facility is the stay-and-play condominiums located near the 10th hole. They currently have three 3-bedroom and two 2-bedroom condos fully furnished. Two 4-bedroom condos will be added for the spring of 2015. “They have been going like crazy,” the longtime pro said. “The condos typically book up several months in advance because

COVER STORY

we are starting to get a lot of bigger groups coming here to stayand-play. They find they can golf, stay on-site in the condos which have full kitchens and TVs and nice beds along with everything else to make it a true golf week or weekend.” Another factor of the Vaaler Creek success is its prime location. Roughly midway between San Antonio and Austin, Vaaler Creek is just outside the small town of Blanco in the Rockin’ J Ranch development off Highway 281. “We are literally within 45 minutes from just about everything you could want,” Grosch said. With the 5-time NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs and the Riverwalk to the South, the Texas Capitol with its UT Longorns, Barton Springs Pool, and endless art and music festivals to the North, there are unlimited choices for fun and entertainment when staying at Vaaler Creek. Your private bedroom condo, open air deck, and hospitable pavilion will be waiting for you to finish up the perfect definition of an exceptional day. Talk about hitting the “sweet spot!” The Rockin’ J Ranch development currently has 20-25 new homes in various stages of construction. More and more people are noticing

the development’s city close and country quiet charm. It’s part of the formula, the so-called secret that Grosch has used over most of the last decade to make this once overlooked course into the now greatly discovered hidden gem of South Texas. “I try to make it fun and make it relaxing,” he said. “It’s fun and easy-going with the course and the staff and all the great things we have here. We just slowly build more and more amenities at Vaaler and we slowly add the good stuff. We don’t overbuild and have things that are going to get us in trouble financially, but we just continue to add.” The formula must be working as the course continues to grow and become more popular every year. Grosch said over the last several years TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COVER STORY

Vaaler Creek has seen a steady gain of 12-16 percent a year in both real estate sales and golf rounds. Part of this success is the course’s use of the Trinity Aquifer, unlike the more stressed Edwards Aquifer, which allows the course to have a dependable supply. While others in the area have struggled with drought conditions, Vaaler Creek has flourshed. The ultimate plan is to have a treatment plant on site along with two wells the course can use to create peak conditions. “In drought season, we’ll always be in great shape,” Grosch said. The same can be said for the Rockin’ J Ranch housing development which is owned along with the golf course by Colonel Lee Roper. The colonel named the course for his

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military friend Jack Vaaler who passed away during the early stages of development. The 1,000 acre area offers all kinds of homesites. There is no hard and fast deadline to build on your property and homeowners are granted use of the golf course for up to three free rounds a month and discounted fees thereafter. There is a Junior-Olympic sized swimming pool for members and the stay-and-play crowd plus a complete practice facility, chipping green, and putting green. Also, a large driving range and teeing area is available for those who want to work on their game before or after they play or when they have a little time to spend at Vaaler Creek. Even with all the new off-course features, the great golfing layout is still the main attraction at Vaaler Creek. It was named #19

COVER STORY

in the country on Golfweek’s “Best New Courses” list in 2011 after completing the full 18 holes, and has only continued to mature and improve. The holes at Vaaler Creek are unique and take advantage of the natural Hill Country surroundings. There are plenty of greenside bunkers, man-made lakes and elevation changes, undulating greens and some tiered fairways. creek bisecting holes No. 2, 4, and 9. Challenge, beautiful scenery, green grass, and relaxation are all part of the Vaaler Creek package; one that continues to draw a steady stream of visitors, members and homeowners. After nearly a decade, Grosch’s baby continues to grow taller, stronger, and

The par 5, 10th hole features a split fairway with golfers able to aim at either the upper or lower fairway with substantially differing elevations. Among the most scenic layouts is the par 3, 12th hole measuring 195 yards. This hole features a shaped pond which almost completely surrounds the green. The par 4, 18th hole is a dog-leg left hugging the picturesque lake which can be seen from the pro shop. The front nine is the shorter of the two, but it’s still plenty dangerous with a small

more attractive each year. The new open air pavilion, the stay-and-play condos, the year-around prime conditions and the growing Rockin’ J real estate development are only the latest evidence. For more information on Vaaler Creek and all it offers, visit www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com or call 830-833-0706. “We’re slowly adding the good stuff.” Grosch added. “I can’t wait to see what happens next.” TheTexasGolfInsider.com

830.833.0706

for special weekday and weekend rates go to

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

Texas Golf Insider’s owner/publisher is feted for contributions to community and the game of golf The Southern Texas chapter of the Professional Golfers Association has named Mike Ratchman, publisher of the respected Texas Golf Insider magazine and the host of a San Antonio-based radio show on ESPN that focuses on Texas golf, the 2014 winner of one of its highest honors – the STPGA Media/Public Relations Award.

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Ratchman was chosen as winner from a list of three finalists and dozens of initial nominees. He will receive his award Feb. 9th at the Omni Hotel in Houston during the 2015 meeting of the Southern Texas PGA section. Eighteen other section winners in a plethora of categories will be recognized then as well. “I’m a little overwhelmed to have won this prestigious award,” Ratchman said. “Just to be nominated was cool but to win is really amazing. I’ve never won anything in my life”. “We have always strived to bring the best of golf from Texas to our readers, and this is an indication that the Southern Texas PGA believes we have been doing things the right way and properly serving the golf community.” Winners must be active or former members of the working media or have influence in the areas of broadcast, print or other mass communication and

provide exemplary support, promotion of the game and PGA golf professionals. Candidates were considered on the basis of their service to the community to the Southern Texas PGA and the game of golf, their contributions to the growth of the game of golf and to its charitable endeavors and to their coverage of the Southern Texas PGA’s tournaments, events and programs. Texas Golf Insider’s winter issue will mark the 20th anniversary of Ratchman’s contribution to the South Texas golf scene. Ratchman lauded the contributions of contributing writers Steve Habel and Art Stricklin as well as sales and marketing partner Melanie Grafe, office and project manager Marcede Pullen, Editor Ava Blair, graphics production manager Pat Gondert and Robert Cox and his team in distribution. “I’m very humbled by this whole process and the recognition we are receiving,” Ratchman said. “I didn’t know anyone was paying attention. “Winning this award would not have been possible without the support of many

Mike Ratchman and editor Ava Blair

of our customers whom have been with us up to 20 years and that believe in the way we deliver their messages and advertising,” Ratchman added. “And, of course, we hope to exceed the expectations of our readers who continue to pick up our magazine and use it as a source for golf and travel in Texas.”

Office manager, Marcede Pullen, at the San Antonio Golf Expo

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REVIEW

Coushatta is the Place to Stay and Play If you’re a golfer and a gambler, you’ll enjoy playing Koasati Pines at Coushatta with its novel 19th “gambling” hole where tiebreakers and wagers can be resolved. The fairways on this 7,617yard course, one of the longest golf courses in Louisiana, wind through natural wetlands and over rolling terrain studded with stately pines and huge live oaks. PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED Course designer Kevin Tucker snuck in multiple approaches to several holes, but you’ll be riding on GPS enabled carts that track yardage and offer course tips to help you plan each shot. Six sets of tees let golfers tailor the course to their skill levels. TOP-RATED COURSE Koasati Pines, set deep in Cajun Country, is part of Coushatta Casino Resort owned by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. The serenity of gently rolling terrain and 65 acres of looking-glass lakes were specifically designed to submerge you in a relaxing, yet challenging, golf experience. Our spectacular greens extend a velvet invitation to skilled and novice golfers alike. You’ll love playing this course, one of the longest in Louisiana, with a 4.5 star rating in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.” AND THAT’S NOT ALL . . . THERE’S MORE! Your gaming getaway just keeps getting better. In the evenings, the play moves to the

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casino where there are more than 70 fast-action gaming tables and 2,800 hot slots. Satisfy your appetite on international, American and Cajun cuisine, top-quality steaks, deli and comfort foods, rich desserts, gourmet coffees, bakery-fresh pastries and more. With nine dining options, the feast is on! Catch a live show or dance the night away in the casino’s nightclub Mikko Live! in the casino’s non-smoking slots area. Relax in the comfort of your luxurious hotel room or in your lakeside chalet at Red Shoes RV Resort. Hey, bring the kids! They’ll love the supervised childcare of Kids Quest (ages 6 weeks to 12 years) or Cyber Quest (ages 12 and older.) And don’t leave Fido at home–– Coushatta Inn and Red Shoes RV Resort boast dogfriendly accommodations, plus all the leash-free fun of Lucky Paws Dog Park. WE’RE ONLY A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Drive 1 1/2 hours from Beaumont and only 45 minutes from Lake Charles … and you’ve reached a destination that’s designed to delight, where worldclass gaming and luxurious accommodations await you. Plan your family’s “gaming getaway” today! Ask about Stay and Play packages, plus special group rates. FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Coushatta Casino Resort, 800584-7263 or visit www.coushattacasinoresort. com. Coushatta Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

Golf in the Desert

A Wonderful Fall-Winter Boost to Your Golf and Spirits

By Art Stricklin

Golf in the desert in wintertime. Can there be a sweeter series of words for golfers stuck in a brown grass, cool to downright cold, non-productive Texas golfing season. Chilly hand, multiple layers of clothes, red cheeks, cold ears. Thankfully there is a place, an oasis of green in the winter months, only a short direct flight from Texas which offers 200 choices of golfing hope with sunny skies, mild temperatures and low to no humidity. Phoenix in the late fall and winter months is a welcome change to the Texas golfer looking for a warm weather break without breaking the bank to get there. Among the most recognizable courses in Phoenix is the TPC-Scottsdale. That’s because it is home to the PGA Tour event each year, usually held around Super Bowl week, where 500,000 of your closest golfing friends come to see what is billed as the, “Greatest Show on Grass.” Provided you don’t pick that week, when the pros have it anyway, the course will be much less crowded, but still in the same outstanding conditions. Ribbons of greens surrounded by cactus and shrub trees are the best way to describe the luminous TPCScottsdale layout. Of course, much of the front nine wraps around the equally grand Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. Like many pro TPC (Tournament Players Club) layouts there is not a lot of classic golf holes, but the fun setting, perfect conditions, and great weather is enough for most people. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

At TPC Scottsdale, the best holes are on the back nine. There is the par 5 15th hole where the green is totally surrounded by water and it can make any approach shot a watery challenge. The par 3 16th is probably the most famous non-ocean, nonAugusta short hole in the U.S. Every year it’s surrounded by 100,000 fans in a coliseum setting and amateur players can still hear the noise from years past, especially Tiger’s most memorable ace here in 1996. The par 4 17th hole is drivable for almost all players from the series of tee boxes, giving you the chance to putt for eagle with a decent drive. The par 4 18th has water all the way down the left side with a chance to walk down the fairway and onto the green imagining the cheers of thousands on the way to your first Tour victory. Located off the highway near a residential neighborhood in the central part of the city is the par 71 Lookout Mountain Course at the Pointe Hilton Resort. The course has been around for several decades and is sometimes overlooked, which is a shame. It offers some of the best views of the valley and the natural wildlife which inhabits the desert. Many of the holes at Lookout Mountain dip or rise from the tee box, with the par 5 18th hole tee box rising high to overlook the valley below. After leaving the first hole at Lookout Mountain, many of the layouts are alone in the desert or with homes in the distance giving you the chance to play relaxing, uncrowded golf.

Another graceful throwback to the foundations of Phoenix golf is The Phoenician Resort with 27 holes of golf surrounded by the huge resort. The founding of the lavish Phoenician Resort is famous or infamous as the case may be. Arizona developer Charles Keating built the resort and the golf courses to be the finest that money could buy. Unfortunately for Keating, much of the money used came from unlawful white collar criminal activities which ultimately led him and some of his associates to a different style of cross-bar hilton. But the resort he built remains one of the most lavish anywhere with three separate nine hole layouts. The Oasis, Desert and Canyon courses, all par 35, have wonderful mountain backdrops, water and great views of the huge resort. The resort also has a great Texas connection as famous golf teacher Mike Lamanna, formerly at La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio, is the Director of Instruction here. He brought plenty of his Texas friendliness and skill with him, plus youâ€™re taking lessons in the warm winter sunshine. Whatâ€™s not to like? Architect Billy Bell designed the original par 72 adobe course at the Arizona Biltmore in 1929, which was later joined by a mountainside view links course and famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright laid out the hotel. As one of the few large lodging establishments ever done by Wright, it showcased his unique style with several spectacular pools, a large clock tower and bronze and gold leaf roof and tiles around the resort. Even a huge outdoor checker board comes complete with moveable pieces. The golf is old school and still fun for all ages and skill levels.

Of course, no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the two more famous and highly rated courses in the area at Troon North. The Monument and Pinnacle courses have long been ranked the No. 1 and 2 courses in the state and have done little to

lose their ranking to the local newcomers. These Morrish-Tom Weiskopf par 72 layouts are classic desert courses on a grand scale, requiring accuracy off the tee and a stern concentration to avoid being distracted by the scenic views. There are way too many golfing choices for one fall-winter visit, but from a long weekend to a week-long journey, there are plenty of great golfing escapes for the tried and chilly golfing soul. For more information, go to www. troongolf.com, www.experiencescottsdale. com or www.visitphoenix.com

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LLone one Star Star Teaching Teaching Powerhouse Powerhouse Duo Duo Highlight Highlight 2014 Inductees 2014 Inductees into into Texas Texas Golf Golf Hall Hall of of Fame F ame Photos by Gary Perkins

Two of Texas’ greatest teachers and some of its best players and promoters

able give back in this way,” said Dallas’ Hank Haney, who was joined by Austin’s Chuck Cook in the golf professional teacher category. “This is an honor I’m going to cherish for the rest of my life.” Also honored was Australia native Bruce Devlin in the professional category, who has lived in Weatherford for nearly two decades and won 27 professional tournaments worldwide. “What’s most important to me is family and if you look at table 15 you will see my family tonight and that is most important,” an Texas Hall of Fame awards dinner at San Antonio Country Club. emotional Devlin said. were honored October 20th before a large Longtime Sam Houston State University crowd at the 2014 Texas Golf Hall of Fame golf coach Ronnie Choate was honored in the Ceremonies. Pioneer category for helping lead the Bearkats The Gala evening, hosted by Golf to four national golf championships during Channel Commentator David Marr III at two different stints as head coach. San Antonio Country Club, saluted six new “I never played on the pro tour, but I was members and added Dallas Country Club to glad to serve as a father and a mentor and a the Texas Registry of Historic Courses. coach to hundreds of young men who came Among the Texas golf legends in the through here. It was a good life and one I am crowd were World Golf Hall of Fame very proud of.” members Tom Kite Recently deceased and David Graham Dallas amateur along with former golfer Bob Rawlins, U.S. Amateur known among Texas champion David golfers as, ‘Dark Gossett, who lives in Cloud,’ for his Austin and is working somber personality to revive his once which hid a heart formidable game. of compassion, was “This game has inducted in the been very good to me, amateur category especially since I moved for his many to Texas 30 years ago accomplishments, L to R: Buddy Cook, Board Chairman, and I’m so honored to be including the 1984 U.S. presents Hank Haney his award TheTexasGolfInsider.com

2014 Texas Golf Hall of Fame Inductees Top L to R: Chuck Cook, Bruce Devlin, Hank Haney, and Ray Nixon Bottom L to R: Ronnie Choate, Hilda Penn, Kathi Rawlins Teague, Ray Tucker accepting for Charles Dexter

Senior Amateur title which he won in a onehole playoff. Charles Dexter, one of the founding members of Brook Hollow Golf Club and the first Texas executive committee

“

Jason Dufner, said he was thrilled to be included in the same hall of fame as many of his golfing heroes. Cook was born in El Paso and has lived in Austin for more than 30 years.

To be in the same golf hall of fame with Mr. Hogan is pretty amazing. I also want to thank Tom Kite for never letting me be ordinary, but always pushing me - Chuck Cook

member of the United States Golf Association was also inducted in the Pioneer Category, while Bill Penn, the first full-time executive director of the Texas Golf Association and a longtime promoter of golf in the state entered Texas’ golf honor hall for distinguished service. Cook, who has taught major multiple champions ranging from Tom Kite to

”

“I remember I got a chance to go to Fort Worth and see Ben Hogan play and practice once and I stood there for almost two hours. After a while he turned to me and said, ‘what do you think? I said it looks pretty good.’ “To be in the same golf hall of fame with Mr. Hogan is pretty amazing. I also want to thank Tom Kite for never TheTexasGolfInsider.com

letting me be ordinary, but always pushing me.” Dallas Country Club was included as the first course of any kind in North Texas when it opened in 1896 as a humble six-hole facility near downtown Dallas. It was the site of the first Texas State Amateur Championship and has hosted many prestigious golf events. Earlier in the day, the honorees unveiled a stone marker on the Texas Golf Walk of Fame adjacent to the HOF facility at historic Brackenridge Park near downtown San Antonio. Texas Hall of Fame inductees ready to play the game they love L to R: Hank Haney, Bruce Devlin and Chuck Cook They held a wideranging discussion on their respective Texas golf careers, which took them all over feel is the greatest state golf hall of fame the world to play. Devlin told about once in the nation,” said board chairman Buddy playing with fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame Cook. “It’s another great night to honor member Lee Trevino in a 1960s British these great individuals.” Open, both using the same driver during one of their rounds when the R&A rules official wasn’t looking. “We are greatly honored by these Lone Star legends being added L to R: Board of Director Jim Roschek, to what we Inductee Bruce Devlin and Executive Director Reid Meyers. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

REVIEW

Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs Brings Golfing Fun to the Texas Hill Country By Art Stricklin

Golf, a game that has been played for hundreds of years, has always meant a lot of things to a lot of people. From championship competition to inward honors, family bonding and outdoor recreation, this game has been a pastime for many. Somehow along the way, the concept of golf as fun is often lost. The game has become too penal, too expensive and too hard to ever be considered a pleasure. But when it comes to golf as a fun and leisurely TheTexasGolfInsider.com

activity, the newly reopened Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs in New Braunfels, has successfully captured this concept. The new Landa Park, which reopened in October after a multi-million dollar investment from the city, kept the great South Texas scenery, kept the history and certainly kept the on-course deer. But what golfers will mostly remember is the fun. The new, par 71 layout of the course succeeds in its new life, with a slightly new title. While updates and changes have been

REVIEW

made on the course and off, Landa Park Golf Course staff is as friendly as ever. Landa Park is a familiar and welcoming golf destination for generations of local residents and South Texas golf fans. Along with the renovation comes the possibility of a new discovery for the tens of thousands of tourists who come to New Braunfels each year, including the many splashing in the nearby waters of the Comal River and the Schlitterbahn Water Park, which wraps around the course at several places,

or those who come to enjoy local traditions such as Wurstfest. The new layout, which renowned golf architect Baxter Spann helped formulate by creating the master plan and implementing course improvements for Heritage Links, was incorporated under the watchful eye of Chad Donegan, PGA Golf Course Manager, and his staff, including course superintendent Jason Wiedeman. What golfers will see when they come to Landa Park for the first time, or the first time TheTexasGolfInsider.com

REVIEW

since its renovation, is a fun and relaxing experience with great conditions, low prices and a spectacular new sports bar. Celebrate your successful rounds on the course and off. “The feedback we’ve received from the rebirth and reopening of the course has been fantastic so far,” said Donegan, who has been at Landa Park for over nine years. “We’re very pleased with what has happened and the chance for locals, longtimers and newcomers to play the new Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs.” While the river, which snakes through part of the front and back nine has been a natural hazard for years, four new water hazards were added during the course remodel. The new lakes, resting near holes three, four, seven, and eight provide plenty of watery danger, challenging even the most experienced player. The course conditions, which include 36 new bunkers, along with lush 419 Bermuda grassed fairways and premium Mini-Verde grassed greens, are a welcome revolution to longtime Landa Park goers and first timers alike. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Another, perhaps overlooked benefit at the course are the addition of two modern irrigation pump houses and bathroom combinations strategically placed at the 6th and 15th tee boxes. Because the course is routed along the Comal River, resort boundaries, native trees and grassed areas, the improved course conditions will ensure golfers always have a shot at Landa Park. Other positive and fun additions to the course include stone markers, positioned on each of the 18 tee boxes. These markers offer historical facts about the course and the surrounding area of New Braunfels, dating back to its earliest history. With so much to enjoy on this 122acre facility, it is hard to determine the course’s most significant change. Among the biggest modifications are the 9th, 10th and 18th holes. All feature new bunkering with strategic shots needed off the tee. The 9th and 18th greens will offer challenging finishes to both the front and back nine. There are plenty of Texas Hill Country views and plenty of challenges, but most importantly, plenty of fun at Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs. Annual, Seasonal and Monthly memberships are available, along with a member cart program, plus weekday and weekend green fees. For more information, call 830-221-4340 or visit their website at landaparkgolfcourse.com.

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

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INSTRUCTION

Create More Clubhead Speed

Jorden Speith getting clubhead speed and accurancy

What would you guess is the question our golf school students ask us the most during the year? “Will Tiger Woods win at least 18 majors?” No. “Will the belly putter be banned from the PGA Tour?” No. “ What about, “How do I hit the ball further?” Yes, you nailed it. Most of the time, the question they should be asking us is, “How do I hit the ball straighter?” But for many golfers, hitting the ball further is as much of an obsession as learning how to make grandma’s biscuits. We are going to show you several ways to create more clubhead speed while not giving up accuracy. We’ll also give you some very effective practice drills to help you achieve this. 1) RELAX YOUR ARMS AND SHOULDERS Relaxing your arms and shoulders at address is the first step to creating more clubhead speed. Tension is the biggest killer of speed and it is almost always the one common characteristic in the loss of distance. Look at other athletic motions as an example. Throwing a ball: You can throw a ball much further/faster if you are relaxed before and during the motion.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Henrick Stenson making the right moves

You can run faster if you’re relaxed while you’re doing it. Swinging a golf club is no different. DRILL: Make a conscious effort to move your arms, feet and legs while addressing the ball. Being too still over the ball at address creates tension. Move! 2) STAY CENTERED OVER THE BALL Staying centered over the ball during the swing is very important to creating more clubhead speed because you can always swing an object faster in a circle than you can in a line. For example, if you tie a ball onto the end of a string, you can swing it around in a circle faster than if you move it back and forth in straight line. Golfers who try to transfer their weight during the swing tend to lose distance compared to someone who stays centered and lets their weight transfer automatically with their turn. This also helps your body swing your arms during the swing, not the other way around. DRILL: Hit shots with your feet close together. By doing this, your body senses a lack of stability and forces you to stay centered. This in turn will help you create more clubhead speed when you take your normal width stance.

INSTRUCTION 3) BE AGGRESSIVE (IN THE RIGHT PLACE) Being aggressive in your swing is good. Let me say that again. Being aggressive in your swing is good...as long as you keep your balance. But where you are aggressive is the key. Many golfers make the mistake of being aggressive from the top of their swing starting down. To create maximum clubhead speed, be aggressive through the hitting area. Trying to hit the ball hard when starting your downswing creates two problems: Power leak and balance problems. The fastest part of a good player’s swing is just past the ball. Jack Nicklaus said he tried to swing slower when he wanted to hit it further. What he accomplished by doing this was a smooth transition from the backswing to the downswing while his clubhead speed increased through the hitting area. DRILL: Hit shots on the range making different speed swings. Hit some shots swinging at 30% of your normal effort, some at 60% and some at 90%. Practicing this way not only helps you keep your transition smoother, but it lets you know what speed is working for you that day. 4) STRETCH Being flexible is just as important as anything you can do in your swing to increase your clubhead speed. You should always stretch, at the very least, before and after your round. Stretching away from the golf course will only help. Just look at the top 5 longest hitters on the PGA Tour as an example. Bubba Watson, Charlie Beljan, Robert Garrigus, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy are all very flexible. The tip of a bull whip

creates a “crack” because the tip is breaking the speed of sound. A stiffer object cannot do this because there is no “whip” to create speed. Remember, good swing fundamentals help you hit the ball more solidly. Hitting the ball solid is the first step to hitting it further and straighter. After that, practice these four fundamentals and you’ll be able to increase your clubhead speed.

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FEATURE STORY

A FRESH, NEW ATTITUDE By Steve Habel

The Golf Club of Texas

New owners bring top-notch conditions and playability to two favorite South Texas courses with enthusiasm about golf and how it’s New ownership and modernized marketed; there’s no doubt that they’re operations at two of South Texas’ favorite bullish about the game, to the benefit of the and most ballyhooed golf courses have infused the facilities with a new zest, in the region’s golfers. “It’s great to see these two courses process confirming that the game of golf – back to where they belong to be and the at least in our region – is finally back and in excitement about the game of golf again,” the swing of things. Bechtol added. “Tom and David had a vision In the past year local businessmen Tom to bring the Golf Club of Texas back to life Bevans and David Doguet, principals of and to refining the OutLaw Golf Group, experience for golfers purchased two courses at ConCan. We are designed by Austinseeing the fruits of based golf architect their efforts day by Roy Bechtol – the day on site.” Golf Club of Texas, Other members located in southwest of the OutLaw Golf San Antonio, and Group are Clint The Club at ConCan, Outlaw Golf owners & Roy Bechtol (r) Schroff (real estate nestled in the valley plan a facelift for the Golf Club of Texas and development), formed by the Frio Brian Perry (financing for the projects River north of Uvalde. and acquisitions) and Andy Roberts Bevans and Doguet have brought (information technology, communications more than deep pockets to the area’s and product development). golf scene. They’ve injected the region TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

Bechtol said. “Where else can you get a golf Changes abound at GCT course that’s four-holes wide with plenty The Golf Club of Texas, set in a part of room in between those holes? You stand of the Alamo City that’s booming but underserved for golf, is nearing completion on the deck of the clubhouse here and see nothing but golf across the wide plain to after a major renovation under Bechtol’s the south.” guidance. The redo, which stripped the Irrigation has also been updated, even as course down to the dirt, cost more than Bechtol’s revision has reduced the amount $3.5 million. of turf that needs to be watered by more Bechtol has reworked the Golf Club of than 20 percent. Texas’ putting surfaces, bunkers and tee “The Golf Club of Texas is a completely boxes and added movement and additional new design incorporating state-of-the-art bunkers to the course’s fairways, making turf and advanced technologies that make a track that was always good even better. The front- and back-nines have been flipped it the greenest course in the nation and deliver superb playing conditions,” Bevans to create a more dynamic finish and new said. water features have been constructed. The turf rolled out at the fairways and It is now completely grassed with grasses seeded in the native areas at the different strains of Zoysia – even on the Golf Club of putting Texas was surfaces – and grown at nearby is the first Bladerunner course in Farms, a Poteet, Texas grassed Texas firm that throughout is the world’s with the largest privately versatile and owned Zoysia hearty turf. Just a glimpse of what’s to come for the grass and Buffalo Originally newly resurfaced Golf Club of Texas grass research opened for and development facility. play in 1999, the Golf Club of Texas is Bladerunner Farms is run by David and located on 1,900 acres at the steps of the Sheri Doguet, the same Doguets who are Hill Country and incorporates the rugged part-owners of the Golf Club of Texas. South Texas landscape where it meets a “This has to be one of the most lush, sprawling flood plain. environmentally friendly courses ever Four-holes wide and following a built,” Douget added. “We are using Zoysia meandering creek, the Golf Club of Texas grass for its ability to provide a top-quality provides a core-golfing experience at its course without the need for a lot of water, best. Indigenous plants are juxtaposed fertilizer or chemicals and Buffalo grass for against pristine fairways and greens. all the native areas.” “The Golf Club of Texas was always one Golfers will also love the facility’s of San Antonio’s favorite courses because expanded and lighted practice area, which of its playability and the feeling that golf includes a dual-sided driving range and was the most important aspect of the site,”

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

a “wedge world” short game zone – one of Bechtol’s favorite design concepts – as well as a private teaching area. Two new practice putting greens have also been fashioned in the shadow of the updated clubhouse, one with some challenging slopes that will act as its own place for fun and competition. Hole No. 13 will require a great shot The facility’s clubhouse, putting and maybe a little luck greens, driving range and restaurant (with expanded and sumptuous ConCan gets the treatment it menu) and bar will be open before deserves Christmas while the course’s back-nine is Bechtol’s course at The Club at ConCan expected to be ready for a soft opening on is one of Texas’ best layouts, but it has Jan. 1. The front-nine is set for a March never really received the acclaim it’s 1 completion date, with the Golf Club of deserved because of uneven conditioning Texas’ grand reopening planned for Spring caused by the scarcity of water to irrigate Break 2015. the course. The Golf Club of Texas will host the That’s changed under the steady, Team Zoyzia Game Changer tour as part enthusiastic hand of Bevans, Doguet and company. Panoramic views of the Hill Country are found on every fairway at The Club at ConCan. Hills, with elevations of up to 1,500 feet, surround the course and are a constant presence, adding to ConCan’s picturesque Hole No. 1 a feeling of isolation in a of the Golf Industry Show that will be place where the deer, the rabbit and the armadillos far outnumber the human conducted Feb. 23 in San Antonio. population.

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FEATURE STORY

This one-of-a-kind setting, with its Hill Country backdrop to every green and its flawless Zoysia fairways, makes ConCan a substantially different, unique and refreshing destination. Bechtol expertly routed the course in an inside-out fashion reminiscent of old-school design, using the sequencing of the holes hand in hand with nature to enhance the site’s majestic and natural setting. Bevans and Doguet have enhanced the experience at ConCan by tweaking the course to help with maintenance and to increase the track’s ability to handle more players. The renovation will eventually eliminate 15 of the course’s 80 bunkers. The course’s irrigation system has been upgraded and new weed treatment and fertilizer programs were enacted. The entire course has undergone two complete nurturing applications in the past six months, leaving the fairways thick and lush. Outlaw Golf’s input also improved ConCan’s equipment for its maintenance staff to make sure the course is kept in pristine condition.

A demo hole has been built at the facility to show visitors how the new Zoysia grassing plan – which will mirror the one at Golf Club of Texas – being contemplated for upgrading the golf course will look and play. There are upgrades off the course as well, including an expanded menu in the clubhouse’s grill and a full-service coffee and espresso bar that’s free for customers as well as new stone work and lighting around clubhouse and refinished stained concrete flooring inside. Future plans are to build a full-service, year-round restaurant at the facility and a smokehouse for full barbeque lineup. The owners of the golf course also control multiple rental properties for custom stay and play packages in the Frio Valley, one of the most visited vacation areas in Texas. The vistas, the playability and fun factor are three reasons the course at ConCan is a track golfers will want to play again and again.

Beautiful Scenery on a Challenging Layout awaits you at ConCan Golf Course

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FREDERICKSBURG’S MAGNIFICENT BOOT RANCH HILL COUNTRY AT ITS BEST By Contributing Writer - Kimberly Samoon

Boot Ranch has become the go-to, died-and-gone-to-heaven Hill Country lifestyle experience. Artfully etched into the quintessential Texas Hill Country, splendor surrounding it and situated between charming and historic downtown Fredericksburg and famous Enchanted Rock, the 2,000-acre luxury master planned development has set itself distinctly apart from other private golf and family communities in the state. “When visitors tour Boot Ranch, it’s not long before they realize how perfectly located we are,” says Andrew Ball, Boot Ranch co-director of marketing and sales. “People driving from Houston, for example, know we’re in the Hill Country, but never imagine we’re situated in the geographical and spiritual heart of it.” Hill Country and particularly the Fredericksburg area, offer a wide variety of cultural activities and accessibility to nature, from winding canyons, hills and valleys, wildflowers, wildlife, and spectacular sunsets to award-winning vineyards, galleries and museums, state parks, dining, music and shopping.

Fredericksburg, which was named by Southern Living Magazine in its “Small Towns We Love,” is one of the most captivating and charming small towns in the South. The German village-inspired town is home to a thriving art scene, a farm-to-table culinary movement and a wealth of high-quality and popular wineries. “The quality of life here is hard to describe without sounding like you’re exaggerating, but it’s really incomparable,” says Sean Gioffre, Boot Ranch’s long-time co-director of marketing and sales, who lives with in town with his wife, son and puppy. Just 75 miles from San Antonio and 85 miles from Austin on scenic routes, Boot Ranch is easily accessible and worth the drive. Setting is the ultimate backdrop, and yet, there are endless opportunities and outlets to enjoy Hill Country living without sacrificing the comforts, services and refined luxury. This is notably the case at Boot Ranch.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

LIVING L A R G E Boot Ranch offers a unique combination of elegant ranch living, outdoor adventure and world-class golf. Having spared no expense, Boot Ranch’s 55,000-square-foot award-winning clubhouse sits high on a bluff, revealing 30-mile vistas reminiscent of Tuscany. Echoing the rustic style of architecture in these parts, the clubhouse combines sturdy limestone walls and huge, rough-hewn cedar timbers arching overhead, accented by heavy wrought iron fixtures and niches built into the walls. On cool winter evenings, fires blaze in massive stone fireplaces throughout the clubhouse buildings and on patios and decks overlooking the lakes and golf course.

A Touch of Tuscany in Texas Amenities at the immaculate and elegant Clubhouse include casual and fine dining with Executive Chef Aaron Staudenmaier, a fully-stocked wine cellar, an award-winning golf shop, ReStore Spa & Fitness Center, and lavishly furnished men’s and women’s locker rooms complete with steam rooms, terraces and cocktail lounges. There are also 10 one-bedroom guest suites, each with their own fireplace, flat screen television, Jacuzzi tub, coffee bar, private balcony and Wi-Fi, available to members and their guests. With families in mind, owners, members, their families and guests can also now enjoy the recently completed 4.5-acre Ranch Club, which features a pavilion that seats up to 300 for events and entertainment, as well as a wood burning pizza oven and a bar area, fireplaces, a playground, a tennis court, a sport court for basketball and pickleball, foosball, ping pong, and a resort-style four-pool swimming complex with designated adult and family pools. For nature seekers and outdoor adventuring, there is a trap and skeet range overlooking Longhorn Lake, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and fishing, all on the Audubon Sanctuary-designated property.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

THE SACRED EPICENTER

THE HAL SUTTON-DESIGNED GOLF COURSE

“The setting is just one-of-a-kind” The club’s amenities, its unique infrastructure and 5-star service are a natural evolution of the vision former PGA Tour star and Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton had for Boot Ranch when he designed Boot Ranch’s sacred epicenter, its championship-level golf course. Golf at Boot Ranch is nothing short of exceptional, and the course is widely considered one of the top 10 in the state. Designed by the PGA legend a decade ago, Boot Ranch combines the best elements of all the greatest courses. The 7,250-yard course winds through rugged, yet picture-perfect, Hill Country terrain. “First time golfers who play this course spend as much time taking in the surrounding nature as they do shot values and experience an exceptional championship layout that holds your attention for all 18 holes,” notes director of golf Emil Hale. “The course is challenging and fun to play, and the setting is just one-of-a-kind.”

The course complements the landscape that inspired its design. From the rushing waterfall that forms a backdrop to the 10th hole, to the distant ridgeline rising beyond the Clubhouse Village, the links embrace and blend with the rolling Hill Country. The golf course presents everything experienced golfers have come to expect when playing in the Texas Hill Country including plunging elevation changes, vistas that go on for days, winding terrain, gullies and rock outcroppings, and a seamless but sensory transition from the course to the magnificent estate homes on its elevated fringes. Thanks to a partnership between Boot Ranch and the Fredericksburg Independent School District, the course also serves as an open-air classroom where young golfers learn nuances of the sport both on the links and in the 34-acre Practice Park that stretches just below the Clubhouse Village. The Practice Park provides multiple hitting areas where golfers can spread out and practice their full shots in all wind directions. There is also a short game range and an executive par three course.

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VERTICAL MEMBERSHIP Boot Ranch has developed a more welcoming family and community feel through its vertical memberships that extend club privileges to parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren. Being able to provide opportunities for children and their families to enjoy a Boot Ranch getaway is important to members, and extended families now share the full range of experiences that the community has to offer.

THE AMERICAN DREAM

TEXAS STYLE The booming Texas economy is fueling demand for luxury ranch real estate. Add to this the fact that Texans generally prefer to own a second or weekend home in their own backyard, and it is no wonder that Boot Ranch has recently reported an eight-year record high for home and property sales. Sean Gioffre, Boot Ranch co-director of marketing and sales, observed: “There is no doubt that the Texas economy is fueling much of the demand we are seeing for premier ranch real estate, including here at Boot Ranch. Confidence is back, and with low interest rates, many people are looking to second homes as a hedge against inflation and as a tangible asset in which to put their money.” Boot Ranch offers a variety of avenues to property ownership as well as non-resident club memberships, marrying the best of ranch living with modern luxury with three living options for discerning homebuyers. Estate Home sites range in price from $300,000 to $2,500,000 (2 acres – 18 acres) inclusive of club membership, with custom floor plans ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 square feet. The majority of Boot Ranch’s phase one 128-estate home lot inventory has been sold to members, and nearly 25 estate homes are currently under construction or in the design process.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

PACE AND LIFESTYLE Complementing the single-family residential lot offerings, Boot Ranch also features fractional ownership its “Sunday Houses,” built as an homage to the small homes that area settlers built in Fredericksburg for use on their visits into town to attend stock up on food and supplies Saturdays before attending church on Sundays. Each Sunday House at Boot Ranch is a five-building complex clustered around a central courtyard, with four individual bedroom suites and a central “Gathering House.” Each Gathering house features a fully-equipped chef-designed kitchen, a fireplace, room for large family gatherings, and large wrap-around porches for taking in the stunning views and sunsets. The first four of a total eight Sunday Houses are completely sold out of their respective 24 interests, and Sunday House 4, which is currently under construction, pre-sold all eight fractions within 30 days of the offering.

An innovative, multi-structure offering, the Overlook Cabins are on 1/2 to 1-1/2 acres properties with all-in-prices starting in the $800’s, including lot, membership and completed structure of from one to eight bedrooms. These homes are designed in the traditional Fredericksburg architecture, mirroring the native stone and beloved farmhouse design seen in the area’s historic homes. “Just call it the ‘American Dream Texas Style,’” says Ball. “Prospective owners we meet are looking to join an established community that balances privacy and accessibility. They want to be with their families and create lasting memories in a place where they can golf, fish, dine, swim, relax and generally enjoy the Texas outdoors. Boot Ranch offers all of that and more.” The pace and lifestyle in Texas Hill Country are immeasurably more enjoyable than many places on earth, and undoubtedly, the ultimate in Hill Country living can be found at Boot Ranch. Visit BootRanch.com or call 830-856-2636 to learn more.

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

MAP #29

RATES Monday-Friday $32 Seniors and Military $26 Saturday, Sunday and $38 Holidays Twilight at noon everyday (Green Fee, Cart & 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.

COURSES

Cibolo

Northcliffe Golf Club Home of the Noon Twilight Rate - Mon-Fri Just $24 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 links-style design features generous fairways and leaves the golfer several options to play each hole. Northcliffe also has the unique design with 5 par 5’s and 5 par 3’s that wind through the course with no major elevation changes. Now open at Northcliffe Golf Club is the New “America’s first drift fry restaurant” Shifu’s 41 and a 1000 s.f. deck surrounding the pro shop. 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

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COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

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

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SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

Enjoy Championship Golf in the San Antonio Area!!! A Premier San Antonio Golf Course & Event Center! 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

or book tee times online

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52 WORLD CAR SPONSORS

“CASH FORE CANCER” GOLF TOURNAMENT

World Car Auto Group enjoys giving back to the San Antonio community. p t } , we were able to help raise awareness for a very serious cause. The Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco, Texas hosted the Fourth Annual Cash Fore Cancer Charity Golf Tournament. n | ¦ | | | | of which went to Teed Off At Cancer, an organization that works closely with families at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and Christus Santa Ro |. “This is a huge investment for us,” said Adam Grosch, the General Manager of Vaaler Creek Golf Club. “We’ve hosted the event for four years now and continue to grow. It’s a great cause and a great day.” Mike Ratchman, Publisher for Texas Golf Insider, created the event in memory of his | wife, Michelle, who died of cancer. He continues to do all he can to help families get the assistance they need to afford medications and treatment. “My wife was a teacher for Head Start in San Antonio,” Ratchman said. “She had a great heart for helping and working with kids, so we continue to stick with raising funds for children.” Ratchman said that since day one, World Car has “stepped up to the plate and continues to help make a difference while encouraging other organizations to sponsor the event and do the same.” Roughly 120 people signed up to participate in the tournament and compete for cash and a variety of prizes. World Car, the lead sponsor of the event, gave the golfers a chance to win a new 2015 Kia Optima EX worth $25,000. The first person to get a hole-in-one on the 15th hole each year wins the new ride, but unfortunately, no one won this year’s prize. “This is the fourth year we’ve sponsored the event along with Texas Golf Insider, FOX 29, News 4 San Antonio, and ESPN San Antonio,” said Art Kiolbassa, Chief Operations Officer of World Car Auto Group. “We choose a different car every year from our dealerships, but KIA really encourages us to participate in events like this, and they pay a portion of the insurance policy needed to get the car to the event. This is a good thing for both KIA and World Car.” World Car loves being an active member of the San Antonio community.

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Hidden Falls Adventure Park 830-798-9820 hiddenfallsadventurepark.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 Edgewater Resort 512-793-2818 the-edgewater.com Fort Mason City Park 325-347-2064 Galloway-Hammond Parks and Recreation Center 512-756-6180

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 Poppyâ€™s Pointe Resort 512-793-3922 poppyspointe.net

118 Club Circle Kingsland, TX

325-388-6660

LighthouseCountryClub.com

P A R K S

Hi-Line Lake Resort 325-379-1065 hilinelakesresort.com

Northpoint Landing RV Park NOW OPEN

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Rio Vista Resort 325-388-6331 rio-vista-resort.com Riverview RV Park 830-693-3910 Roadrunner RV Park 830-868-7449 roadrunnerrvparktexas.com San Saba River GC & RV Park 325-372-3212 golfsansaba.com Shady Oaks RV Park 512-793-2718 campingfriend.com/shadyoaksrv Sunset Point on Lake LBJ 830-798-8199 sunsetpointlbj.com

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 flatcreekestate.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

H I L L C O U N T R Y

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

W I N E R I E S

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

REVIEW

Delaware Springs Golf Course delivers a fun and challenging round – again and again

By Steve Habel/Contributing Writer

One of the constants of golf in Central Texas is Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet, which provides a fun and challenging round on an understated routing every time it’s played. Delaware Springs GC is not about punishing players with deep rough or forced carries or overly punitive greens complexes. The course – nestled into the rolling hills and oak trees on wind-swept ground just south of town – opened for play in 1992. Like fine wine, Delaware Springs has improved with age, thanks to the City of Burnet’s dedication to conditioning and maintenance, including the needed tweak every so often. “It’s just a really fair, really fun golf course,” said Doug Fipps, Delaware Springs’ long-time director of golf. “You know that every time you play you are going to come away happy with some shots and wanting a little bit more. I have never heard anyone who has played Delaware Springs say they didn’t have fun.” The course plays 6,829 yards from the tips, but don’t be fooled by the track’s lack of length – there are more than enough challenges to keep low-handicappers scrambling. Designed by architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor (who have worked with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore), it fits the terrain perfectly. There is not a lot of mounding. Eight of the track’s holes have no bunkers but where TheTexasGolfInsider.com

the sand is utilized it is to great effect, both artistically and strategically. During the round golfers will encounter lush fairways, large greens that often slope severely and numerous chances to bump and run shots to the putting surfaces. Delaware Springs’ front-nine features three par-5s, each of which can be reached with two great shots if the wind is favorable. Those seemingly easy holes are mitigated by two long and tough par-4s (the 425-yard third hole and the 477-yard fourth) and the visually innocuous par-3 seventh, which – at 220 yards from the back tees – can be a bear if the wind is into the player’s face. The back-nine begins with two lengthy two-shotters (the 448-yard 10th and the 444-yard 11th). Another par-4, the 427-yard 15th, turns the heat up one more notch. The drivable 310-yard par-4 17th is the crescendo of the course, daring players to hit a high right-to-left shot and try to attack the smallest putting surface at Delaware Springs. The course has an expansive practice area with a huge putting green. Off the course, Delaware Springs’ modest clubhouse sports a small grill that serves huge cheeseburgers that have long been considered the best in Burnet County. A day at Delaware Springs is public golf at its best: a great course run by friendly people followed by a great no-frills meal. The experience never disappoints, and is always cherished.

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #41

Twilight

Weekday $37 $22 $25 Weekend $47 $27 $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 t t t t t

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COURSES

Burnet

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

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 as “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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Lago Vista G o l f

C o u r s e s

-BHP 7JTUB t 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.

)JHIMBOE -BLFT t 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!

For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call

)PMFT o t #FFST

512.267.1170 or go to www.lagovistagc.com

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SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #41

Twilight**

Weekday $35 $25 Weekend $45 $30 & Holiday Senior (65+) $32 wkdy $42 wknd Prices include Cart ** Twilight begins after 2pm Additional pricing online

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Dir. of Golf: Chase Watson Superindendent: Jarrett Eledge

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6485 / 72.4 / 129 Blue: 5873 / 69.8 / 121 White: 5424 / 68.1 / 116 Red: 4810 / 70.9 / 118

COURSES

Kingsland

Lighthouse Golf Course RV PARK AVAILABLE

olfers looking for the ideal place for an unhurried weekday round or all the trappings of a dead-solidperfect weekend getaway should pencil in the Lighthouse Country Club in Kingsland, Texas. Lighthouse CC is just 15 minutes west of Marble Falls near where the Colorado River widens to form the massive Lake LBJ in the fringes of the Texas Hill Country and in the shadow of the Packsaddle Mountains. Established in 1968, the golf course was completely renovated and rerouted in 2006 by a team led by legendary golf architects Jerry Slack and Leon Howard. It has a unique routing that brings granite outcroppings, water and high native grasses into play on a course that is carded at 6,585 from its back set of four tee boxes.

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t t t

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118 Club Circle Kingsland, TX 78639

325-388-6660

Lighthousecountryclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course Public Falconhead Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf CourseMunicipal 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: Lakeside Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf & Country Club Semi-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 KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public Lighthouse Country Club Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private Highland Lakes Public LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public

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PHONE COURSE (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 (325) 388-8888 (325) 388-6660 (512) 262-5555 (512) 267-1170 (512) 267-1170 (512) 556-3202

TYPE

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 The Club at Rebecca Creek Semi-Private SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal Gateway Hills Golf Course Military 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 Randolf Oaks Golf Course Military 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

PHONE (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 (830) 885-5816 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 671-3466 (210) 677-0027 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 826-4041 (210) 652-4570 (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

THE COAST TYPE

PHONE

Alice Municipal Golf Course

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

Private

(409) 543-6592

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

Padre Isles Country Club

Private

(361) 949-8056

Palm View Golf Course

Public

(956) 687-9591

Palmilla Beach Golf Club

Semi-Private

(361) 749-4653

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

Valley International Country Club Semi-Private

(956) 968-5331 (956) 546-5331

RIO GRANDE VALLEY COURSE 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

TYPE 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

PHONE (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

ntonio

to SanA

118

Alpine

170

127

ConCan

95 Lajitas 95

Harper

Terlingua

Utopia

27 1604

47 47

Comfort

Castroville

473

68 68 56

1431

3 85 64

1604

725

73 65

Kyle

620

Marble Falls 41 Leander

87Spring Brand

2342

130 1825

Robstown

To Ho us to n

Refugio

Portland

83286 358

97 96Corpus Christi

Sinton

Port Aransas

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

Par

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Type Hole

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

t t t t t

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

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

Black Jackâ€™s Crossing 95 HC70 Clay Henry Blvd., Lajitas, TX 79852

(432) 424-5080

www.blackjackscrossing.com

t t t t t

www.delawaresprings.com

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

t t t t t

(830) 598-6561 S1

t t t t t

(830) 598-6561 S1

t t t t t

(830) 598-6561 S1

t t t t t

(830) 598-6561 S1

(713) 896-0900

t t t t t

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

t t t t t

(512) 267-1170

t t t t t

(877) 525-4827

t t t t

(830) 221-4340

t t t t t

(325) 388-6660

t t t t t

(361) 826-8016

P 18

www.lagovistagc.com/highland-lakes.html

Horseshoe Bay - Apple Rock 56 1 Bay W. Blvd., Horseshoe Bay, TX 78671 www.hsbresort.com

Horseshoe Bay - Ram Rock 56 1 Bay W. Blvd., Horseshoe Bay, TX 78671 www.hsbresort.com

Horseshoe Bay - Slick Rock 56 1 Bay W. Blvd., Horseshoe Bay, TX 78671 www.hsbresort.com

Horseshoe Bay - Summit Rock 56 1 Bay W. Blvd., Horseshoe Bay, TX 78671

t t t t t

www.hsbresort.com

Jersey Meadow Golf Course 2 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040 www.jerseymeadow.com

www.ftsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

Lago Vista Golf Course 20 4616 Rimrock Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645 www.lagovistagc.com

Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa 95 100 Main Street, Lajitas, TX 79852 www.lajitasgolfresort.com

Landa Park Golf Course

73 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

Lighthouse Country Club 68 118 Club Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639 www.lighthousecountryclub.com

Lozano Golf Center

t t

96 4401 Old Brownsville, Corpus Christi, TX 78405 www.lozanogolfcenter.com

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

t t t t t

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Par

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

COURSES SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Type Hole

Map Number

t t t t t

See Map on Page 64 Type: M=Municipal, PR=Private, P=Public, SP= Semi-Private.

Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center (210) 945-4653 35 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City, TX 78148 www.olympiahillsgolf.com

Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course (361) 826-8010 97 5601 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, TX 78412 www.osobeachgolf.com

Plum Creek Golf Course

(512) 262-5555

98 750 Kohler Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640 www.plumcreekgolf.com

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

t t t t t

www.fortsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Scott Schreiner Golf Course 17 1 Country Club Lane, Kerrville, TX 78028

(830) 257-4982 .

t t

(512) 252-4653

t t t t

(830) 609-4665

t t t t t

(830) 995-5351

t t t t t

(830) 232-4471

t t t t t

(210) 677-0027

t t t t t

(956) 726-2000

t t t t t

The Republic Golf Club (210) 359-0000 64 4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78222

t t t t t

www.golfkerrville.com

Star Ranch Golf Club 3

2500 FM 685, Hutto, TX 78634 www.starranchgolf.com

The Bandit Golf Club 65 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.banditgolfclub.com

The Buckhorn Golf Course 66 36 FM 473, Comfort, TX 78013 www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

The Club at Concan 15 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838 www.concangolf.com

The Golf Club of Texas 27 13600 Briggs Ranch San Antonio, TX 78245

The Max 99 27700 FM 1472, Laredo, TX 78045 www.themaxlaredo.com

www.republicgolfclub.com

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

(830) 833-0706

t t t t

87 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com TOURNAMENTS Cash fore Cancer | Map #87 | Ad Page 52 www.cashforecancer.org |

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GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES Boot Ranch | Map #19 | Ad Page 43 77 Boot Ranch Cir., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 www.bootranch.com | 830-997-6200

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 8 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com | 830-833-0706

The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 7 Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, Georgetown, TX | www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

World Car | Ad Page 53 www.worldcar.com | 210-599-5959

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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Call 210-804-0390 for Special Online Pricing 5,000 postcards $149 10,000 ﬂyers $349 PLANT TOURS AVAILABLE!

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Houston Golf at its finest

Timber Creek Golf Club TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COVER STORY

Long-anticipated renovation puts Texas City’s Bayou Golf Course squarely in the spotlight

By Steve Habel/Contributing Writer

There’s magic in the air – and on the greens – at Texas City’s iconic Bayou Golf Course. After a seven-month renovation to rebuild and resurface its putting surfaces and make a handful of revisions to the track, Bayou Golf Course has reopened to rave reviews thanks to a newfound playability and top-notch conditioning. The $869,000 renovation, marshalled by Houston-based golf course architect Mike Nuzzo and championed by a city that understands the course’s status TheTexasGolfInsider.com

among area and regional golfers, was more than seven years in planning and execution. All the work has been worth the wait. “The main emphasis of the renovation was to create some consistency on the putting surfaces, which were of different sizes and had become hard to maintain through the years,” Nuzzo said. “Some of the greens were so hard and sloped that there were limited hole placements available and that leads to added wear and tear. We’ve really

COVER STORY

opened up the greens and made them more versatile and fair.” Bayou Golf Course was originally designed by Joe Finger, a native Texan who fashioned dozens of golf courses across the nation, and opened for play in 1974. The 200acre site is located on the banks of Moses Bayou and boasts a championship par-72, 6,655yard layout that sports many elevated greens and tees. Winds from Galveston Bay, water on 12 holes and 18 sand traps present a very challenging and fun course for any skill level. “Needless to say, the original TifDwarf greens had become very mutated and rough over the years,” said Larry Boyle, Bayou Golf Course’s director of golf. “We were not competitive in the Galveston-area golf market. All of that’s been changed by the renovations.” The size of the course’s putting surfaces, most notably on Bayou Golf Course’s first eight holes, was increased to an average of 5,000-square feet. The greens were turfed with Mini-Verde Bermuda, chosen for its quality and hardiness. The project included the renovation of every bunker on the course. Several sand bunkers were eliminated and all remaining

bunkers were reshaped, had better drainage installed and were filled with new sand. New fairway bunkers were added to the fifth hole. “Length was not added but additional teeing areas were,” Nuzzo said. “The course will play as Mr. Finger originally designed it with the addition of larger putting surfaces. We were not trying to make the course easier or harder – we just wanted to create a consistent experience from hole to hole.” As a means to that end, fairways have been raised and widened by backfilling to correct salinity problems on holes 1, 3, 4, 6 and 18. Sea-water tolerant Paspalum seed was incorporated into those areas as well since they are affected by tidal water. There was a leveling and expansion of tees at six holes (Nos. 5, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 17).Fairways on the 10th, 15th, 17th and 18th holes were also regrassed with 419 Bermuda. “We initially closed the front nine on April 28 to start the coring of the

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COVER STORY

putting surfaces and the dirt work required to change the slopes and approaches of several greens complexes,” Boyle said. “Then we moved to the back-nine in June. Throughout the project we endured many washing rain storms and the renovation was delayed on several occasions.” Bayou Golf Club’s scorecard features a great mix of holes, including the ending stretches to both the front and back nines that determine a successful round here. The postage stamp par-3 seventh – playing at just 135 yards from the back set of three tees – is one of the holes most affected by the renovation. It’s followed by the 513-yard par-3 eighth, which can be reached in two shots under the correct execution from the golfer and the perfect wind conditions, and the 423-yard ninth, the longest two-shotter on the front-nine. The back-nine concludes with a demanding four-hole test. The 573-yard par-5 15th is the longest hole at Bayou Golf Course and No. 16 is a 191-yard par-3 beauty. The 17th, at 457 yards, is the lengthiest par-4 on the track and the No. 1 handicap hole. The round concludes with a 392-yard par-4 that’s considered one of the top finishing holes in the area.

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Bayou Golf Course can also now boast of a one of a kind practice facility that offers a 13,000-square foot tournament putting green as well as a 5 ½-acre walking family pitch-n-putt golf course. This addition will benefit the skilled golfer as well as the beginning golfer and can be used by individuals or for tournaments and outings. For five decades, under blue skies and swaying palm trees, golfers have enjoyed a great course that’s known for its year around play and sturdy challenge. The changes at Bayou Golf Course make the experience even better and a trip to the edge of Moses Bayou a must-play for anyone in the area. Find us at 2800 Ted Dudley Dr. in Texas City or visit www.bayougc.com or call 409-739-9622 for more information.

COURSES

Public Course

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

MAP #36

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 27 Architect: Jay Riviere

RATES Call the Pro Shop or visit our website for online specials

COURSE AMENITIES t IPMF HPMG DPVSTF t (PMG "DBEFNZ t -FHFOET 3FTUBVSBOU #BS t 'VMMZ 4UPDLFE 1SP 4IPQ t TFBU QBWJMJPO GPS UPVSOBNFOUT and events t 0OMJOF 4QFDJBMT BOE &$MVC

4554 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546

281-993-1140

timbercreekgolfclub.com

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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. â€œPeople who play here frequently call this their club and have a sense of belonging,â€? general manager Mike Griswold said. â€œThey donâ€™t pay dues to get that.â€? The courseâ€™s culture is equaled if not surpassed by the design of Jay Riviere, who incorporated dense woodlands, winding creeks and rock outcroppings. â€œOur course isnâ€™t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,â€? 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 Clubâ€ŚWhere You Belong.

COURSES

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

M ONT B ELVIEU

Public Course

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex

RATES

Mon-Thur Friday Weekend Holiday

$45 $47 $60 $60

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 courseâ€™s distinguishable characteristics are its 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, itâ€™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.

MAP # 5

TWLIGHT* $32 $40 $40 $40

*Twilight begins at 1 pm

STATISTICS Par: 71 Black Blue White Red

Yards Rating 7077 73.2 6502 70.9 5927 68.0 5213 67.4

Slope 128 121 116 113

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

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

Mont Belvieu, TX (281) 385-6666 www.EaglePointeOnline.com

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FEATURE STORY

STPGA Juniors Have Memorable Summer Jake Macauley For a handful of current and former Southern Texas PGA Junior Golfers, the summer of 2014 provided lasting memories and great stories to take back to school. From winning national tournaments, earning a trip to Augusta to making SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, the STPGA could barely keep up with all the exciting accomplishments of its players.

Daniel Zou takes top honors in Boys 7-9 division of Drive Chip & Putt Championship

Excitement Building for Drive Chip & Putt Championship The dream of competing at Augusta National Golf Club will soon be a reality for three STPGA juniors and a return for one. Christine Wang (Houston) will be heading back to Augusta to avenge her second place finish in the 2014 Drive

Clay McCrory on Sports Central

Chip & Putt Championship. Wang, along with TK Schultz (Bulverde), Daniel Zou (Humble), and Ariana Saenz (Porter) all punched their tickets to 2015 Drive Chip & Putt Championship after earning first place honors at the regional finals. September 7, 2014 at The Course at Watters Creek in TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Plano, TX, Zou took home top spot in the Boys 7-9 division with Wang reclaiming the Girls 12-13 division, while Schultz and Saenz captured the 14-15 age divisions. The quartet of STPGA junior golfers have advanced through local, sub-regional and regional qualifiers to solidify themselves as some of the best in the state and will represent Texas next April at Augusta. Magic at Miramont When Clay McCrory (Spring) knocked in a 130 yard shot for eagle on the 17th hole at Miramont Country Club during the first round of the 39th Junior PGA Championship, “highlight reel” was the first thing that came to mind. His exceptional shot did just that. McCrory was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays coming in at the number three spot and gaining some national recognition for his outstanding play. After McCrory jarred that eagle nothing could top or overshadow such an exciting moment…that is unless a former STPGA Junior Golfer went on to win the event.

FEATURE STORY

Queue Kristen Gillman. Gillman, who grew up playing with the Southern Texas PGA, captured the title at the Junior PGA Championship – Girls Division, and it wasn’t even close. The Austin native put together four sub-par rounds of 66-66-70-66 en route to a staggering four day total of 16-under-par, 268, scorching the rest of the field by 11 strokes. Gillman Not Done Yet For the former STPGA Little Linkster, the storybook year continued to get better. Gillman, followed up her blowout win at the Junior PGA Championship with a victory of the U.S. Women's Amateur at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, New York, claiming two of the most prestigious junior and amateur events in the world, in the same summer. Her resume strengthened as she competed for Team USA against Team Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup at Blairgowrie Golf Club in Perthshire, Scotland. Gillman, one of 12 U.S. Juniors selected for the highly coveted team, finished the

competition, 3-0, winning her foursome, fourball and singles matches to help Team USA rout Team Europe 16-8 and take home the cup for a fourth consecutive time. After a remarkable summer of play, the sky is truly the limit for the high school junior who has already committed to play golf at The University of Alabama. STPGA Director of Junior Golf, Thomas Hutton was thrilled with the whirlwind of excitement and accomplishments this summer provided. “It’s a great thing any time one of our junior golfers does well on a national level, but to have as many as we did this summer in so many different events, it’s pretty amazing,” Hutton exclaimed. “We’re looking forward to many more exciting moments to come with all of our past, present and future junior golfers.” The STPGA Junior Golf Program runs all year long. Membership registration for 2015 will open in December. Visit www.stpgajuniorgolf. com or call the office at 832-442-2404 for more information.

Kristen Gillman

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