Texas Golf Insider: Houston

TEXAS

Fall/Winter 2015

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Bayou Golf Course Hidden Gem Rising to the Top

Inside: The Golf Club of Texas “One of San Antonio’s Best is Back”

Foresight Golf Exceptional Golf & Remarkable Value

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Winter Weekend Golf Packages

2 night-36 hole package Over 40% savings For more information or to reserve your stay and tee time, call Steve Reist today at 979-992-1811 1750 North Falls Drive, New Ulm, TX 78950 WWW.THEFALLSRESORT.COM

3

Contents 6

Cover Story Bayou Golf Course offers golfers a coastal paradise with new renovations and fresh gulf seafood at nearby eateries.

4 WELCOME How to contact us, plus download Texas Golf Insider - New App available on Google play or App store

Bayou Golf Course 10 FEATURE COURSES Must Play Courses for this Winter

Cover: Bayou Golf Course completed its 18 hole renovation and is adding a new short course

Follow Us

14 STPGA Taking Junior Golf to the next level

16 NEW WINTER GOLF PACKAGES

16

The Falls Golf Club

Great time of year to play & save at The Falls

REGIONS

MAP & DIRECTORIES

CENTRAL TEXAS

18 GENERAL DIRECTORY 20 MAP 21 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

28 44 76 78 79

VAALER CREEK GC AT ROCKIN’ J RESORT FORESIGHT GOLF - REMARKABLE VALUE GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

14 TEXAS

Golf Insider STPGA Junior Golf

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

4

FROM FROMTHE THEPUBLISHER EDITOR

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine Mike Ratchman 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 Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Editor: Ava Ratchman Contributing Writers: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay, Carlton Wade Office Manager: Marcede Pullen Production: Pat Gondert CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 700,000 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.

Welcome to the Texas Golf Insider. Fall is finally here and giving way to cooler temperatures. It is my favorite time of the year, though the days are a little shorter. Golf in Texas is at its best at this time and we’re ready to entertain our winter friends and golfing travelers.

Bayou Golf Course, one of our Houston cover stories, is one of Southeast Texas’ finest economical golf courses.

It’s located in Texas City near Galveston’s coastal attractions.

With their recent golf course renovations, Bayou Golf Course is now adding a new nine hole family pitch-and-putt short course. Bayou Golf Course is the ideal place for regular golfers and those who are just starting to play golf.

One of our cover feature stories isVaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco Texas. There is a very good chance you have heard of Vaaler Creek and an even better chance you’ve played it.

But if you haven’t played you should, and if you did you keep going back.Vaaler Creek offers every golfer a day of fun and a challenging Hill Country golf course.Vaaler Creek is a perfect place to host your golf tournament and a great place to spend the entire weekend.

Huge news in Texas, and you heard it first from the Texas Golf Insider. After a multi-million dollar face lift, The Golf Club of Texas is now open for play! It is another cover feature in this issue you are going to want to read. The Golf Club of Texas is the only golf course in the United States that has zoysia grass from tee box to green and golfers have been wowed by the course layout and conditions. Check the story out on page16.

Remember,The Texas Golf Insider is your comprehensive source for golf information in Texas. Please visit our website at www.thetexasgolfinsider.com when planning your next golf tournament, banquet or making your Texas travel plans.

I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New GolfingYear.

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.

Scan to your smart phone

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

5

Melanie Grafe

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

JoeValentino

Regional Publisher for the Texas Golf Insider – Dallas/Fort Worth, with over 40 years of Marketing experience and extensive knowledge of destinations, golf courses and resorts and is well respected by his peers.

Art Stricklin

One of the foremost experts on golf history and travel in Texas, Stricklin has written a total of seven books and has personally played at a majority of the state’s 800 golf courses.

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.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

6

COVER STORY

New golfing-family outstanding makes Texas a course

Scott Roach has been working at Bayou Golf Club in Texas City for more than two decades, watching the city owned course rise to one of the finest, most popular and economical municipal courses in Southeast Texas.

Even after an $860,000 course renovation TheTexasGolfInsider.com

debuted in early 2015, Roach,Texas City and the Bayou GC weren’t content to rest on their laurels and past golfing successes.While the feedback from regulars and first time visitors has been hugely favorable, the course and its visionary leadership continue to press for more.

COVER STORY

7

pitching putt, renovation City’s Bayou to seek

That’s why a new nine hole family pitchand-putt short course will come on line this fall, which will allow players to work on their short game and introduce beginners and others to the game in the scenic Galveston-area surroundings.

“We want to grow the game both with regular players and those new to the game,” said Roach, the longtime Bayou clubhouse supervisor. “We have a new course and a new practice area and a new short game area and we are still the best bargain in town.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

8

COVER STORY

“This is a city built on growth and a course doing the same thing with growth, that’s what we want to do.”

The course renovation by Houston architect Mike Nuzzo certainly upgraded the product with new greens, tee boxes and bunkers.The biggest change came on the greens with the Mini-Verde ultra-dwarf grass giving the putting surfaces a smooth and fast putting base which allows golfers used to forcing balls into the hole on uneven surfaces a more consistent experience.

‘It was a big change from what we had.

We had a confidence builder golf course, pretty basic, but this is very nice. It has a lot of undulation and speed. It takes a little getting used to from the conditions we had in the past, but it’s very, very nice,” Roach said.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

“We are drawing a lot of golfers from Harris County, plus Galveston and surrounding areas. They all want to see what we have.”

When they arrive this fall and early next year they will also see the new practice and pitch and putt area. In keeping with the forward thinking mindset for the course, the mini course was laid out to attract those who may have never played golf before or just wanted to check it out before committing to a full 18 holes.

The holes range from 40-50 yards on the average with the longest 70 yards. The course is walking only, but is set up so all nine holes can be played by only carrying a putter and a wedge along with a couple of balls.

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

The tiff-dwarf greens on the mini-course allow for championship conditions even on a non-championship sized layout.

“It will get a lot of play from regulars here and newcomers,” Roach said. “It’s the only public course around that has something this nice and it hasn’t changed the price either.”

Most days, the cost for the 18 holes with a cart on the championship course is $32 to $38, a steal in the Houston area golf market.

It’s another successful chapter in the long and successful story of the course, which was opened in 1974 by Texas golf architect Joe Finger.

The 200-acre site on the banks of Moses Bayou boasts the renovated 18-hole layout, par 72, which measures 6,655 yards from the back tees.

Many of the holes have elevated greens and tee boxes, plus some wind from nearby Galveston Bay, water on 12 holes and more than a dozen bunkers which were restored by Nuzzo and his team, brightened by new sand and adding to its degree of difficulty.

Of course no renovation or new short game course could change the scenic natural features of the layout, which includes swaying palm trees and native hardwoods along with the challenging bayou breezes

COURSES

9

and friendly service from Roach and the experienced staff.

The practice green, the walkable pitch and putt, the renovated championship course and the laidback Bayou lifestyle all makes the municipal course a sometimes hidden but always enjoyable golfing gem.

Plus when golf is finished for the day there is plenty of fresh gulf seafood to be sampled at a variety of local options and saltwater fishing nearby. Then again, maybe just nine more holes on the short game pitch and putt to settle all bets and

bragging rights, perhaps fueled by a few cold beverages and snacks from the Bayou Clubhouse.

It’s the end of a perfect day for green grass fun and fellowship at value-added prices which will keep you coming back.

For more information, go to www. bayougolfgc.com or call 409-739-9622, and be prepared to experience a hidden jewel of Southeast Texas golf.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

10

COURSES

Public Course

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

MAP #17

RATES Monday-Thursday $32 Seniors (65+) M-Th $27 Friday-Sunday and $38 Holidays Pitch & Putt Course Opening Soon (Green Fee, Cart & Tax Included)

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Architect: Joe Finger; Mike Nuzzo

COURSE AMENITIES t 4OBDL #BS t %SJWJOH 3BOHF t 'amily Pitch & Putt Course Opening Soon t /FX TR GU 1VUUJOH (SFFO t 'VMMZ 4UPDLFE 1SP 4IPQ t 0OMJOF 4QFDJBMT

2800 Ted Dudley Drive Texas City, TX 77590

409-739-9622 bayougc.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Texas City

Bayou Golf Club A Little Piece of Heaven Near Houston In April 2014, the Bayou Golf Course began an 18 hole green’s renovation which included the putting green using Mini-Verde Ultra Dwarf. The golf course redesign Architect, Mike Nuzzo, has increased the average size per green to 5,000 sq.ft. In addition, we have rebuilt all sand traps and added new tee complexes on holes #5,7,10,13,16 &17. We have also added a new, one of a kind, 5 1/2 acre Family Pitch & Putt golf course for walkers, local high school golf teams and anyone wanting to spend quality time with friends and family.

Designed by Houston-based architect Joe Finger, the 200-acre site on the bank of Moses Bayou boasts a championship layout with elevated greens and tee boxes. Amid the blue sky and palm trees, golfers enjoy the tropical climate for year-round play.

The convenient location and spacious club house makes Bayou Golf Course an ideal choice to host your next golf tournament.

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

MAP # 5

RATES

18

TWLIGHT*

Mon-Thur Friday Weekend Holiday

$45 $47 $60 $60

$32** $40 $40 $40

*Twilight begins at 1 pm

**NOV-FEB M-TH $25 AFTER 3 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 General Manager ............. Jeff Strong Course Record ........Justin McKay, 62

AMENITIES t Online Tee Times t Meeting/Banquet Rooms t New Enclosed 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

COURSES

11

M ONT B ELVIEU

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex

A

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

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

The course’s distinguishable characteristics are its rolling fairways, stunningly tall pines, dramatic elevation changes and an abundance of water.With no homes on 17 of the 18 holes, golf is what you get at Eagle Pointe.

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

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

Plan your special event in the new climate controlled pavilion TheTexasGolfInsider.com

12

10 Things I Think I Know About Junior Golf can gain these things through many different I am always seeing lists of things.We can activities, but playing video games is not one of search and find a list for almost anything. them. Playing multiple sports and taking a break Recently I read a really good blog article called from the favorite sport has proven to help kids “The TOP 50 Things I Learned This Season” by develop and stay interested. a Canadian Golf Coach named Doug Lawrie. It was a really good and entertaining piece about 6. Struggle is good. junior golf. I thought that I might share a bit of It is very hard to watch our children what I have learned about junior golf, and enstruggle and not be successful. Through the courage you to evaluate how you are performstruggle we can learn how to persevere and ing in your role as a parent/coach. how to deal with disappointment. As any adult knows, we better learn to deal with 1. Kids are willing to learn but they those things early on and learn to not give want to have fun.

We start every class and camp session with up. some unstructured play time.The most popu7. Kids need more golf course time and lar activities are throwing a football, kicking a less driving range time. soccer ball, and playing tug of war with a rope Hitting balls is ok, but just ok. Almost we have just for playing.We try to make golf every sport is learned on the field or court fun, but tug of war wins every time. where the game is played. There is so much to learn on the golf course.

2. Kids enjoy being in groups of kids.

On my best day, I’m still an old guy try8. Interested adults are a necessity. ing to get kids to love golf like I do. When we I saw a wonderful show about Jose Altuve, are on the putting green with a group of kids, the Houston Astros second baseman. He said they engage with each other. They learn the that when he was a kid, he would wait for rules together, root for and against each, and his dad to come home from work and they have some fun. One on one with a golf coach would practice baseball together. He said that is not and can never be that. his dad was never too busy or too tired for baseball. Can you be that parent?

3. Equipment is important but …

You can’t buy a game. But I have watched 9. A good swing is one that works. many kids struggle with clubs that are too I love to watch people swing a golf club long, too short, or too heavy. If you are in the and try to figure out what is going on. Profesmarket for junior clubs, please contact me or sional golfers all swing differently. The comsomeone you trust to help you. mon denominator is that all great golfers have developed receptive swings 4. You should take your that are effective. Effective kids to a professional and repetitive are the keys. tournament.

Watching PGA or LPGA 10. A good coach will Professionals play is a great make a big difference. learning experience. It is fun In life and golf, success to see a famous golfer up depends on many factors. close and you can really learn Most of us can look back to by watching them swing and a small group of people who watching them play. had a large influence on us.

Parents are first, but others 5. Golf is an athletic can have a huge impact. In activity.

David Pilsner, PGA every area of your child’s To play good golf, you need Director of Golf Instruction, life, make sure that the right strength, balance, flexibility, Timber Creek Golf Club people are there. and hand eye coordination.You (281) 734-0177 - davidpilsner@me.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

13

Friendswood 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

COURSES

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

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

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

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

timbercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The Southern Texas PGA

By Donavon Stadel There’s a lot to be excited about at the Southern Texas PGA Section. Our new staff additions and feedback from our fantastic parents have brought along new ideas we are cultivating. The weather may cool a bit, but golf is still hot in south Texas! We are working hard to make this coming year better than the last. For those who participated in 2015, you already know that this is a tall task, but we feel confident in our staff to take our Junior Golf Program to the next level and we can’t wait to have you join us!

Junior Programs The Southern Texas PGA’s Bridgestone Prestige Tour has enjoyed tremendous popularity and growth, with 2015 events filling up quicker than Jordan Spieth’s rise to stardom! Based on demand, the 2016 schedule will increase to approximately 20 tournaments to accommodate more players.

Our goal is get as many juniors out there having fun on as many courses across Southern Texas as possible.

We also are planning to add more events to our Little Linksters and Junior Tour programs. The Little Linksters program

is geared toward ages 6-12, with juniors grouped by age, gender, and skill level.

Juniors play either 5 or 9 holes. The program encourages and motivates juniors to learn the game, enjoy the game, improve at their own pace, and be as competitive as each individual aspires.

We’ve seen remarkable progress by those in our Junior Tour program. The program is for juniors ages 11-18 (middle and high school golf team ages) that are looking to improve their game in 18 or 36-hole events.

We are also really excited about introducing children to golf in a team format--PGA Junior League Golf. PGA Junior League Golf (PGA JLG) is designed for boys and girls age 13 and under to socialize while playing the game of golf. PGA JLG features team vs. team competitions in structured leagues that provide a popular, less stressful scramble format as opposed to stroke-play competition. This is a great way to get kids involved in the game!

Summer Series Highlights The 2015 STPGA Junior Championship at the Woodlands Country Club - Palmer Course this past August may have been our most successful on record. With nearly 300 juniors playing, the most ever in an STPGA tournament, 11 champions were crowned.

Junior Tour Champions Boys 11-12 Champion:Treed Huang Boys 13-14 Champion: Damin Strydom Boys 15-18 Champion:Troy K. Lopez Girls 11-12 Champion: Jacqueline Nguyen Girls 13-14 Champion: Elise Parel Girls 15-18 Champion:Tiffany Nguyen

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Winter WonderPlan…

Little Linksters Champions Boys 11-12; 9-Hole Red Champion: Daniel Zou Boys 9-10; 9-Hole Modified Champion:Aaron Pounds Coed 6-8; 9-Hole Modified Champion: Shiv Parmar Girls 11-12; 9-Hole Red Champion:AshleyYen Girls 9-10;9-Hole Modified Champion:Allyn Stephens DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT The Southern Texas PGA is very proud to have two of our Junior Members as finalists in the Drive, Chip & Putt competition.

They will travel to Augusta National during the Masters to compete against all regional finalists as well as enjoy a meet and greet with some of the tour professionals. Here’s more from Stephen and Elle following their exciting day on September 13th at Golf Club of Houston.

to become the best possible Drive Chip and Putt player. He relayed, “I haven’t played anything but Drive, Chip & Putt, all summer. I just really want to make it to the Masters.”

Elle Fox - Girls 11-12 Division 128 Total Points Elle is excited to have the chance to compete at the legendary course at such a young age. Elle’s favorite golfer is Stacy Lewis because of her sportsmanship shown towards other golfers. “I love the Drive, Chip and Putt Competition because I can compete against a lot of girls from other states and it’s a quick competition. There is no caddy and it’s all up to me to do well.”

For more information about the Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Program, visit www.stpgajuniorgolf.com

Stephen Hernandez - Boys 7-9 Division 123 Total Points Stephen practiced really hard to make it to Augusta. He was so focused that for the majority of the summer it was his personal mission

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

16

FEATURE STORY

The Falls Resort One of Life’s True Pleasures

By Steve Habel/Contributing Writer

No longer considered a hidden gem but a premier golf club in the state of Texas, The Falls is as close to a Hill Country golf club as you will find so close to Houston.

It is a fact that The Falls is not the easiest place to get to. But that is part of the appeal, playing golf in splendid isolation. The experience is tranquil and memorable thanks to the property’s flora and fauna, its demanding tree-lined course, picturesque views provided by the rolling terrain and a heaping helping of good old Texas hospitality.

The golf course at The Falls was designed by the team of Jay Riviere, who was from the area, and Dave Marr, who won the 1965 PGA Championship. It is considered by many as one of the duo’s finest works.

Opened in 1984, the 6,857-yard, par-71 track is challenging and rewarding for all skill levels thanks to its cascading water features and elevation changes not readily seen so close to the Texas Gulf Coast. Eight clearwater lakes come into play as they follow the descending natural terrain and create a series of cascading waterfalls.

“Our course has been the calling card for this community and resort since we opened TheTexasGolfInsider.com

and it’s never been in better shape than right now,” said Steve Patton, the Falls’ long-time director of golf. “In the years I’ve been here, I’ve seen the course mature into a track that demands excellent shot-making and puts a prime on decision and execution.”

The Falls’ back tees carry a healthy rating of 73.1 and a slope of 140. Five other teeing grounds allow the player to mitigate the difficulty without reducing the test. One of the true tenets of golf course design is that a course is only considered excellent if it’s good from all its tee boxes – in that respect, The Falls makes the grade.

The golf course at The Falls is rated 4½ stars by Golf Digest. It has also garnered notice as the No. 1 scenic course and the top outlying course in the Houston area by the Houston Chronicle and the No. 1 hidden gem by the San Antonio Express-News.

There are no two holes alike and there are several candidates for signature holes.

Water comes into play on half the holes and some of the bunkering and greens complexes are unlike anything you’ll see in the area.

The sixth, for example, is a medium length par-4 that doglegs right. The approach

FEATURE STORY

17

is over water to a highly elevated green, After playing my first round at The Falls, protected by tiers of sand and grass bunkers I walked off feeling I might have left a halfto where the putting surface cannot be seen dozen shots out on the course. The second from the fairway. Take two extra clubs here to time around my play – based on my decisions get up the hill successfully. and a little more course knowledge – was The seventh, the course’s No. 1 handisignificantly better and more satisfying. Locals cap hole, follows. With water at the end of say that’s a common trend among those getthe fairway, a large tree hugs the left side of ting familiar with the course. the landing area and narrows the player’s Some of the best designed courses reveal tee shot. The approach shot from the right themselves in stages and multiple rounds – is completely over water, a real test for the this is surely the case at The Falls. Play it once, nerves. you’ll like it. Play it again, you’ll like it even Four of the par-3s at The Falls play at more.

188 yards or more from the tees and as a That’s a perfect scenario for The Falls set might be the best one-shotters in south Resort’s stay and play options, which inTexas. The group is highlighted by the 210clude upgraded and finer than fine villas that yard third, which is all carry over a lake and have been fully appointed for your whole pinches the skinny fairway leading to a green foursome and no-frills inn rooms that are with three bunkers. economical and all a golfer really needs.

Good players will feel like they can attack The resort’s food and beverage service, all four of the course’s par-5s, the longest of highlighted by the Cascades Restaurant, is which is just 531 yards, but finding the right as good as you’ll find at any resort. Order segment of the putting surface is essential to the ribeye for dinner; it might have been the make birdie. best cut of meat I’ve had at any price this The Falls’ most demanding hole is year. likely the 492-yard par-4 17th, which is Because of its lodging options and the played through a narrow chute of trees to versatility of its meeting capabilities, The a landing area with a downhill lie. The apFalls is a wonderful and all-inclusive place proach is with a hybrid or long iron over a for corporate retreats and events, family small creek to an elevated and deep putting reunions, golf buddy trips and tournasurface with bunkers on each side. Riviere ments, day groups, parties and weddings and Marr really pulled out all the stops on and receptions. this hole.

The club also offers memberships and The greens at The Falls were also near has recently unveiled a series of weekday perfect. They were smooth, true, cut to the golf specials to the course, which is about an proper speed to hour and a half from challenge all levels of Houston and Austin players and they held and two hours from the ball well. Breaks San Antonio but well are very subtle and worth the trip. hard to read and The Falls is truly a the approach to the place that area golfers correct segment can come to love. Get of the medium- to in your vehicle, get large-sized putting out there and get in surfaces is parathe swing – you’ll be Thee challengingg third d holee at mount. glad you did.

Eaglee Pointee Golff Club

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

18

DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST LOCATON

PHONE

COURSE

TYPE LOCATON

PHONE

Alvin Golf & CC

PUB

Alvin

281-331-4541

Longwood GC

Cypress

281-373-4100

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

832-381-1000

Meadowbrook Farms GC PUB

Katy

281-693-4653

Babe Zaharias GC

PUB

Port Arthur

409-796-1327

Melrose GC

PUB

Houston

281-847-1214

Bay Forest GC

PUB

La Porte

281-471-4653

Memorial Park GC

M

Houston

713-867-0386

Bayou Din GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-796-1327

Moody’s Gardens GC

Galveston

409-683-4653

M

Texas City

409-739-9622

Newport GC & Conf.Center PUB

Crosby

281-328-3576

Beacon Lakes GC

PUB

League City

281-337-1459

North Shore CC

Semi

Portland

361-643-6057

Bear Creek Golf World

PUB

Houston

281-859-8188

Oakhurst GC

PUB

Porter

281-354-4653

Belle Oaks GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-796-1311

Pasadena Municipal GC M

Houston

281-481-0834

Bellville GC

PUB

Bellville

979-865-9058

Pearland Golf Club

PUB

Pearland

713-773-9603

Brenham CC

SP

936-870-3889

Bayou GC

PUB

PUB

Brenham

979-836-1733

Pecan Lakes GC

PUB

Navasota

Brentwood Ent. Complex SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

Pine Crest CC

PUB

Houston

713-462-4914

Brock Park GC

Houston

281-458-1350

Quail Valley GC

M

Missouri City

281-403-5910

Cape Royale GC

M

Coldspring

936-653-2388

Raven Nest GC

PUB

Huntsville

936-438-8588

M

Anahuac

409-267-8235

Rayburn Country

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

Clear Creek GC

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000

Red Wolf GC

PUB

Huffman

281-324-1841

Columbia Lakes

PUB

West Columbia

979-345-PUTT

River Point GC

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

Columbus

979-732-5575

River Ridge GC

PUB

Sealy

800-553-7517

Cypress

281-304-8515

River Terrace GC

PUB

Channelview

281-452-2183

Chambers County GC

PUB

Columbus GC

M

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Sharpstown GC

Dickinson CC

PUB

Dickinson

281-337-3031

Sienna Plantation

PUB

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Southwyck GC

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

Evergreen Point GC

PUB

Baytown

281-837-9000

Stephen F. Austin GC

SP

San Felipe

979-885-2811

Faith Bridge Ranch GC

PUB

Hempstead

979-826-2131

Swanson Golf Center

Pub

Houston

281-440-1308

Freeport

979-233-8311

Texaco GC

PUB

Houston

713-453-7501

Spring

281-225-1200

Texas A&M University GC PUB

College Station

979-845-1723

Freeport GC Gleannloch Pines

M PUB

M

Houston

713-988-2099

Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

Glenbrook GC

M

Houston

713-649-8089

The Battleground at Deer Park PUB

Deer Park

281-478-4653

Goose Creek GC

SP

Baytown

281-424-5534

The Falls Resort & GC

New Ulm

979-992-3123

Greatwood GC

PUB

Sugar Land

281-343-9999

The Golf Club of Houston PUB/PV Humble

Green Caye GC

PUB

Dickinson

281-337-2021

The Village GC

PUB

Panorama Village

936-856-5531

M

Houston

713-928-4260

The Wilderness

PUB

Lake Jackson

979-297-4653

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

409-842-3220

Timber Creek GC

PUB

Friendswood

281-993-1140

Hermann Park GC

PUB

Houston

713-526-0077

Tour 18 Houston

PUB

Humble

281-540-1818

Heron Lakes GC

PUB

Houston

281-807-0207

Travis B. Bryan GC

Bryan

979-823-0126

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Waller CC

PUB

Waller

936-931-3335

Houston National GC

PUB

Houston

281-304-1400

Wedgewood GC

PUB

Conroe

936-441-4653

Idylwild GC

PUB

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

West Brazos Golf Center PUB

Brazoria

979-798-4653

Iron Oaks GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-866-9191

West Fork Golf and CC

PUB

Conroe

936-760-1776

Jersey Village

713-896-0900

Westwood Shores GC

PUB

Trinity

936-594-9172

Kingwood

281-358-1155

Wildcat GC

PUB

Houston

713-413-3400

WindRose GC

PUB

Spring

281-370-8900

Gus Wortham GC

Jersey Meadow GC

M

Kingwood Cove GC

PUB

La Torretta Legendary Oaks GC

R PUB

Conroe Hempstead

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

936-448-302 979-826-4001

SP/R

M

281-459-7800

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

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

RETAIL

LOCATION

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

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

PRIVATE COURSES

Bay City CC Bay Oaks CC Beaumont CC Briarcrest CC Carlton Woods Champions GC Conroe CC Deerwood Club Falcon Point Fort Bend CC Galveston CC Gary Player Sig. Cour.

Golf Crest CC Hearthstone CC Houston CC Houston Oaks Kingwood CC Lake Windcrest Lakeside CC Live Oak CC Lochinvar GC

Bay City Houston Beaumont Bryan The Woodlands Houston Conroe Kingwood Katy Richmond Galveston The Woodlands Pearland Houston Houston Hockley Kingwood Magnolia Houston Rockport Houston

PHONE RETAILER 281-557-3300 979-776-4653 713-627-2411 409-866 -3883 281-764-1344 281-574-3232 713-436-5001 832-203-1518 832-478-1365 281-491-1888 832-585-0505 281-392-4653 281-443-2828 281-596-9090

979-245-3990 281-488-9753 409-898-7011 979-776-1490 281-863-5820 281-444-6449 936-756-5222 281-360-1065 281-392-2582 281-342-8368 409-737-9830 281-863-1490 281-485-4550 281-463-2204 713-465-8381 713-888-0000 281-348-2217 281-259-2279 281-497-2228 361-729-7311 281-821-0220

Golfsmith Golfsmith GolfSmith Golfsmith Golfsmith GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec Impact Golf Mulligan’s Golf Sport Shoppe Strictly Golf

DIRECTORY

LOCATION Katy Spring Galleria Houston Westheimer Houston Woodlands Katy Houston-Upper Kirby Westheimer Houston Webster Galleria Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston

Magnolia Creek League City Northgate CC Houston Pebble Creek GC College Station Pecan Grove Plantation CC Richmond Raveneaux CC Spring River Plantation CC Conroe Riverbend CC Sugar Land Royal Oaks CC Houston Shadow Hawk GC Richmond Sugar Creek CC Sugar Land Sweetwater CC Sugar Land The Houstonian GC Richmond The Oaks & Panther Trail The Woodlands Traditions Club Bryan Walden on Lake Conroe Montgomery Walden on Lake Houston Humble Weston Lakes CC Fulshear Westwood GC Houston Whispering Pines GC Trinity Willow Creek GC Spring Willow Fork CC Katy

19

PHONE 281-398-4669 281-292-2288 713-993-9993 713-334-3334 281-292-2288 281-741-6778 832-426-5650 713-339-2470 281-557-0015 713-850-7555 281-597-8008 281-890-6026 281-879-0929 713-629-4653

281-557-0555 281-440-1223 979-690-0990 281-342-9940 281-370-6370 936-273-2276 281-491-2500 281-899-3270 281-494-3533 281-494-9135 281-980-4653 281-494-4244 281-882-3000 979-779-1007 936-448-4668 281-852-3743 281-346-1227 713-774-3011 936-594-4980 281-376-1501 281-579-6611

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

88 36 36

56

55

Pa Pa assa asa sadena ad na

Deerr Park Pa k

17

5

Mont Belvieu e vi u

41 81

53

7

46 48 80

50

75

109

26 26 26 New Ulm m

Indust dus us ryy

109

51

59

45 52

8

1458

54

Ma agnolia olia a

53 Mo Montgomery 53

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

Eagle Pointe Player Development | Map # 5, Ad Pg 11

Golf Academy at Timber Creek | Map #36 | Ad Pg 12

Jeff Strong, PGA | www.eaglepointeonline.com | 281-385-6666

David Pilsner, PGA | www.timbercreekgolfclub.com | 281-993-1140

STPGA Junior Golf | www.stpgajuniorgolf.com |Ad Pg 14

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

21

Par

COURSES

Type Hole

Map Number

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

(409) 739-9622 .

t t t t t

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex (281)385-6666 1

t t t t t

t t t t t

t t t t t

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

Bayou Golf Course 17 2800 Dudley Dr., Texas City, TX 77590 www.bayougc.com

5 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580 www.eaglepointeonline.com

Jersey Meadow Golf Course (713) 896-0900 .

41 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040 www.jerseymeadow.com

LaTorretta Lake Resort & Spa (936) 448-4400 41 18 71 53 600 LaTorretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX 77356

6920/73.7/138

www.LaTorrettaLakeResort.com

River Ridge Golf Club

(800) 553-7517 1

t t t t t

(979) 885-2811 1

t t t t t

(979) 992-3123 41 3

t t t t t

7 3133 Brazos Oak Lane, Sealy, TX 77474 www.evergreenpointgolf.com

Stephen F. Austin Golf Club 8 Park Road 38, San Felipe, TX 77474 www.sfaustingc.com

The Falls Resort & Golf Course 26 1750 North Falls Dr., New Ulm, TX 78950 www.thefallsresort.com

Timber Creek Golf Course

(281) 993-1140

36 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546 www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

SHOPPING/SERVICES

1 36 36 35

t t t t t

DINING

San Felipe De Austin State Historic Site | Ad Pg 22

The Cascades Restaurant at The Falls | Map #26 | Ad Pg 2

15945 FM 1458, San Felipe,TX 77473 | www.visitsanfelipedeaustin.com | 979-885-2181

1750 North Falls Dr., New Ulm, TX | 979-992-3123 Cazadores Mexican Restaurant & Cantina | Ad Pg 22 Sealy, TX | 979-885-3211 | Map # 80 Katy, Tx | 281-693-2122 | Map #54 Houston, TX | 713-465-9377 | Map # 55 Houston, TX | 713-682-2404 | Map # 56

Sealy CVB | Map #50 | Ad Pg 22 Sealy, TX | visitsealy.com | 979-885-3222 Texas Parks & Wildlife | Map #59 | Ad Page 22 Sealy, TX | www.tpwd.state.tx.us | 979-885-3616

ACCOMODATIONS America’s Best Value Inn | Map #45 | Ad Pg 22

Lakeside Restaurant & Bar | Map #53 | Ad Pg 84 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX | 936-448-4400

2107 Hwy. 36 South, Sealy, TX 77474 | www.bestwestern.com | 979-885-3707

Legends Grill | Map #36 | Ad Pg 13

City of Jersey Village | Map #81 |

Maribelli Italian Ristorante | Map #52 | Ad Pg 22

Comfort Inn | 713-856-5005 Executive Inn & Suites | 713-896-1000

Holiday Inn Express | Map #48 | Ad Pg 22 2370 Hwy. 36 South, Sealy, TX 77474 | www.HIExpress.com | 979-877-0700

La Torretta Lake Resort | Map #53 | Ad Pg 84 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX 77356 | LaTorrettaLakeResort.com | 936-448-4400

SUPER 8 | Map #46 | Ad Page 22 Sealy, TX | www.Super8.com | 979-885-2121

The Inn & Villas at The Falls | Map #26 | Ad Pg 2 1750 North Falls Dr., New Ulm, TX 77546 | www.thefallsresort.com | 979-992-3123

4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX | 281-993-1140 2352 South Hwy. 36, Sealy, TX | 979-627-7665

Tony’s Family Restaurant | Map #51 | Ad Pg 22 1629 Meyer, Sealy, TX | www.tonysfamilyrestaurant.com | 979-885-4140

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company | Map #75 930 Walnut Street, Columbus, TX 78934| | Ad Pg 19 email: dgraferealtor@gmail.com | 979-732-1850

Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Map #88 16602 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX | Ad Pg 83 email: leedeforkejr@yahoo.com | 409-739-1299 www.leedeforkejr.com

Great Texas Golf

Vaaler Creek Golf Course Blanco, Texas

M1 FAIRWAY AY

$ $899.99 8PC STL $959.99 8PC GRA $

M1 RESCUEE

$1199.99 8PC STL $

$499.99 EAA $299.99 EAA $249.99 EAA

AP2 716 IRONS A NOW AVAILABLE

NOW AVAILABLE

SAN ANTONIO • 1050 NE Loop 410 • 210.822.4060 HOUSTON GALLERIA • 5395 Westheimer • 713.627.2411 ALSO VISIT

CORPUS CHRISTI • 4526 South Padre Island Dr • 361.852.0358 AND OUR DALLAS / FORT WORTH AREA LOCATIONS

edwinwa sgolf.com

$10 OFF

*510*

AP1 716 IRONS A

M1 DRIVER R

*

WITH A MINIMUM PURCHASE OF $30

*Restrictions apply. See store for details. Exp 12/31/15

HOME OF THE 90-DAY, 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls and Complimentary Hot Breakfast & Lunch Buffets

For Reservations:

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

www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2016 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2016 Group Specials

28

COVER STORY

The Secret is out.....

Vaaler Creek Golf Club and Rockin’ J Ranch have come of age

By Steve Habel/Senior Contributing Writer

There was a time, not that long ago it seems, when Vaaler Creek Golf Club was in construction with just nine holes open. It piqued some folks’ attention now and then, especially when they ventured here to the Texas Hill Country to explore owning a piece of the American dream via a land purchase in the fledgling Rockin’ J Ranch community.

Now, both the sprawling neighborhood about three miles south of Blanco and its centerpiece golf course, which finished construction on the full-bore and challenging 18 holes in 2009, are a not-so-distant homestead and top recreational location for folks from San Antonio’s northern confines.

Vaaler Creek GC continues to reign in players from around the region thanks to its superb combination of challenge, great conditioning, the course’s splendid isolation, the club’s growing list of amenities and the staff’s excellent customer service.The facility’s TheTexasGolfInsider.com

attention to detail and overall friendliness help make it a tremendous value and a memorable golf experience.

Lately more homes have been built in the community, adding more faces to the neighborhood, more rounds to the course and money to the facility’s coffers.The original plan for Rockin J Ranch was to build the golf course first, to entice land buyers and sustain the course.This would allow it to thrive via property owners’ assessments that went straight to Vaaler Creek GC’s operating budget and maintenance bottom line.

“We had a plan to make this course the best in the area and we’ve stuck to it,” said Adam Grosch,Vaaler Creek GC’s Director of Golf.

“The course itself is a solid routing and provides different challenges while also being fun.That’s what golf is supposed to be all about, right?”

The course was voted the nation’s No. 19 best new course for 2010-11 by Golf Digest

COVER STORY

and the word continues to spread about Vaaler Creek GC’s playability and “fun” factor.

In the past few years, the facility has added a community pool and a pavilion for large parties and weddings.Vaaler Creek GC’s stay-and-play packages, which include lodging in large, onsite, fully furnished and plush condominiums, are a hot ticket for folks looking to get away (but not too far away) and play a little golf.

Vaaler Creek GC was designed

by Michael Lowry and features well-placed bunkers and a handful of water features to provide a challenging yet relaxing round of golf.

Several elevated tee boxes provide panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

The course plays up and down the gently rolling hills with tree-lined fairways. Until homes

29

are built on the adjacent golf course lots, a round at Vaaler Creek GC is all about golf and nature.

The fairways are ample on most holes, even as the par-72, 6,864-yard routing sports a rating of 73.0 and slope of 140 from its back set of four tees.The fairways are edged with a very playable first cut of rough, but if the golfer’s shots are too off-line trees, creeks, ponds and natural areas all come into play.

Grosch, who can really move the ball, helped Lowry design the course by hitting shots from areas that became the back tees.

The architect then built some bunkers based on where Grosch’s shots landed. Shorter hitters probably can’t reach the trouble as easily as PGA-level pros, and usually find their shots in the course’s wider landing zones.

Lowry routed his course along the rolling scrub brush-filled prairies and worked in all

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

30

COVER STORY

kinds of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of all sizes, elevated tee shots and undulating, tree-lined fairways.

Given its length, golfers might think they can overpower Lowry’s course, but finding success at Vaaler Creek is a much more subtle endeavor.The course has a wonderful variety of long and short holes and creates shot values with strategic bunkering and the occasional carry over water.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The course’s true last-line of defense is its lightning-quick, mounded and segmented putting surfaces, which can turn even the most aggressive player timid and to second-guessing.

“The average golfer enjoys the course because it looks more difficult than it is,” Grosch said.

The round at Vaaler Creek begins with two short par-4s, neither of which is as easy as they seem on the scorecard. No. 1, a 343-yarder, has a broad fairway and a wide-open front to

COVER STORY

its green, but a pinpoint approach is crucial because of its sloping putting surface.The 350-yard second is played over a huge pond to a slightly elevated green – its front- right hole placement is one of the toughest you’ll find anywhere.

The 435-yard par-4 third hole is Vaaler Creek’s No. 1 handicap, moving downhill to a narrowing landing area and then slightly uphill to the green.The fourth, a dogleg-right, 587-yard par-5, is played across a narrow creek on either the second-shot layup or (for big hitters) the approach to a back-to-front sloping putting surface.

You’ll be tempted to

31

swing for the green on the 355-yard par-4 seventh, but beware of the grouping of trees near the right of the putting surface and the bunker that protects the front-left. If you get a little momentum from No. 7, take a chance for glory on the 520-yard par-5 eighth, which is made shorter by cutting the corner at the right bend of the fairway – just don’t cut off too much.

No. 9, a 163-yard par-3, has a huge back-to-front sloping putting surface that demands accuracy. Its back-left hole placement may be one of the course’s least accessible, as a shot five yards too long will bound off the TheTexasGolfInsider.com

32

COVER STORY

green to a deep, collection area that almost assures a bogey or worse.

The back-nine at Vaaler Creek is a little more mature – it was the course’s original nine holes and has had a few more seasons of growth – and not as severe as the newer front-nine.

It’s hard to find a better three-hole finish anywhere than at Vaaler Creek GC.The 515-yard par-5 16th is played downhill and past a pond on the right to an uphill green guarded at front-left by a huge and deep bunker.The green slopes back toward you when you are in the fairway, and – if the pin is at the right front – there’s a backstop that will cause your approach to roll back toward the hole.

The par-4 17th rolls downhill from the tee and plays much shorter than its length (425 yards).The approach is over a babbling stream to an undulating and elevated green, lined on both sides by trees.

Even though the course’s first 17 holes provide is share of thrills and challenge, nothing really prepares you for the 405-yard par-4 18th.

The tee shot is best played long and downhill along the left side, but too far to the portside brings a lake into play.The second shot is all carry over the huge lake, finishing at a putting surface in the shadow of the golf shop.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Expert golf instruction is available at Vaaler Creek GC with a practice facility that includes a two-acre driving range with 20 hitting bays and six target greens.

After the round, find the time to enjoy a beverage and a little fellowship on the 5,500-square foot, tree-shaded deck.The pavilion adds even more reasons to hang around Vaaler Creek GC and expands the course’s food-service options thanks to an enclosed kitchen and snack bar.

“With the pavilion, we offer a couple of breakfast options for before the round and multiple choices for food at the turn or after the round,” Grosch said. “We have tables and chairs to seat up to 150 people in the pavilion for events.”

“The pavilion has allowed us to hold bigger tournaments, weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners,” Grosch added. “There’s a small stage for bands or tournament scoring, and a TV in there for our players to be able to watch after playing while enjoying a little food and a few drinks and to settle their bets.”

Those who seek a pleasant escape from the big city will enjoy a day at the course thanks to its satisfying blend of hole variety and playability. And because the accompanying residential component is still in its infancy, few courses are more peaceful.

830.833.0706

for special weekday and weekend rates go to

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

34

INSTRUCTION

CREATE MORE CLUBHEAD SPEED

ball. Being too still over the ball at address creates tension.

Move!

2) STAY CENTERED OVER Dustin - long, flowing swing and aggressive THE BALL Staying centered over the ball during What would you guess is the question our the swing is very important to creating golf school students ask us the most during more clubhead speed because you the year? If your answer is “How do I hit the can always swing an object faster in a circle ball farther?”, your answer is correct. Most of than you can in a line. For example, if the time, the question they should be asking you tie a ball onto the end of a string, you us is, “How do I hit the ball straighter?” But can swing it around in a circle faster than for many golfers, hitting the ball farther is as if you move it back and forth in straight much of an obsession as learning how to make line. Golfers who try to transfer their grandma’s biscuits. We are going to show you weight during the swing tend to lose several ways to create more clubhead speed distance compared to someone who stays centered and lets their weight transfer while not giving up accuracy. We’ll also give automatically with their turn. This also you some very effective practice drills to help helps your body swing your arms during the you achieve this. swing, not the other way around.

DRILL: Hit shots with your feet close 1) RELAX YOUR ARMS AND together. By doing this, your body senses SHOULDERS a lack of stability and forces you to stay Relaxing your arms and shoulders at centered. This in turn will help you create address is the first step to creating more more clubhead speed when you take your clubhead speed. Tension is the biggest normal width stance. killer of speed and it is almost always the one common characteristic in the loss of

distance. Look at other athletic motions 3) BE AGGRESSIVE (IN THE RIGHT as an example. Throwing a ball: You can PLACE) throw a ball much further/faster if you are Being aggressive in your swing is good. relaxed before and during the motion. You Let me say that again. Being aggressive in your swing is good...as long as you keep can run faster if you’re relaxed while you’re doing it. Swinging a golf club is no different. your balance. But where you are aggressive is the key. Many golfers make the mistake DRILL: Make a conscious effort to move your arms, feet and legs while addressing the of being aggressive from the top of their TheTexasGolfInsider.com

INSTRUCTION

35

after your round. Stretching away from the golf course will only help. Just look at 5 of the 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.

Rory - staying centered over the ball

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.

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 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

36

FEATURE STORY

Renovated Golf Club of Texas wows players with conditions and playability

By Steve Habel/Senior Contributing Writer Golfers have been wowed and reviews of the links-like experience at the renovated and totally new Golf Club of Texas have been offthe-charts positive in the two months since the course in the southwest corner of San Antonio reopened on Aug. 28.

The course’s owners have labeled the debut as a “soft opening” as the track continues to mature and its edges and aesthetics are being refined. More than 4,000 rounds of golf have already been played on the Roy Bechtoldesigned course and memberships in the Golf Club of Texas’ various playing categories have more than tripled as additional players experience the course and its core golf experience.

The Golf Club of Texas is the first course in the United States to have Zoysia turf utilized on every square foot of its prime playing surfaces – even the greens.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

“Virtually every golfer who’s played the course has told us how much they enjoyed their round and that they were going to come back and bring their golf partners and friends the next time,” said Ruffin Moore, the director of club operations for the Outlaw Golf Group, owners and operators of the Golf Club of Texas. “San Antonio players are thrilled the course is back and still very affordable. It is just the icing on the cake that they also get to play o zoysia. Historically that would mean they would have to join an exclusive private club.”

The facility’s grand reopening was held in mid-October, with media members and VIPs enjoying golf, fellowship and food while experiencing the course and several of the signature dishes from the Golf Club of Texas’ expansive restaurant.

The Golf Club of Texas was originally designed by Bechtol, the

FEATURE STORY

Austin-based golf course architect and master planner, as a Lee Trevino signature course and has always been a favorite haunt for golfers looking for a combination of playability and challenge.

It opened in 1999, but closed in 2013 after the ongoing Texas drought negatively affected course conditions.

In 2014, the facility was purchased by the Outlaw Golf Group and Bechtol was retained to return the course to its original glory and make key changes where needed.

“The changes we have made only enhance what was there in the past and addressed maintenance and conditioning issues that affected the course in the past few years,”

37

Bechtol said. “I love the way the course plays and the feeling that you are constantly surrounded by golf and nature. I couldn’t be happier about the way the renovation has come out.”

The Golf Club of Texas is located on 1,900 acres at the steps of the Hill Country and incorporates the rugged South Texas landscape where it meets a lush, sprawling flood plain.

Four-holes wide and following a meandering creek, the Golf Club of Texas provides a core-golfing experience at its best.

Indigenous plants are juxtaposed against flawless fairways and greens.

“You stand on the deck of the clubhouse here and see nothing but golf across the wide

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

38

FEATURE STORY

plain to the south,” Bechtol said. “There’s the feeling here that golf was the most important aspect of the site.”

The Golf Club of Texas’ renovation, which stripped the course down to the dirt, cost more than $7 million as Bechtol reworked the course’s putting surfaces, bunkers and tee boxes. He added movement and more bunkers to its fairways, making a track that was always good even better.

The front- and back-nines have been flipped to create a more dynamic finish and new water

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

features have been constructed.

Irrigation has also been updated, even as Bechtol’s revision has reduced the amount of turf that needs to be watered by more than 20 percent.

“It’s great to see this course spring back to life,” Bechtol added.

“We have made design changes and construction to make the Golf Club of Texas more fun to play and, most importantly, responsive to the wise and judicious use of water and as a reduction in maintenance costs.”

The course plays at 7,121 yards from its back set of four tees and features a beguiling mix of long and short holes. Seven of the course’s par-4s are carded at 414 yards of longer and all four of the par-5s can be reached with two good shots by proficient players.

All four of the par-3s weigh in at 186 yards or more.

The real calling card for the renovation was the course’s complete grassing with different strains of Zoysia, the versatile, droughtresistant and hearty turf which makes every lie in the fairway seem like it’s on a tee. Zoysia

FEATURE STORY

also repels pitch marks on putting surfaces while allowing the greens to remain receptive to approach shots.

The transformation is so compelling that Outlaw Golf and Bladerunner Farms, which supplied the Zoysia for the Golf Club of Texas, held a seminar about the advantages of using the turf during February’s Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.

That seminar was attended by 255 registered participants from 25 different states and 20 countries, including those from both cold(Scotland, Sweden, South Korea and Japan) and warm-weather (Israel, Bali, Jamaica, Thailand and Mexico) climates.

“Zoysia allowed me to add slopes and mounding to the overall routing in places that other turf wouldn’t allow,” Bechtol said. “The ability to completely sod this course, 91 acres in all including 10 for the practice area, rather than sprig the turf and water it to make it grow and spread, let me vary the fairway lines, meander where the grass went, which helps with the overall look and the edges.”

The first two months of play at the Golf Club of Texas have shown that the Zoysia greens can be cut to be as smooth-rolling and quick as Bermuda-grassed greens and can stand the punishment of the day-to-day grind of play on a semi-private golf course.

The Golf Club of Texas’ restaurant and bar has become a regular gathering spot for both golfers and residents of the quickly-growing neighborhood near the facility. Theme nights offer specials on steak, pizza, barbeque and burgers – it’s common to see the restaurant packed even in the middle of the afternoon as golfers stay for an early dinner and a few cold

39

adult beverages after their rounds.

Golfers are also excited about the facility’s expanded practice area, which includes a dual-sided driving range, a “wedge world” short game zone and a private teaching area. Two new lighted 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.

The changes have brought back those golfers who have enjoyed the Golf Club of Texas in the past and have already won over new players, especially those anxious to test the Zoysia and those looking for a regular place to play.

Zoysia is a game changer, and at the Golf Club of Texas, it makes the great golf course even better.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

40

FEATURE STORY

By Steve Habel/Senior Contributing Writer

Real estate professionals claim that the true value of a piece of property can be summed up in three words: location, location, location.

But as the City of Jersey Village illustrates, location, combined with amenities, recreational opportunities and world-class attractions garners even more significance and desirability.

Jersey Village, set in just northwest of Houston near where Highway 290 and Beltway 8 intersect, offers a cornucopia of activities and a high quality of living.

Top-rated accommodations and dining choices, a lively Theater District and one of the area’s top municipal golf courses bring people into the city and entice them to stay.

Located on part of what was once a 1,236-acre ranch owned by Clark W. Henry, Jersey Meadow Golf Course is nestled among mature live oak groves.

The ranch was originally home to the F & M Dairy and one of the world’s largest and best herds of Jersey dairy cattle. Henry and Leroy Kennedy began a joint land venture that took the old ranch and laid the groundwork for what would become the City of Jersey Village.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

In the late 1950’s, a parcel of land of the original ranch was branded as Jersey Meadow Golf Course, and in 1984 golf architect Carlton Gipson redesigned the track. Gipson’s course was tweaked in the 1990’s by Jay Riviere, helping to make it the outstanding test of golf it is today.

The city has a public swimming pool and public park with playground facilities and a small lake with fishing available to residents and guests who have homes on the shores of the lake.

Jersey Village is near Sam Houston Race Park, one of the nation’s top horse racing venues for both live racing and simulcast options from around the world.

Houston Premier Outlets is a quick 15 minute drive from Jersey Village. Offering a 145 stores and a little bit of something for everyone. There is also Traders Village featuring great shopping with a busy schedule of events at its marketplace.

Many of Houston’s top attractions are within an easy drive down Highway 290, with the Hermann Park Zoo, the Theater District, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center all just a short conversation away.

Fun for all ages, Jersey Village is the ultimate stay, play, shop and live experience.

PLAY & STAY

IN HOBBS!

Spend the day at Rockwind Community Links and the night at Zia Park!

Call 1-888-ZIA-PARK or visit us at

ziaparkcasino.com to book your room today!

Easy to get to. Hard to leave! ziaparkcasino.com 3901 W. MILLEN DR. HOBBS, NM 88240 路 1-888-ZIA-PARK

Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack supports responsible gaming. Call the New Mexico Gambling Crisis Hotline at 1-800-572-1142.

Must be 21 to enter the Casino and 18 to wager on horses.

44

The Foresight Golf Family of courses invites you to be our guest and share the game we love so dearly. Our passion is to deliver nothing less than exceptional golf course conditions and world class customer service to you for a remarkable value.We also want to make you aware of the programs we have in place for rewarding you for your business with us.

GET REWARDED WITH FREE GOLF FOR PLAYING GOLF WITH US! Sign up for a free Foresight Golf Loyalty Rewards Card and earn a point for every dollar you spend on Golf, Merchandise and Food & Beverages. Earn points at any or all of our courses and redeem free golf at the course of your choice. The points never expire and there are no blackout dates because we believe that loyalty goes both ways.

POINT REQUIREMENTS FOR FREE ROUND

Course: The Buckhorn The Bandit The Republic Plum Creek Cypresswood-Tradition Cypresswood-Cypress Oso Beach Lozano Golf Center

Senior 400 500 400 400 550 450 600 600

Weekday 550 750 600 500 800 700 700 700

Weekend 950 1250 1100 750 1250 750 750 750

EMAIL SPECIALS All of our special deals go out through emails from each club and are designed to create an outstanding offer to allow you to play more.You may unsubscribe from our specials at any time.

Sign up at any of the course’s home pages (scroll to the bottom) or send us an email at newsletter@foresightgolf.net and let us know which courses you are interested in receiving great deals from.

WINTER MEMBERSHIPS Many of our courses are now offering memberships at great rates for the Winter season. Give us a call, look online or simply ask a staff member in our pro shops.

Here’s to great winter golf and plentiful fairways and greens, Ed Miller Chief Operating Officer - Foresight Golf, LLC Foresight Golf is a local golf course management company based in Boerne,Texas. Let us know how your experience was! (830) 249-7528 www.foresightgolf.net

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

COURSES

45

MAP #66

Comfor t RATES

18

9

Twilight

M-Th $35 $21 $25 M-F (60+) $30 F-Sun $46/49 $26 $34

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA Dir of Golf: Daniel Treanor, PGA Superintendent: Ismael Toca Course Record: Tim Hobby, 61

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Forest: 6648 / 72.0 / 126 Blue: 6155 / 69.8 / 124 Stone: 5561 / 67.1 / 114 Copper:4616 / 67.5 / 113

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t t

#FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF #FFS 8JOF 4OBDL #BS &NBJM 4QFDJBMT 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN #BORVFU )BMM 1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUJFT

The Buckhorn Golf Course

N

estled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, The Buckhorn is a favorite of locals and Winter Texans alike. Well known as a really fun golf course that is always in exceptional condition, The Buckhorn’s design makes for a truly enjoyable experience at a great pace-of-play.

Located off of I-10 , it is an easy drive North from San Antonio, and convenient to Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Boerne with plenty of activities to enjoy after your round.

The championship layout utilizes a natural 100 foot elevation change and pristine creeks and valleys make for great vistas and drama for golf. The generous fairways and large smooth greens make for a friendly bogey or par, but to make a birdie or better you will need to land your ball on the correct section of the green.

Friendly and fun, yet not easy, the Buckhorn mayy be the most memorable course you’ll play.

36 FM 473 Comfort, TX 78013

830-995-5351

www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

46

COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

18

MAP #98

9

Twilight

M-Th $39 $21 $32 M-Th (60+) $31 / $33 on Fri F-Sun $45/51 $26 $41

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA Dir of Golf: Ken Holubec, PGA Superintendent: Cortney Brown Course Record: Brian Marini, 63 Alistar Jones, 63

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6913 Forest: 6387 Blue: 6101 Stone: 5447 Copper: 4274

COURSE AMENITIES t &NBJM 4QFDJBMT t 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN t #BORVFU )BMM t 'VMM #BS (SJMM t 1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUJFT t #FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Kyle

Plum Creek Golf Course

P

lum Creek is located just one mile off of I-35 just 15 minutes south of downtown Austin in Kyle, Texas. If you haven’t been out to Plum Creek in a while, you are in for a delightful surprise.

In 2011, new ownership immediately set about turning Plum Creek into a golf course that would be the recreational hub of the Kyle community. Under the direction and inspiration of management firm Foresight Golf, over a million dollars was invested to create a truly state-of-the-art practice facility.

The 10th hole was converted from an average par-4 into an outstanding par-3, increased irrigation and additional turfgrass was added to improve several fairway corridors for width, strategy and enjoyment. 18 new tees were constructed to improve the playability of the golf course for a total of five sets of tees on each hole.

The course stays in great shape and is now the home of Texas State University’s golf teams. Plum Creek is a very different and much more fun golf course than it was just a short time ago.

4301 Benner Kyle, TX 78640

512-262-5555

www.plumcreekgolf.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN Open to The Public

COURSES

47

Corpus Christi MAP #96

Lozano Golf Center

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 7027 / 73.9 / 125 White: 6554 / 72.0 / 121 Gold: 5790 / 68.5 / 115 Copper: 5084 / 70.1 / 111

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Finger, Dye, Spann Gen. Manager: Peter Palacios Jr Superintendent: Javier Martinez Head Pro: Jay Monte Teaching Pro: Ira Kramer PGA

COURSE AMENITIES t &NBJM 4QFDJBMT t 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN t Executive 9 hole course t 1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUZ X SBOHF putting and chipping green t #BS (SJMM t #FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF Open to The Public

Lozano Golf Center has been transformed by the recent renovation of turf expansion and rebuilding of every bunker on the 18 hole championship course. The fairways have nice, large landing areas allowing the golfer to choose the angle of attack for the greens. Negotiate water, towering palm trees and plenty of bunkers on your way to a great score. The friendly staff is ready to book your tee time now!

Rates: M-TH $33 ride, $22 walk, $27 twilight - M-F (60+) $28 ride, $15.86 walk F-Sun $40 ride, $24.50 walk, $29.50 twilight M-Sun on Executive 9: $18.50 ride, $10.75 walkk

4401 Old Brownsville Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78412 361-826-8016 www.lozanogolfcenter.com

Corpus Christi MAP #97

Oso Beach

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 70 Architect: John Beredemus Gen. Manager: Peter Palacios Jr Superintendent: -FXJT 'SZ Head Pro: Brent Springer PGA Teaching Pro: Ira Kramer PGA Course Record: Terry Yarbarough 62

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t

&NBJM 4QFDJBMT 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN #FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF 1SBDUJDF 1VUUJOH (SFFO #BS (SJMM

Play where Ben Hogan, Bryon Nelson, Sam Snead and Jimmy Demaret played the “World Championship Four-Ball Match.” Oso Beach is a player friendly course known for a fun layout, exceptional golf course conditions and ease to walk.The friendly staff will offer a warm welcome and make you feel at home.Voted a Winter Texas Favorite, test your nerve on the signature 13th tee shot over water.

Rates: M-TH $33 ride, $22 walk, $27 twilight - M-F (60+) $28 ride, $15.86 walk F-Sun $40 ride, $24.50 walk, $29.50 twilight

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

48

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

18

MAP #64

9

Twilight

M-Th $47 $28 $35 M-F (60+) $35 F-Sun $64 $34 $39

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA General Mgr: Shane Pearson Superintendent: Robby Jan Head Pro: John Westley Teaching Pro: Tom Olson, PGA

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 7007 / 74.3 / 128 Forest: 6622 / 72.3 / 126 Blue: 6147 / 71.4 / 123 Stone: 5540 / 65.5 / 109 Copper:4683 / 67.2 / 114

San Antonio

The Republic Golf Club VOTED # 1 COURSE IN TOWN BY EXPRESS NEWS

W

elcome to the #1 course in San Antonio! Located less than ten minutes South of San Antonio’s world famous Riverwalk, The Republic Golf Club was built along the scenic Salado Creek among glorious oak, elm and mesquite trees.

The golf course design is fun, challenging and is home to the best collection of par-5’s for risk/reward in the city.

The course offers exceptional conditions including green, overseeded grass on all tees, fairways and greens to make cool season golf even more enjoyable.

Enjoy the course consistently voted #1 by the Express News with no homes, no freeways, just pure golf - where you get the feeling that a little Texas history whistles through the trees.

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t t

&NBJM 4QFDJBMT 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN #BORVFU )BMM #FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF 'VMM #BS (SJMM 1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUJFT

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

4226 S. E. Military Drive San Antonio, TX 78222

210-359-0000

www.republicgolfclub.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

18

MAP #65

9

Twilight

M-Th $49 $28 $35 M-F (60+) $35 F-Sun $69 $38 $45

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Keith Foster General Mgr: Bill Durbin Teaching Pro: Jonathan Roberson,PGA Superintendent: Michael Thomas Course Record: Mike Carnes, 62

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6928 / 72.7 / 130 Forest: 6405 / 70.3 / 124 Blue: 5905 / 67.6 / 114 Stone: 5289 / 70.7 / 122 Copper:4468 / 66.3 / 115

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t t

Banquet Hall &NBJM 4QFDJBMT 3FXBSE 1SPHSBN #FWFSBHF $BSU 4FSWJDF 'VMM #BS (SJMM 1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUJFT

COURSES

49

N E W B R AUNFEL S

The Bandit Golf Club

L

ocated in charming New Braunfels, The Bandit Golf Club is famous for great golf and for stealing the heart of all who have conquered the signature 18th hole.

In addition to the numerous entertainment venues awaiting you in New Braunfels, convenient driving access to Austin, San Antonio and Houston make The Bandit the ideal place to meet with friends to enjoy a great game of golf at the edge of the Texas Hill Country.

Elevated tee boxes and hilly terrain offer incredible views of beautifully sculpted golf holes, Long Creek and Lake McQueeny. Always in excellent condition, the course has beautiful, green, overseeded grass for your enjoyment throughout the cool season months.

Now offering unique stay-and-play packages with The Lodges at The Bandit , the well-furnished and fully-stocked condominiums can sleep up to eight of your family and friends in style and comfort. Enjoy a sunset over the golf course from your balcony and you’ll see why The Bandit was named 2015 Best of Texas Golf Getaway.

6019 FM 725 New Braunfels, TX 78130

830-609-4665

www.banditgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

50

GOLF RULES & TIPS

Sponsored by

Q: My buddy hit his second shot on a par 4 deep into the woods right of the hole and said,“I’ll never find that”. He dropped another ball next to where he just played and hit it to the green. When we walked up to the green, he found his first ball, it must have ricochet off a tree. He said he played a provisional so he can play the first ball, I said you have to play the second ball, who is correct?

Lost Ball

A: If a player is playing a provisional ball, he must announce that he is doing such.

Statements like “I’m reloading”, “I’m hitting another one”, “That might be out of here” do not satisfy the requirements of playing a provisional ball. The player’s statement must contain the words, “provisional ball”. Since your buddy did not mention a provisional ball when playing his second ball to the green, the ball he dropped is now the ball in play.

Q: Last week during a round, I hit my ball in the rough and after 3-4 minutes of searching, I dropped a ball in the general area and made a stroke. I then found my original ball 5 yards ahead of where I played my stroke. Can you tell me which ball I should have played at that point?

A: When you dropped the second ball and played it, you in fact substituted a ball. At this point, the original ball is deemed lost and you must proceed with the substituted ball. However, since the original ball was lost, you were required to proceed under stroke and distance, returning to the place you played your prior stroke. If this were a tournament and you failed to correct your mistake, you would have been DQ’d for a serious breach.

Q: I played in a Tournament last week and the participants were given logo golf balls. After we teed off, two of us drove within two yards of each other, however we both played the same logo ball.

We flipped a coin and played out the hole. Did we proceed correctly?

A: Since neither of you were able to identify your ball played from the tee, both balls were considered lost.You should have returned to the tee, playing your 3rd shot.

This incident underlines the advisability of the player putting an identification mark on his ball. Moral of the story, mark your ball!

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Kevin Stokes has been a rules official since 2011 and is on the Texas Golf Association’s Rules Committee and the USGA Mid-Am Committee. Kevin also volunteers for the Southern Texas PGA.

Stokes Insurance offers a complete line of quality coverages for home, auto, business, and bonds. Our customer service is second to none. Contact Kevin at kevin@stokesins.com, or call 877-259-5533.

52

REVIEW

Landa Park transformation brings new life to public, 18-hole gem

The city of New Braunfels, Texas is known for a number of local traditions including German festivals, floats along the river, and unforgettable rounds played on the serene and well-manicured Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs. For area golfers, this has been a go-to since the 1930s, when it was originally opened as a 9-hole course. More recently, Landa Park Golf Course has seen a remarkable transformation, bringing new life to this public, 18-hole gem.

The course closed its doors in the Fall of 2013 to undergo a complete, $6.9 million dollar renovation, which included the addition of water features, bunkers, contouring, routing changes, and new tee and green complexes.

Closed for only a year, the course reopened in October of 2014, and is now celebrating its oneTheTexasGolfInsider.com

year mark and a successful first season.

“The feedback we’ve received from the rebirth and reopening of the course has been fantastic so far,” said Landa Park Golf Course PGA Head Golf Professional, Chad Donegan. “We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made and the chance for locals, long-timers and newcomers alike, to play the new Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs.”

A new short game practice facility was added as a part of the golf course renovation, and offers patrons the chance to practice putting, chipping, as well as bunker shots. “Use of the expanded practice area, along with our partnership with a local driving range, allows us to offer individual and group lessons for experts and novices alike,” said Quint Alexander, PGA Assistant Golf Professional for Landa Park Golf Course.

REVIEW

In addition to group and summer camp lessons, both Quint and Chad are available for individual instruction, by appointment, while the short game practice area is available for public use.

Along with the course revamp, the clubhouse also got a facelift and was enlarged to 5,500 square feet, to include more room for a full-line Pro Shop, a full service Sports Bar and Grill, Pavlock’s Fairway Grill, and a room which can be utilized as a meeting or events venue.

Landa’s Pro Shop is fully stocked with all of the latest golf brands, including Adidas, Under Armour, FootJoy, TaylorMade and Titleist.

After the renovation, Landa now has more to offer in the way of fundraisers and events. In addition to use of the meeting facility, golf course staff is on hand to assist with tournament set up and scoring, while Pavlock’s Fairway Grill can cater to just about any type of event. “After our renovation, the golf course has experienced a record number of tournaments and outings, as well as growing numbers within our local golf associations,� said Donegan.

Enhanced Player Card Memberships offer discounts and added benefits to player card holders. “We are excited to offer new and improved opportunities for our patrons to have fun out on the course, shop in our full-line Pro Shop, eat good food, and save some money in the process,� said Donegan. Landa also offers club rentals and a range of Stay and Play Packages to accom-

53

modate those out-of-town patrons.

In addition to these improvements, Landa Park Golf Course at Comal Springs has developed a list of upcoming tournaments for the 2015-2016 season. Included in this 17 tournament line-up are: FootGolf, couples events, Match Play, and 9-hole tournaments preceding each of the major championships.

Course conditions continue to improve under the watchful eye of Golf Course Superinendent, Brody Dillard and his team. The amount of rain the course saw earlier this year helped the newly established grasses to mature and grow, providing patrons with a beautifully developed 122-acre spread.

At only a year old, Landa’s conditions couldn’t be better. “We’ve received excellent feedback on our renovations, and are looking forward to seeing the course continue to mature,� said Donegan. “We have made a lot of improvements here at Landa Park Golf Course, and are excited to offer such a great product to our patrons.�

Visit Landa Park Golf Course and challenge yourself on the course or opt for a lesson from top PGA-rated professionals.

LANDA PARK GOLF COURSE AT COMAL SPRINGS (0-' $0634& 30"% r /&8 #3"6/'&-4 5&9"4 r

r -"/%"1"3,(0-'$0634& $0.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

54

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

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

55

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 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 of 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 sq.ft. 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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

58

REVIEW

Lighthouse Country Club

Golf is a Journey...... The Course is Yours!

Packsaddle Country Club was purchased in September, 2011 by Rick and Mercy Howe from Midland,Texas.They were turned on to the property by Mr. Al Pryor, who was the General Manager and Golf Pro during bankruptcy. Once the purchase was complete, the course was closed to the public while maintenance began on the course to get it up to the standards that the Howe’s and golfers demanded.

Preparations began for a Grand Opening on October 29th, 2011. While

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

preparing for this event, Bastrop,Texas was in the midst of recovering from a devastating fire.The Howe’s chose to make the victims of the fires the beneficiaries of The Lighthouse Country Club grand opening tournament. It was a great success, and seeing the proceeds go to neighbors in need was a humbling experience.

Seeing that success and the opportunity to help communities in need was inspiration for the Howe’s to continue seeking tournaments for charities in all walks of life.

REVIEW

In January of 2012, a young man by the name of Jarrett Eledge accepted a phone call from Mr. Howe. Without an interview and on faith, Mr. Howe offered Jarrett the position of Course Superintendent, with only one stipulation.

Mr. Howe wanted him to see The Lighthouse vision, expand it, make the Tif eagle greens excellent and the 419 bermuda fairways as good as the greens, so that golfers could hit that wonderful iron shot and watch it dance on the green. But this wasn’t the stipulation, he believes that all superintendents want that. Mr. Howe’s stipulation was if the superintendent had to ask the golf professional or himself how to grow grass, he was heading in the wrong direction. In short, it was Jarrett’s course to make wonderful, and man has he SHINED in fulfilling this request.

The Lighthouse restaurant was open to the public during this time, stay and play units were built and have been occupied by Winter Texans through the winter months to spring.They are used for golfers and golfing groups throughout the remainder of the year. An RV Park featuring 23 concrete spaces, a pavilion that houses both men and women’s showers, and a laundry room were also added. Golf carts

59

are dedicated to each RV space and Stay & Play unit at a small fee, 24 hrs per day, for the golfer’s convenience.

The Hill Country goes through four seasons, although fall may be forgotten some years.The average mean temperature in the winter is 50º, spring is 67º, summer is 98º and fall is 75º.Therefore, golf is good for 340 days per year. Some diehards still think golf is good here for 365 days a year, or are just hoping for that Kodak moment that just might appear in a news special or blog.

The Championship golf course sits in the shadow of Packsaddle Mountain. Playing 6,485 yards from the championship tees, to 4,810 yards from the forward most tees, the Journey begins.

As you prepare to tee off on the first hole, a quick glance behind you reveals the Lighthouse, a serene warning of the

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

60

REVIEW

dangers ahead that will also quietly greet you as you take your last stoke on the 18th hole.

During this journey of avoiding the various bunkers, native areas, and water that is in play on seven holes, you rely on Guidance,Widsom, and Choice.What would your golfer of choice do in this given situation? Then in one stroke, you are back in your world – Golf is a journey, the course is yours.

Playing through the course, you make the turn from four to five and there it is, sitting majestically in your sight, the pond, the green, the Packsaddle Mountains. You may beat yourself up because you only had to carry a granite wall on the last tee shot, and tried to stay out of the pond on the left. No time for “Why Me’s” though,when you realize the beauty of nature as you look forward from the #5 tee box.

With a sigh and determination, you tee off on 6 hoping to stay away from the big oak tree on the right side of the fairway. As you approach your ball there it is, 200 yards of granite outcropping

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

lining the right side of the fairway, protecting the green from three sides. And on the left, a tree lined fairway. But you prevail, moving forward to the par 3 hole #7. A relief if par 3’s can be a relief.

Then hole 8, and more water to carry. The journey continues, as you hit into a two tier green. Finally you make the turn to the #9 tee box, where you catch sight of The Lighthouse, almost halfway home.

Break time and on the course again as the journey continues with #10, more water, and #11 with a waste area you have to lay up to. Then life is simple for the next four holes.

Hole 16, is a par 3 blocked on the right with a monstrous cottonwood tree, with sand bunkers catching what may fall out unless it falls into the pond on the right.

Hole 17 is a long par five, usually hitting into a headwind. After hitting your tee shot, do you lay up in front of the creek or do you go for it? The choice is yours.

Finally hole 18, a par three with outcroppings on the left. The Lighthouse and the pro shop are on top of the hill. As you walk off the green, no matter what, the journey is complete.

Enjoy the moments, no matter how small, it is a part of you!

62

REVIEW

Fun, Fun, Fun

on and off the course at Delaware Springs

By Steve Habel/Senior Contributing Writer

Playing a round at Delaware Springs Golf Course is always a challenge and a fun time.

Now the après golf offerings at the facility will be even more satisfying, thanks to a series of enhancements to the course and its clubhouse.

Delaware Springs GC – nestled into the rolling hills and oak trees on oft 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.

“I’ve been here a long time and I think the course has never been better than it is right now,” said Doug Fipps, Delaware Springs’ long-time director of golf. “We are always working to make things a little better and a little more fun, and the golfers that play here always tell me that they’ve had a good time, both on the course and after the round.”

In the latest set of improvements, the City of Burnet is spending $230,000 to build a new pavilion astride the back patio of the clubhouse and expanding the clubhouse itself by 30 percent.

Designed by architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor (who have worked with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore and also designed the flawless Wild Horse Golf Club in the Nebraska Sandhills), it fits the terrain perfectly. Part of the appeal of Delaware Springs is that it’s just a really fair, really fun golf course.

Thanks to a variety of long and short holes and a routing that’s carded at 6,829 yards from the tips but includes three other tee boxes, players can bite off as much as they want to chew here. It’s an understated routing that’s not about punishing players with deep rough or forced TheTexasGolfInsider.com

carries or overly punitive greens complexes.

Low handicappers should not be deceived by the track’s lack of length – there are more than enough challenges to keep all levels of golfers scrambling. There is not a lot of mounding at Delaware Springs GC and eight of the track’s holes have no bunkers. 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 players’ 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-toleft shot and try to attack the smallest putting surface at Delaware Springs.

The course has an expansive practice area with a huge putting green. Delaware Springs’ small grill 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 always leaves players with a smile and a desire for a quick return trip.

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

18

MAP #41

9

Twilight

Weekday $37 $22 $25 Weekend $47 $27 $33

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Bunker Hill General Manager: Doug Fipps Superintendent: 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

1SBDUJDF 'BDJMJUJFT (PMG "DBEFNZ #BS (SJMM 'VMMZ 4UPDLFE 1SP 4IPQ 0OMJOF 4QFDJBMT

COURSES

63

Burnet

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

R

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

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

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

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

600 Delaware Springs Blvd.

Burnet, TX 78611

512-756-8471

www.delawaresprings.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

66

FEATURE STORY

Koasati Pines at Coushatta— beyond expectations!

If you’re a golfer and a gambler, you’ll enjoy playing Koasati Pines at Coushatta, part of Coushatta Casino Resort owned by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

The fairways on this spectacular 7,617 yard 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.

Koasati Pines is designed with a fresh perspective, to submerge you in a relaxing yet challenging golf experience.

It’s novel 19th “gambling” hole is where tiebreakers and wagers can be resolved, and playing Koasati Pines will make it your new favorite course!

PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED & TOP-RATED COURSE Course designer Kevin Tucker snuck in multiple approaches to several holes, but you’ll be riding on GPSTheTexasGolfInsider.com

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. See for yourself why Koasati Pines is listed as one of Golf Digest’s 2012-13 Top 10 Courses in Louisiana.

FEATURE STORY

AND THAT’S NOT ALL . . .

THERE’S MORE! After your day on the links, enjoy a delicious dinner in Big Sky Steakhouse or any of the casino’s fine restaurants.

Then it’s on to exciting gaming in the 100,000 square foot casino.

Over 2800 of the newest and hottest slots, more than 70 table games including Blackjack, Craps, live Poker, and now live Bingo and off-track betting too! Catch a live show or dance the night away in the casino’s nightclub, Mikko Live, or simply relax in the comfort of your luxurious hotel room or in your lakeside chalet at Red

67

Shoes RV Resort. And 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).

NEW ADULT-EXCLUSIVE GRAND HOTEL NOW OPEN Experience upscale Southern Hospitality at the all-new Grand Hotel!

Coushatta’s flagship luxury hotel has been completely renovated into an adultexclusive property reserved for guests ages 21 and up, offering you a relaxing and refreshing escape.You’re also connected to the region’s largest gaming floor!

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 world-class gaming and luxurious accommodations await you. Plan your family’s “gaming getaway” today!

For tee times and room reservations call 800.584.7263 or visit online at www.coushattacasinoresort.com.

Stay & Play packages available.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

69

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 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

70

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

Beachcomber Park 800-379-3083 lakebuchananrv.com

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

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

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

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

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

Hi-Line Lake Resort 325-379-1065 hilinelakesresort.com Hofbrau RV Park 830-596-2073 hofbrau-rvpark.com Inks Lake State Park 512-389-8900 tpwd.state.tx.us Krause Springs 830-693-4181 krausesprings.net Llanorado Lodge 325-388-4823 tpwd.state.tx.us Llano River RV Park 325-247-5100 llanoriverrvpark.com Miller Creek RV Park 877-868-2622 millercreekrvresort.com Poppy’s Pointe Resort 512-793-3922 poppyspointe.net

118 Club Circle Kingsland, TX

325-388-6660

LighthouseCountryClub.com

Northpoint Landing RV Park NOW OPEN

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

71

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

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

H I L L C O U N T R Y

W I N E R I E S

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

72

FEATURE STORY

Scottsdale’s Valley of the Sun, In the Fall, will offer value and golfing variety

By Art Stricklin

TPC-Scottsdale Stadium Course

Arizona golf in the fabled Valley of the Sun has always been one of the Southwest’s greatest concentrations of sun, fun, golf, scenic views and equally appealing eats and drinks.

But among the fastest emerging trends is golf in the sun, in the Fall before TheTexasGolfInsider.com

the high price Winter season hits after Christmas with maximum prices and maximum crowds.

Many of Scottsdale’s finest courses and best new restaurants can be accessed for discount prices during the Fall shoulder season by savvy Texas travelers

FEATURE STORY

73

looking for a great time at a better price.

With easy and direct flights from several places in Texas, travel to Scottsdale and the Valley offers plenty of choices along with several new golf, dinner and lodging options in the area.

The TPCTPC-Scottsdale Stadium Course Scottsdale Stadium Course is home of seem a much better option than the green the annual PGA Tour’s Waste Managegrass battle! ment Open, known locally as the GreatOn the back nine you’re confronted est Party of Grass. It annually attracts with plenty of golfing history.The par 5 400,000 golf fans, and reopened just in 13th is where Tiger Woods had his legions time for the 2015 WM Phoenix Open of fans move a huge bunker during the won by Brooks Koepka. tournament as part of a loose impediment.

The course is home to the world’s The par 3 16th is where Woods made greatest golfers one week a year, usually the week of the NFL’s Super Bowl, but is his first competitive hole in one, igniting a shower of plastic drink cups and open to public play along with guests of the adjoining Fairmont Scottsdale Resort thunderous cheers.

On the par 4 17th, Carrollton’s Anthe other 51 weeks. drew Magee made the first PGA Tour hole Part of the charm of the newly renoin one on a par 4 when he banked his tee vated TPC –Scottsdale is that the front nine is very close to the huge Fairmont ScottTPC-Scottsdale Stadium Course sdale Princess hotel where many of the PGA Tour players stay during the Phoenix Open.

From the par 3 fourth hole, you’re looking directly into the resort pool and depending on how your early scores are going, that may TheTexasGolfInsider.com

74

FEATURE STORY

pros play, you can now eat where the pros eat, as the clubhouse has been remolded to include the Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar for postround celebration and pre-round fuel up.

We-ko-pa Golf Resort Texas architect Ben Crenshaw, shot after Tom Byrum’s putter for the most who has done several local courses, added the second layout, Saguaro, to unlikely ace.To perform the renovation, they called on original architect Tom Weis- the hugely popular We-ko-pa golf resort kopf, a local resident, to freshen the look of on a Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian reservation. the TPC.Weiskopf and his team regrassed The par 71 layout is classic, scenic all the greens, moved some of the tee desert golf with Crenshaw and partner Bill locations, and added 250 trees and several Coore’s minimalistic touch on the beautiful bunkers to the par 71 course which plays landscape.There are plenty of cacti and 7,261 yards from the championship tees. trouble as you stray off the fairway, but “The golf course and clubhouse imenough desert wash and enchanting views provements will provide a long term asset to Scottsdale and the world’s best attended to keep you interested and coming back for more. golf tournament, the Waste Management Because the course is located on Indian Open,” the local architect said. land, there are The course no homes is probably anywhere to best known spoil the green for the totally grass views like enclosed par 3 what has hapstadium 16th pened at equally hole and the great, but now island green cluttered, local par 5 15th layouts. which was not The adjacent substantially We-ko-pa changed in the Resort has unWeiskopf redo. dergone a name In addition to change to match the chance to We-ko-pa Golf Resort the golf course play where the Boulder Golf Course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

The Boulders Golf Course

75

and 60’s. It offers plenty of drinks with umbrellas in them along with an extensive American and Polynesian menu.

Scottsdale Quarter is a massive shopping center nearby with just about every trendy shop and eating establishment you could ask for.

You can always wait for the crowds and the prices to rise in The Valley after Christmas, but a Fall travel trip to see what is new and popular in Scottsdale is an increasingly popular option for Lone Star travelers.

There is enough great Fall golf in the high tone Scottsdale and Phoenix area to keep golfers going on the green grass buffet for weeks, not to mention the great, exclusive private courses like Whisper Rock and Desert Mountain. It’s truly a golf-rich target environment.

For more information you can go to www.scottsdalepressroom.com

along with some hotel improvements including a large lobby and fun swim area.

The Boulders, which also has 36 holes, is more target golf in beautiful surroundings with the two layouts more than living up to their name as huge rocks peer down on you from the mountains above.

Among the best new eating spots in the area is Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ, located 10 minutes away from The Boulders.The owner and chef, Bryan Dooley, once worked as a fine dining chef at a local resort before deciding to indulge his true love for locally cooked meats of all kinds.

The modestsized establishment, located in the aptly named town of Carefree, usually has a long line of fans in line for lunch or dinner almost every night.

Another unique new place is Hula’s Modern Tiki bar located in the old town section of Scottsdale, a takeoff of the tiki bars which were popular theCourse 1950’s The Boulders Golf Course Boulder in Golf

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

76

GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Falconhead Semi-Private Gray Rock Golf Club 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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

PHONE COURSE (512) 248-2442 (512) 402-1558 (512) 288-4297 (512) 453-0276 (512) 444-0999 (512) 477-6963 (512) 974-8333 (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) 885-5168 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 671-3466 (210) 504-2550 (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

77

THE COAST COURSE

TYPE

Alice Municipal Golf Course Brownsville Golf Center Buccaneer Bay Public GC Colony Creek Country Club Corpus Christi Country Club Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Edinburg Municipal Golf Course El Campo County Club Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Ganado Golf and Country Club Goliad Country Recreation Assoc.

Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Harlingen Country Club L.E. Ramey Golf Course Lorenzo Golf Center Oso Beach Municipal GC Padre Isles Country Club Palm View Golf Course Palmilla Beach Golf Club Rio Colorado Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club The Victoria Country Club Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Tierra Santa Golf Club Treasure Hills Country Club Village Executive Golf Course Valley International Country Club

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

PHONE (361) 664-7033 (956) 541-2582 (361) 790-7513 (361) 576-0018 (361) 991-2811 (956) 428-7758 (956) 381-1244 (409) 543-6592 (956) 542-9861 (361) 771-2424 (361) 645-2144 (361) 749-1974 (956) 412-4110 (361) 592-1101 (361) 826-8017 (361) 826-8010 (361) 949-8056 (956) 687-9591 (361) 749-4653 (979) 244-2955 (956) 943-5678 (361) 573-3712 (956) 702-2320 (956) 973-1811 (956) 365-3100 (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 The MAX Golf Course 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 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) 726-2000 (956) 216-5970

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

16

127

ConCan

15 15

Harper

Utopia

49

49

27 1604

Castroville

66

Comfort 473

20

1431

46

85

3 64 1604

35

29 725

73

87 87 Spring Brand

Kingsland

65 65

98

84

Kyle

80

25

620

Leander

3

130 1825

Robstown

37

2

Refugio

Portland

83286 358

44

77 97 96Corpus Christi

Sinton

2

To Ho us to n

67 67 68 Falls 41 2342 68 Marble

Port Aransas

G

ico ex

io on nt

fM

A an

ulf o

S To

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

79

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

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Par

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

Type Hole

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

t t t t t

www.delawaresprings.com

Flying L Guest Ranch 49 566 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX 78003

41

t t t t t

1

t t t t t

1

t t t t t

LaLoma Grande Golf Club

85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

1

(512) 267-1170

.

P 18

72

t t

M

t t t t t

1

t t t t t

Northcliffe Golf Club

29 5301 Country Club Blvd., Cibolo, TX 77546

S1

t t t t t

1

t t t t t

M

t t t t t

S1

t t t t t

www.flyingl.com

Highland Lakes Golf Course

20 20552 Highland Lake Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645 www.lagovistagc.com/highland-lakes.html

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

t t t t t

www.ftsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

Lago Vista Golf Course

t t t t t

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

Lozano Golf Center

t t

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

Landa Park Golf Course

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

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

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center

12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City, TX 78148 www.olympiahillsgolf.com

Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course

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

85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

1

t t t t t

www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Star Ranch Golf Club

S1

t t t t

1

t t t t t

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

The Club at Concan 15 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838

www.concangolf.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

80

1

t t t t t

S1

t t t t t

1

t t t t t

41

1

S1

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

The Golf Club of Texas (210) 504-2550 27 13600 Briggs Ranch, San Antonio, TX 78245 The Bandit Golf Club

6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.banditgolfclub.com

The Buckhorn Golf Course 36 FM 473, Comfort, TX 78013

www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

The Legends Golf Club

t t

t t

105 Rangeway Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639 www.legendsgolftx.com

The Republic Golf Club

t t t t t

4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78222 www.republicgolfclub.com

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

t t t t

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

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING SHOPPING/SERVICES

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 24 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

Edwin Watts Golf | Map # 3 | Ad Pages 26 1050 NE Loop 410, San Antonio,TX | www.edwinwattsgolf.com | 210-822-4060 Edwin Watts Golf | Map # 83 | Ad Pages 26 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi,TX | www.edwinwattsgolf.com | 361-852-0358

City of Jersey Village | Map# 2 | Ad Page 40 Comfort Inn | 713-856-5005 Executive Inn & Suites | 713-896-1000

ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 61 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com

Lighthouse Country Club | Map# 68 | Ad Page 58 118 Club Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639 | www.lighthousecountryclub.com | 325-388-6660

-FF %F'PSLF +S 3FBM &TUBUF 4FSWJDFT | Ad Pg 83 5027 Ave N 1/2, Galveston ,TX 77551 | www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299

The Bandit Golf Club | Map# 65 | Ad Page 49 6019 FM 725,New Braunfels, TX 78130 | www.banditgolfclub.com | 830-609-4665

Stokes Insurance | Map | Ad Page 50 33014 Tamina Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354 | www.stokesins.com | (281) 259-5533

The Club at ConCan | Map# 15 | 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838 | www.concangolf.com | 830-232-4471

The Academy of Golf Dynamics | Map # 25 | Ad Pg 34 Club Estates Parkway, Austin, TX | www.golfdynamics.com | 800-879-2008

Best Western Blanco Luxury Inn & Suites | Ad Page 77 2218 Highway 281 N, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.BlancoLuxurySuites.com | 830-833-5697

The Legends Golf Club | Map# 67 | Ad Page 56 105 Rangeway Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639 | www.legendsgolftx.com | (325) 388-8888 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 28 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com | 830-833-0706 Zia Park Casino | Ad Pg 42 3901 West Miller Dr., Hobbs, NM 88240 | www.ziaparkcasino.com | 888-ZIA-PARK

The Golf Club | Map #80 | Ad Page 82 1315 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | www.teegolfclub.com | 512-916-GOLF(4653) The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 5 Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, Georgetown, TX | www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

TOURNAMENTS Cash fore Cancer | Ad Page 26 www.cashforecancer.org |

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

82

Titleist goes with more tungsten in its new line of irons.

Get the newest technology at the best prices at The Golf Club

www.teegolfclub.com

By Steve Habel/Senior ContributingWriter

The biggest thing in golf every two years is the introduction of new irons from Titleist, the clubs in the bag of dualmajor winner and PGA Tour player of the year Jordan Spieth as well as major champions Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson.

This time around Titleist is debuting its 716 line, which will come in five distinct models, all of which will be available to test and purchase at The Golf Club, the only Austin-area retailer south of the Colorado River dedicated strictly to golf The biggest addition to the Titleist iron family is the new T-MB iron, which has a tungsten weight that runs along the entire sole and the lower portion of the muscle pad. With the weight placed low and back, the additional weight boosts forgiveness and feel within the iron.

Tungsten also plays a big part in the design of family’s AP1, AP2 and CB iron sets. The addition of tungsten would be a first for CB, which features a redesigned cavity with a thicker piece of material in its lower portion.

Tungsten, a metal that’s remarkable for its robustness, accounted for roughly 20 percent of the head weight in Titleist’s 714 AP2s, which were released in the fall of 2013. Adding weight in the heel and toe of the head increased the moment of inertia in the long and short irons without increasing the blade length. It remains to be seen if tungsten has been used in a similar fashion this time around with AP2.

At The Golf Club, golfers of all skill levels can test the new Titleist iron lines and find a way to get even more fun out of the game. The store has two dedicated hitting bays encompassing nearly 1,000-square feet and featuring the nFlight golf club fitting system to optimize the golfer’s game to the nth degree.

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

“Titleist has proven to be a constant go-to iron for players looking to get the best out of their games,” said John Rowsey, The Golf Club’s founder and owner. “Our store provides golfers the cutting-edge products that they want at a reasonable price.

We’ve been doing things the right way since 2003, and we’re able to pass our savings along to our customers.”

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

Scan for Special Offers

1315 W. Ben White Blvd.

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

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

#VZ t 4FMM t 5SBEF

If any day on the golf course beats a day at the office, then a day on a south Texas course in the fall beats them all.

Owning property near the Texas coast allows you to continue to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the mild season as the year winds to a close.

Although it’s usual to focus on the kids’ school activities or the upcoming holidays, keep in mind that the fall months are also a great time to buy real estate. A common misconception is that the real estate market is slow or stagnant after the summer ends.

In reality, if a property has been listed longer than normal by this time in the year, the seller is more motivated to consider your offer. Buying now gets you in a new home in time for the New Year and allows you the opportunity to enjoy the tax-saving benefits of homesteading any primary home property.

Likewise, this is also an excellent time to enter the rental business. Whether you use the house for long-term or holiday rental, it will not sit vacant as the number of available rental properties in the area is at an all-time low and vacation rental requests are soaring. Buying now gives you time to evaluate the property and be ready for the best part of the market in 2016. You’ll be able to spend time in it yourself before the summer months arrive and it will be booked. Interest rates are still low, but are steadily climbing.You can lock in an investment rate today.

Come visit and I’ll help you find the right property to meet your needs. The coastal Texas fall offers solitude on the beaches and perfect weather for all the golf you can play.

Lee DeForke Jr, Broker ABR,e-PRO,CNE,SRES,RSPS,GREEN, SFR,MRP,TRLS