Texas Golf Insider

Golf Insider TEXAS

Fall/Winter 2017

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

The Center Piece to the Texas Hill Country Inside: Foresight Golf

Providing World Class Golf

University of Incarnate Word

Professional Golf Management School Watch our new Facebook Live Golf & Travel TV Show !

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ROAD TRIP No. 18

M�e golf �an you can shake a 9-iron at.

When it comes to championship golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama. Come play where the PGA TOUR professionals compete and see why Golf Digest editors picked two of Alabama’s golf resorts among their favorites. For starters, there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, America’s original golf trail opened 25 years ago and recently completed a massive renovation of its 26 courses. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own rewards. Plan an epic road trip to great golf courses across the state of Alabama.

Download Alabama Road Trips from your app store

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

For Reservations:

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

www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2018 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

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Contents 8

Cover Stories

8 Vaaler Creek Golf Club: The golf and overall experience has never been better.

18 Foresight Golf: Providing World Class Golf.

6 WELCOME

How to contact us with Golf News and Stories.

14 FE ATURE ARTICLE Vaaler Creek Golf Club 25 TEXAS GOLF INSIDER

T G I

The Academy of Golf Dynamics, Learn To Play Better Golf!

Expanding into Dallas, Fort Worth and Northern Texas.

34 UNIVERSITY OF INCARNATE WORD

Professional Golf Management School is looking for you!

38 SILVIES VALLEY LINKS

The most innovative golf resort in the U.S.

MAP & DIRECTORIES 42 GENERAL DIRECTORY 44 MAP 45 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

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Follow Us

22

The Bandit Golf Club

REGIONS

GREATER HOUSTON & TEXAS COAST 52 56 58 59 60

THE BAYOU GOLF CLUB GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY SURVIVING HURRICANE HARVEY

TEXAS

Destruction left behind

by Harvey TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Retreat. Relax.

Always a Great Time in Kerrville!

The Kerrville Scott Schreiner Golf Club is nestled in the rolling hills and towering live oaks of the Texas Hill Country. One hour northwest of San Antonio, this championship Joe Finger design offers an amazing, relaxed golf experience.

1 Country Club Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028 • 830-257-4982 • GolfKerrvilleTex.com

Plan your stay now in Kerrville at KerrvilleTexasCVB.com

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FROM THE FROM THEPUBLISHER EDITOR

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine Texas

GOLF INSIDER P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Bruce Gilmer Houston Regional Publisher Office: 281-546-7132 bruce@thetexasgolfinsider.com Mark Harris DFW Regional Publisher Office: 512-296-4076 bruce@thetexasgolfinsider.com Editor: Ava Ratchman Contributing Writers: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay, Carlton Wade, Steve Giles, The Texas Golf Hall of Fame Office Manager: Marcede Pullen CIRCULATION 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS 300,000 per year reaching 700,000 readers including DIGITAL MAGAZINE. DISTRIBUTION Throughout Central Texas, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Greater Houston at Golf Courses, Welcome Centers, Golf Shows, Golf Retail Stores and more.

Copyright ©2015 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information.

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The Texas Golf Scene

Mike Ratchman Publisher

Welcome to Texas winter travelers. You could not have come at a better time. Overall, we have had a pretty mild summer compared to most. And while you have heard so much about Houston being under water, you will be pleasantly surprised how the golf scene has recovered.

With hundreds of golf courses to play in Texas, I will give you a few ideas a to where you might want to start your journey. Foresight Golf has a family of golf courses you want to play in the San Antonio area, but start with The Republic Golf Course.Voted #1 best golf course in town,The Republic has been a must play for visitors and is conveniently located just minutes from the beautiful downtown Riverwalk. Make sure you page through the magazine and play the collection of several premier golf courses Foresight has to offer.

Now just 45-minutes north of San Antonio, tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, is Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco Texas. If you’re from Texas you’ve heard of it. If not, you must play it. Vaaler Creek offers every golfer a day of fun and a challenging Hill Country golf course. I can assure you of this, if you play it, you’ll play it again.

If your making your way over to Houston, the Bayou Golf Course located in Texas City is one of the finest economical golf courses near Galveston’s coastal attractions. The Bayou is the ideal place for locals and travelers. And since you’re in the area, make sure you take the short trip to Mount Belvieu and play Eagle Pointe golf course.The Eagle is located about 35-minutes from downtown Houston but is secluded in the natural surroundings of the country side. A true golf experience.

Remember,TheTexas Golf Insider is your comprehensive source for golf information in Texas. Please visit our website at www.thetexasgolfinsider.com and find hundreds of golf courses you can play in Texas. And don’t forget to watch every Thursday night from 7-8 pm for our Facebook Live Golf & Travel TV show. Like our page ‘Texas Golf Insider’ and win some great prizes and getaways.

Happy Golfing

Scan to your smart phone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Bruce Gilmer

Regional Publisher for the Texas Golf Insider – Houston.

Gilmer has a B.A. in Journalism/ Communications from University of Houston. Bruce is an avid golfer with a skill for writing about the game and an eye for photography.

Mark Harris

Regional Publisher for the Texas Golf Insider – Dallas-Ft Worth, with over 25 years experience in marketing and customer relations and over 40 years experience as a mediocre golfer with a passion for the game.

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

A national correspondent for Cybergolf, managing editor for Texas CEO Magazine, contributing editor for Horns Illustrated Magazine, a publication focusing on University of Texas sports and staff writer for the San Antonio Spurs.

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COVER STORY

Vaaler Creek Golf Club:

The golf and overall experience has never been better

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

The overall experience at Vaaler Creek Golf Club, 40 minutes north of San Antonio, is subtly grand thanks to the isolation of the course among the rolling foothills on the edge of the Texas Hill County.

The course’s lush, wide fairways and smooth rolling putting surfaces add to the appeal of making the trip to the remote course. There’s a certain pride one feels after conquering the tests offered by Michael Lowry’s oft-quirky routing and it’s easy to understand why just about everyone who plays Vaaler Creek GC immediately wants another piece of it.

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I’ve been teeing it up at Vaaler Creek since it opened 2007 as a nine-hole course that sat virtually alone within the almost 1,100-acre Rockin’ J Ranch community just south of town. I’ve watched it grow up and out into one of the best, and most fun, tracks in the region, and it’s very much worth the time to get there and stay awhile.

Vaaler Creek expanded to a full 18 holes in 2009 and through the years has added to its off-course amenities. The first addition was condos off its 10th tee for purchase or rental. Next came an expansive deck

COVER STORY

looking the pond that fronts the 18th green and clubhouse.Then a gleaming pool was added, and most recently, a pavilion adjacent to the pool for aftergolf dining, entertaining and specific events – even weddings.

The golf here has never been better – and the folks running the place make sure that the conditioning is always on par with the best courses in the region.

“The playing conditions here have always been great and very consistent, but the beauty that now surrounds the course has really added to the experience,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek GC’s general manager and head PGA pro. “We appreciate the golfers that play our course, and they like what Vaaler Creek offers them – a great round of golf and a top-shelf overall experience at a reasonable price.”

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Attention to detail and playability of the course has always made a round of golf at Vaaler Creek GC stand apart from the competition.

Lowry fashioned a much-tougherthan-it’s-carded 6,874-yard par-72 track among the live oak and cactus and along the rolling scrubbrushfilled prairies while working in all kinds of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of all sizes, elevated tee shots and undulating, tree-lined fairways.

Both nines offer far-horizoned views of the Texas Hill Country. Although there will eventually be a slew of homes in the 1,000-acre neighborhood, most of the setbacks mean they are out of sight and unobtrusive, adding to the course’s feel of isolation and exclusivity.

Given its length, golfers might think they can overpower Lowry’s

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COVER STORY

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.

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

Through my experiences at Vaaler Creek GC, I go into a round thinking that if I can play well on the frontnine (which is the newer side of the course), then I can set the table for a very good round.

The front-nine has the most mentally challenging holes on the course: the 350-yard, par-4 second with its approach to a segmented and dangerous putting surface; the 175-yard par-3 fifth with its wildly sloping green and sentinel bunker at front-right; the drivable par-4 seventh, where it’s more prudent to attack with a long-iron and a wedge; and the diminutive but deadly par-3 ninth, where anything but a perfect

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shot can send your ball into a deep hazard or over the green in jail.

The back-nine (which was built first and has had more time to mature) is more “gettable,” as both par-5s can be reached in two shots and two of the par-4s (the 377-yard 14th and the 405-yard closing hole) require a 3-wood or less off the tee.

Big hitters or reckless players can take the chance to cut the massive dogleg on the 18th and carry a tee shot over the large pond to the putting surface, but I’ve never been able to do it and have rarely tried.

Vaaler Creek GC was rated the sixth best golf experience in Texas by GolfAdvisor.com, which surveys those who have played the state’s courses of all kinds.

COVER STORY

With its two-, three- and fourbedroom condos right behind the 10th tee and an amenities package that offers a pool, clubhouse and pavilion, Vaaler Creek GC is the ideal landing spot for snowbirds heading to Texas for the winter or those looking to spend a few days just to get away from it all. It’s a popular hideaway destination for those that live nearby as well, with occupancy limited in peak months and most weekends reserved well in advance.

Once folks experience Vaaler Creek GC, many feel the urge to own a piece of the place and have flocked to Rockin’ J Ranch over the past decade. The community had upwards of 1,700 lots available when it opened but has about 200 left for purchase as I write this feature.

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Membership to the golf course comes with ownership in the neighborhood. And with ownership comes privileges like three rounds per month for just the cost of a golf cart and the option to purchase additional memberships at the facility at a reduced rate.

It’s easy to say that Vaaler Creek GC has a little bit of everything for everybody. Once you’ve been there you’ll understand what all the hoopla is about. So what’s keeping you?

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INSTRUCTION

Be Careful What You Read!

Name one sport in which there is more instructional information and tips available to it’s players than golf. Bet you can’t. That’s because there’s not one.

Tips are available on everything from the full swing, to the short game, to the kind of equipment you should purchase. We are a lucky lot, are we not? Well, the answer is “not really.”

The problem with these tips and instructional information isn’t that it’s all bad, it’s just not personalized. For every ten people that read it, it might apply to only one or two people. The other eight or nine people might as well be waiting for Tiger and Sergio to kiss and make up. That’s why The Academy of Golf Dynamics is the best golf school in the country. We teach each person individually and give them personalized instruction so they can spend their practice time efficiently working on the correct information.

A good example of swing tips that would be harmful to just about anyone TheTexasGolfInsider.com

who read them appeared in a recent article written by a former tour player. After reading through the tips offered by the former so called expert, I had to re-read the article because I couldn’t believe anyone could win

the 8th flight of his club championship trying these things, much less tour events years ago against some of the best players in the world. Remember, sometimes the tips put forth by great players are what worked for them, but might be harmful to the average player’s swing.

First, the tip that made my jaw drop was: “Make sure you dip on your downswing”. In all of our years of teaching swing fundamentals, the single biggest cause of the shanks among golfers that we’ve seen has always been...dropping through impact.

Yes, dipping can, and usually does, cause the most dreaded shot in golf.

Now to be fair, the player who wrote this article was considered one of the

INSTRUCTION

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So remember, the next time you see a great player or former great player giving golf tips, ask yourself, “Has this person done any teaching and do they understand cause and effect of the golf swing?” Chances are they are telling you what swing thoughts works/worked for them, not what will work best for you.

Just because someone is/was a great player doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about when it comes to the mechanics of the golf swing. Come see us and we’ll take your game to the next level!

Learn to Play Better Golf Kyle Jerome The Academy of Golf Dynamics, Inc. “Top 25 Golf School in US” by GOLF Magazine 512-261-3300 office

best ball strikers of his day. He had a lot of leg action on his downswing and his head did drop through impact.

(Why he did this is explained by the tip that came before this one) But this is NEVER something anyone who has even a remedial knowledge of the golf swing would ever pass on the average golfer.

Now, why did he drop through impact? Because of his second tip...”Keep your right arm close to your body on your downswing”. Because his right arm stayed close to his side on his downswing, he had to dip to get the club on the ball. Again, this unorthodox series of events in his golf swing worked for him...but only because of the immense talent he possessed as a golfer.

For the average player trying this odd sequence of moves, what would probably come next is predictable...hit your shot, walk to the right and look for your ball.

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AWARD WINNING MAGAZINE & RADIO SHOW

WINNER OF THE STPGA MEDIA AWARD

COURSES

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Public Course

RATES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #66

18 9 Twi Spr

M-Th $37 $22 $29 $20 M-F (60+) $32 F-Sun $46/49 $26 $37 $25 Twilight valid after 2 M-Th, 5 F-S

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA General Mgr: John Westly 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

Comfor t

The Buckhorn Golf Course

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estled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, The Buckhorn is one of Foresight’s most loved and lauded golf courses. Well known as a really fun golf course that is always in exceptional condition, The Buckhorn exceeds every golfer’s expectation.

Just north of San Antonio, The Buckhorn is also an easy drive from Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Boerne with plenty of activities to enjoy after a great round. The championship layout utilizes a natural 100 foot elevation change, 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 may be the most memorable course you’ll play.

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • • •

Beverage Cart Service Beer & Wine, Snack Bar Email Specials Reward Program Banquet Hall Practice Facilities

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36 FM 473 Comfort, TX 78013

830-995-5351

www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #98

18 9 Twilight

M-Th $42 $23 $33 M-Th (60+) $ 33 / $35 on Fri Fri $48 $29 $43 S-Sun $54 $29 $43

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Roy Bechtol General Mgr: Ken Holubec, PGA Dir of Better Golf: Brian Marini 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

• Email Specials • Reward Program • Banquet Hall • Full Bar & Grill • Practice Facilities • Beverage Cart Service

COURSES

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Kyle

Plum Creek Golf Course

P

A Texas Course Like No Other

lum Creek is conveniently located just one mile off of I-35, ten minutes north of San Marcos and fifteen minutes south of downtown Austin.

Under the management of Foresight Golf, over a million dollars was invested to create a truly state-of-the-art practice facility, expanded irrigation throughout the entire golf course to increase fairway corridors, and built 18 new tees for a total of five sets of tees per hole.

All of this has drastically improved the playability of the golf course and has resulted in a much more enjoyable experience for golfers of every skill level.

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

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COURSES

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Open to The Public

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN 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: Lawrence Vera Superintendent: Javier Martinez Head Pro: Jay Monte Dir of Better Golf: Ira Kramer PGA

COURSE AMENITIES

• Email Specials • Reward Program • Executive 9 hole course • Practice Facility w/ lighted range, putting and chipping green • Bar & Grill • Beverage Cart Service

Open to The Public

Lozano Golf Center has been transformed by the recent renovation, 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, $27.50 walk, $32.50 twilight M-Sun on Executive 9: $19.25 ride, $10.75 walk

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

Corpus Christi MAP #97

Oso Beach Municipal GC

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6223 / 69.9 / 119 White: 5728 / 67.1 / 112 Copper: 4967 / 68.3 / 114

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 70 Architect: John Beredemus Gen. Manager: Lawrence Vera Superintendent: Lewis Fry Head Pro: Jay Monte Course Record: Terry Yarbarough 62

COURSE AMENITIES

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 Winter Texan Favorite, test your nerve on the signature 13th tee shot over water.

• • • • •

5601 S Alameda Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Email Specials Reward Program Beverage Cart Service Practice Putting Green Bar & Grill

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Rates: M-TH $33 ride, $22 walk, $27 twilight - M-F (60+) $28 ride, $15.86 walk F-Sun $40 ride, $27.50 walk, $32.50 twilight

361-826-8010 www.osobeachgolf.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #64

18 9 Twilight

M-Th $49 $28 $35 M-F (60+) $35 F-Sun $69 $36 $39

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA General Mgr: Shane Pearson Head Pro: Tirrel Baymon Dir of Better Golf: KC Lim

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

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • • •

Email Specials Reward Program Banquet Hall Beverage Cart Service Full Bar & Grill Practice Facilities

COURSES

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San Antonio

The Republic Golf Club Voted # 1 Course in town by Express News

W

elcome to the #1 course in San Antonio!

The golf course design is fantastic, fun to play, and is home to the best collection of par-5’s for risk/reward in the city. Located less than ten minutes South of San Antonio’s world famous Riverwalk, The Republic Golf Club offers exceptional golf conditions on all tees, fairways, and greens.

Amenities include a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner plus your choice of draft or craft beer or your favorite mixed drink from the fully stocked bar.

And our beautiful banquet facility can host any celebration up to 200 guests.

Additionally, The Republic Golf Club is home to the University of Incarnate Word’s Men’s and Women’s Cardinal Golf Teams and UIW’s HEB School of Business Professional Golf Management Program.

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

210-359-0000

www.republicgolfclub.com

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COURSES

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Public Course

RATES

M-Th M-F (60+) Fri,Sun Sat

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #65

18 9 Twilight $49 $28 $39 $37 $69 $38 $49 $74 $38

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Keith Foster General Mgr: Bill Durbin Head Golf Pro: Chris Acker Dir of Better Golf: JC Casarez 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

N e w B r aunfel s

The Bandit Golf Club

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ocated in charming New Braunfels, The Bandit Golf Club provides spectacular golf in the Texas Hill Country.

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 away from the big city.

Elevated tee boxes and hilly terrain offer incredible views of challenging golf holes, as well as Long Creek and Lake McQueeny, and is always in great shape all through the mild winter in Texas.

Come experience a unique stay-and-play at The Lodges condominiums, which are fully furnished and can sleep up to eight of your family and friends. After finishing the signature 18th hole, you’ll know why The Bandit was awarded 2015 Best of Texas Golf Getaway.

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • • •

Banquet Hall Email Specials Reward Program Beverage Cart Service Full Bar & Grill Practice Facilities

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6019 FM 725 New Braunfels, TX 78130

830-609-4665

www.banditgolfclub.com

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COURSES

Public Course

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

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.

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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

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Texas Golf Insider branches out into North Texas market

By Steve Habel, Contributing Editor

Texas Golf Insider magazine, the definitive guide for golf in Texas, will turn its focus to the courses of the Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas markets beginning next spring, allowing the print publication, its associated app and website and its radio and television shows new territory to chronicle.

The magazine has built a dedicated readership and strong sponsor and client base through nearly a quarter-decade of providing Central and South Texas golfers a comprehensive guide for golf options and features on courses and trends in the game.

“It’s time to branch out and to offer the Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas areas a different brand of regional golf publication that highlights the best of golf in those regions,” said Mike Ratchman, Texas Golf Insider’s owner and publisher.

“Although we understand the importance of a print publication in these times of new media, we are more than just a magazine – we provide access to our readers across multiple platforms.

If you want to know about the best of golf in your area, we are the ones to turn to, however you want to get your information.”

Ratchman has been hankering to enter the North Texas market for years but needed a marketing professional familiar with the area to help make that goal a reality.

That’s where industry veteran Mark Harris comes into play; Harris has more than 30 years of marketing experience and has a passion for both the game of golf and to help bring the North Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth course experiences to his fellow players.

“We needed the right person to spearhead our initiatives in North Texas and we finally found it with Mark,” Ratchman said. “He understands how highly competitive the market is there and will be able Mark Harris to educate DFW Regional Publisher and inform our 512-296-4076 clients – and our readers – about how our publication stands out from the others in the market.”

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Thanks to features on golf and gaming near Texas, on travel, and on off-the-course lifestyle options, Texas Golf Insider magazine is a call-to-action

Golf Destinations

leisure magazine.

With unparalleled distribution across the state and in Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma, Texas Golf Insider’s racks of print publications has long Gaming been a staple in many of the region’s golf shops.

“Yes, we have our backbone, which is in our course listings, in our directory and in short features to profile courses for our clients and inform our readers,” Ratchman said. “But we have become so much more than that.

“We want to get out the message that we are a full-service marketing option for the industry, with a radio show that’s been going strong for almost 15 years and a television show that’s featured on Facebook Live, reaching thousands of golfers every week.”

For the past 25 years Texas Golf Insider – which began as a member of the Golfers Guide family of packet-sized magazines – has been the go-to publication for players wanting to learn more about the best courses, TheTexasGolfInsider.com

resorts and practice facilities in the Central and South Texas regions.

Texas Golf Insider magazine and Ratchman were recognized for journalistic excellence and contributions to the South Texas golf community during the Southern Texas Professional Golf Association Awards in the Spring of 2015.

The STPGA’s Media/Public Relations Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious honors, lauds broadcast, print or other mass communication professionals who provide exemplary support and promotion of the game.

Both of the magazine’s longtime contributing editors, Art Stricklin from the Dallas area and

Lifestyle Options

Steve Habel, who lives in Central Texas, are award-winning golf journalists who have played and written about thousands of golf courses and traveled the globe in that pursuit. Stricklin and Habel will both contribute stories for the North Texas edition.

Texas Golf Insider is the No. 1 picked up magazine on golf in the state, and will continue to grow with its move to North Texas. Does its message work?

You’re reading it right now.

DALLAS | FORT WORTH DIRECTORY ARLINGTON: Chester W. Ditto Golf Course Semi-Private Lake Arlington Golf Course Semi-Private Rolling Hills Country Club Private Shady Valley Golf Club Private Tierra Verde Golf Club Semi-Private CARROLTON: Maridoe Golf Club DALLAS: Arcis Golf Bear Creak Golf Club Bent Tree Country Club Brook Hollow Golf Club Brookhaven Country Club Cedar Crest Golf Course Dallas Country Club Dallas National Golf Club Keeton Park Golf Course Lakewood Country Club Luna Vista Golf Course Northwoods Club Preston Trail Golf Club Prestonwood Country Club Royal Oaks Country Club Steven Parks Golf Course Tension Glen Golf Club The Golf Club of Dallas Trinity Forest Golf Club

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

DESOTO: Thorntree Country Club

Public

EULESS: Texas Star Golf Course

Semi-Private

FERRIS: Old Brickyard Golf Course FORT WORTH: Colonial Country Club Diamond Oaks Country Club Golf Club at the Resort Meadowbrook Golf Course Mira Vista Country Club

Public Private Private Private Municipal Private

FORT WORTH: Pecan Valley Golf Course Municipal Ridglea Country Club Private River Crest Country Club Private Rockwood Golf Course Municipal Saddle Hills Park Public Sycamore Creek Golf Course Municipal (972) 416-2131 The Golf Club at Champion Circle Semi-Private The Golf Club Fossil Creek Private Waterchase Golf Club Public (214) 722-6000 Whitestone Golf Club Semi-Private (972) 456-3200 Woodhaven Country Club Private (972) 931-7326 (214) 637-1900 GRAND PRAIRIE: Semi-Private (972) 243-6151 Grand Oaks Golf Club Public (214) 670-7615 Prairie Lakes Golf Club (214) 521-2151 Riverside Golf Club Semi-Private (214) 331-4195 Tangle Ridge Golf Club Public (214) 670-8784 IRVING: (214) 821-1491 Cottonwood Valley Golf Course Public (214) 670-6322 Hackberry Creek Country Club Private (972) 239-1366 Private (972) 248-8448 Las Colinas Country Club Public (972) 233-6166 TPC Las Conlinas Course Municipal (214) 691-6091 Twin Wells Golf Course (214) 670-7506 LANCASTER: (214) 670-1402 Country View Golf Course Public (214) 333-3595 LIPAN: (214) 646-3570 Sugar Tree Golf Course Semi-Private (817) 275-5941 (817) 451-6101 (817) 274-1072 (817) 275-3092 (817) 478-8500

(972) 296-2146 MANSFIELD: Mansfield National Golf Club Walnut Creek Country Club (817) 685-7888 RICHARDSON: Sherrill Park #1 (972) 842-8700 WAXAHACHIE: Country View Golf Course (817) 927-4201 Waxahachie Country Club (817) 834-6261 (817) 750-2178 WEATHERFORD: (817) 457-4616 Oeste Ranch Golf Course (817) 838-9500

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(817) 249-1845 (817) 732-8111 (817) 738-9221 (817) 624-1771 (817) 246-5012 (817) 535-7241 (817) 497-2582 (817) 847-1900 (817) 861-4653 (817) 249-9996 (817) 457-5150 (972) 264-6161 (972) 237-4156 (817) 640-7800 (972) 299-6837 (972) 717-2525 (972) 869-2631 (972) 541-1141 (972) 717-2525 (972) 438-4340 (972) 227-0995 (817) 341-1111

Private Private

(817) 477-3366 (817) 473-6111

Public

(972) 234-1416

Public Public

(972) 227-0995 (972) 937-3521

Public

(817) 441-1044

www.purposegolf.com

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NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Randolph Oaks Golf Course

Bldg 1300, Golf Course Rd, Randolph AFB, TX 78150 (210) 652-4653 - 18 Hole Golf Course, All Courses Use Gallus Golf App Designed By: Perry Maxwell

Gateway Hills Golf Course

1800 Dimsted Pl, Lackland AFB, TX 78236 (210) 671-3466 - 18 Hole Golf Course, All Courses Use Gallus Golf App

Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 222-9386 - 36 Hole Golf Course, All Courses Use Gallus Golf App Catering Available

Designed By: A.W. Tillinghast

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #41

18 9 Twilight

Weekday $ 39 $24 $29 Weekend $49 $29 $37

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Bunker Hill General Manager: Doug Fipps Superintendent: Tony Nash Course Record: Kyle Jerome,62

TEE INFORMATION

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

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • •

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

COURSES

29

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

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180 GOLF COURSE RD. | NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS

Tees the season.

BOOK YOUR TEE TIME TODAY!

830-420-0417 WWW.LANDAPARKGOLFCOURSE.ORG

1250 AM / 94.5 FM

TEXAS

Golf Insider Radio on TV Golf with an Attitude

Make sure to follow us @texasgolfinsider on

Watch us LIVE Every Thursday on Facebook 7-8 PM or LISTEN in Every Saturday 8-9 am on ESPNSA.com 1250 AM / 94.5 FM AWARD WINNING MAGAZINE

RADIO &

www.golfdynamics.com

TV SHOW

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

32

COURSES

Public Course

RATES

18

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #29

Twilight

M-F $59 $35 Weekends $69 $35 Super Twilight (after 5pm) $20 (Twilight after 2 pm)

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Roy Brechtol Superintendent: Justin Epp

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: The Wall: 7333 / 75.97 / 138 Baby Falls: 5187 / 70.9 / 125 The Falls 6798 / 73.4 / 136 Whitewater: 6157 / 70.3 / 128

COURSE AMENITIES

• Practise Facilities • Stay & Play Options • Beautiful Special Event Areas • Patio Grill - Full Service Bar

Winter Texans Monthly Memberships Singles - $250.00 Couples - $350.00 (includes cart)

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Concan

The Golf Club at Texas Concan From the gorgeous backdrop of hills and valleys to the stunning rolling terrain, visitors love the picturesque scenery at the The Club at Concan. The Club at Concan, nestled in the Frio River Texas Hill Country region, is a par 72 championship course with 18 holes measuring 7,333 yards from the tips.

Panoramic views of the Hill Country are found on every fairway and with premium Zoysia grass underfoot, this is a must-play course.

Located just minutes from Garner State Park, the enchanting destination course is a convenient and scenic drive from San Antonio. The distinctive Brechtol-Russel designed championship course will astound you!

Aside from our golf course, adjacent to the Club House are areas for ceremonies, parties and special occasions. Our Patio with a fire place can comfortably seat 100 guests. Additionally, guests can spill out into our manicured lawns accented with a trickling stream, rock bridge, gazebo and twinkle-lit shade trees expanding the seating capacity to 250.

520 Mountain Valley Concan, TX 78838

830-232-4471

www.clubatconcan.com

A GO F S E DAT

ST!

MAKE YOUR PARTY STAND OUT

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FEATURE STORY

Professional Golf Management

The H-E-B School of Business & Administration (HEBSBA) at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW)

By Brian L Graybeal / Contributing Writer The University of the Incarnate Word’s Professional Golf Management Program is in its third year and its first graduate is already employed as an assistant general manager.

Since our opening in October of 2015, we have experienced growth in our partnerships with local golf facilities, enhanced our curriculum by consulting with industry experts and exposed our students nationally at the annual golf course owners conference.

We are developing relationships with high schools around the state of Texas in order to provide opportunities to those students whose dreams and/ or goals are to own or manage golf facilities.

BBA in Golf Management – A focused academic program Golf is a nearly $70 billion industry with an annual economic impact of $175 million. Since its emergence as a major spectator sport in the 1920s, the golf industry has grown to offer employment for 2 million people while generating commerce, economic development and tax revenue for local communities.

Our program was developed in response to the desire of golf course owners to have general managers with a focused background in business, TheTexasGolfInsider.com

regardless of their playing ability.

Recognizing this need, UIW partnered with Foresight Golf Management of San Antonio and its Republic Golf Course, to create a state-of-the-art classroom facility.The partnership allows for student access to the highly regarded golf course, which sits next door to UIW’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) facility.The course’s close proximity to the PGM facility is ideal for student access to onthe-job and hands-on training.

Curriculum The curriculum was developed by the staff and faculty of the HEBSBA in conjunction with owners and executives of Foresight Golf Management, and with input from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Our Business Administration degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs, offers a high-quality and outstanding learning environment and is taught by current owners and executives of Foresight’s multicourse management company.

In addition to the practical education in the BBA program, our golfspecific curriculum focuses on crucial management knowledge areas.The classes consist of Business Planning,

FEATURE STORY

Turf Grass Management, Golf Car Fleet Management, Golf Food & Beverage Operations, Golf Shop & Tournament Operations and Player Development & Golf Instruction. In addition to the golf-specific curriculum, three paid professional internships round out a detailed and hands on education in the business of golf. An additional advantage of our program, based upon our specific academic plan, provides the students with numerous classes in marketing.These marketing management skills are becoming more important in any industry due to not only traditional devices, but the added venue of social media platforms. “In my experience, the vast majority of business degrees lack actual participation in and conduct of a business. Theory takes precedence over practice. Logistics are at the heart of this compromise.

Ultimately, the graduate is well informed but not quite ready to contribute.

The Professional Golf Management program will include an immersion in the actual operation of a golf course. Every degree candidate will perform the duties of each of the departments that comprise the total business. This will provide perspective on the importance of each department and insight into the relationship between them. Ultimately, candidates will spend time with the principals

35

understanding the bigger picture as relates to financial performance and market position.

Golf is a business based on a game.

A complete understanding of how to win can’t be taught in the traditional classroom. This degree program will transcend the business of Golf and provide tools and experience that will prepare its students to succeed in any business.�

Dan Pedrotti Jr., Owner and President Foresight Golf Our Internships Our internships are a highlight of this program providing crucial experience in the industry.These progressive internships provide a focused learning experience that immerses our students in the business of golf.

The three internships consist of Guest Services & Fleet Management, Golf Operations, and Food and Beverage (F&B) Operations / Retail Management. During the guest services & fleet management internship the students will acquire hands-on experience of effective guest TheTexasGolfInsider.com

36

FEATURE STORY

service theories and golf car fleet management.This affords students opportunities to learn and develop critical skills and knowledge pertaining to customer service, which is exponentially important to any business and even more so in a hospitality industry environment. The Golf Operations internship provides our students with an overview of all golf operations, through a hands-on experience in all golf pro-shop operations, that includes exposure tee sheet management and personnel management, an overview of facility maintenance and schedules. Finally, during the F&B Operations / Retail Management internship, the students will acquire hands-on experience for the food and beverage F&B operations and retail management.This will include daily operations of the F&B operation as well as retail sales, merchandising, inventory management, and a focused marketing approach designed for the golf industry.

Our Students One of the more important highlights to our students is understanding that while most play and enjoy the game of golf, there are no player ability requirements in order to graduate.Their focus, as is our curriculum, is to grow the game of golf through highly effective coursework and internships, business plans, and operations.

Kyle Broll, a junior in our program had this to say: “After long thought, my passion for golf led me to the TheTexasGolfInsider.com

program. I felt as if it was going to be the right program that allowed me the ability to achieve my dreams of one day running a golf course. The idea of being taught by professionals who live in the business everyday really appealed to me and was a huge reason why I took the opportunity to pursue my academics at UIW. The UIW PGM program has offered me more than I could’ve asked for.

I believe the advantages of this is being able to learn exactly what it is I need to know. A teacher may only teach you what their experiences are maybe from a part time job or just something they learned in school.

Being able to learn from somebody who has hands on experience every day of their lives is a huge advantage in itself.”

Sean Smith, a current senior in the PGM program added this. “The program provides excellent education

from a knowledgeable faculty who have worked in the industry for years. It is also a huge plus to have a

FEATURE STORY

partnership with local golf courses for internship opportunities.”

Our students are also eligible to compete for scholarships thanks to the Valero Texas Open, which allows selected students to attend the (NGCOA) annual Conference. During this conference they will work with NGCOA staff, assist attendees, and most importantly, network with owners and operators.

This unique experience affords them an opportunity to learn about best practices and managerial philosophies, as well as new and innovative ideas to grow the golf business.

“I had a great experience at the NGCOA Conference and am grateful for UIW and the NGCOA for giving me the opportunity to go and learn as well as the opportunity to network with numerous golf course owners. One of my goals is to own my own course. Having attended this conference I learned a great deal and look forward to applying that

37

knowledge when that time comes. In the meantime, I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained from my degree as well as the NGCOA Conference as I continue my career in the golf industry.” – Brianna Ventura, class of 2017 and Assistant General Manager - The Buckhorn Golf Club.

As we continue to grow we will always seek innovative methods to enhance our curriculum, build partnerships, bring in students from diverse backgrounds, and stay focused on developing career opportunities for our graduates.

For information on the Professional Golf Management Program in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration at the University of the Incarnate word, please contact: Mr. Brian L. Graybeal, Director, PGM Program Office (210) 805-5839 and graybeal@uiwtx.edu.

VISIT US: http://www.uiw. edu/hebsba/bachelor-of-business/ professional-golf-management.html

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

38

FEATURE STORY

Silvies Valley Links & Resort one of the most innovative golf resorts in the US

By Art Stricklin, Contributing Writer Photography by Brian Oar & David Zaitz

Silvies Valley Links & Resort, the unique and innovate project of Dr. Scott Campbell, has a chance to do what cross-state golf resort neighbor Bandon Dunes did for the golf industry, set a high standard in a remote unknown destination which could be followed by others.

That’s because Campbell and his family are the driving forces behind one of the newest and most unique golf resorts anywhere in the U.S. The resort opened in July, halfway between Boise, Idaho and Bend, Oregon, and features one of the few reversible golf courses anywhere in America.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The Eastern Oregon native, who lives less than 50 miles from where he grew up in the small town of Burns, Oregon, has been a farmer, a rancher and veterinarian, successful and wealthy entrepreneur, business advocate, not to mention husband, father and avid college sports fan.

He is the first to admit he knew next to nothing about founding or running a golf resort, isn’t an avid golfer by any means and had never even heard of a reversible golf course.

But with a 140,000 acre ranch which covers more than 25 miles of the scenic Eastern Oregon area, he had plenty of room to build. He had already proven he could take a small concept in veterinary hospitals and turn it into a nationwide success, as he did with the Banfield Animal hospitals he founded and later sold.

FEATURE STORY

“Nobody had ever heard of Bend (Oregon) before they started building golf courses 25 years ago and nobody had certainly ever heard of Bandon before they started building,’’ Campbell said, who notes Silvies Valley is the same distance from the state’s largest city of Portland as Bandon is, just over 3 ½ hours.

In 2010, Campbell started researching his golf resort idea, with the encouragement and support of Bandon Dunes Founder Mike Keiser and others.

The one bit of advice that he received from his many local golfing friends was that to succeed, he needed a big name, and not surprising an expensive architect. So, Campbell interviewed just about every big name architect he could find and while they were interested in his project, they already had projects all over the world and would try to fit him in.

Campbell got the name of local architect Dan Hixson, far from the big name he was told he had to have, who had designed a number of courses in the area including the well-regarded Bandon Crossing, close to the Bandon Dunes Resort.

Hixson came to tour the area and the pair hit it off. It was a match

39

made in golf resort heaven. To encourage his best work and give him a stake in the local deal, Campbell made an unique proposal, making

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

40

FEATURE STORY

get to the par 5 fifth hole of the Hankins that you find a new green which is not part of the Craddock Course.

Several of the large metal rakes in the dozens of bunkers have the carved wording of, “Sand Sucks,” or, “Why did you hit it here?”

Hankins # 18 looking towards the green

Hixson a 10% percent owner in the golf project which allowed him to reap the rewards of his hard work.

Hixson’s unique design was an 18-hole layout with 27 greens which go by the names of Hankins and Craddock, along with a par 3 called Chief Egan for a local Indian chief.

McVeigh’s Gauntlet, a peak to peak Hankins # 18 from behind the green short course, will open in the summer of 2018.

The courses are reversed every Also, woe to the golfers who don’t other day and the experience is two want to or can’t read signage. Each different course layouts covering the hole has directional signs pointing you same plot of highly scenic land with to the correct hole on the Craddock different challenges each day. or Hankins course and a wrong turn For example, the first hole of the could lead to a Titleist upside the nogpar 73 Hankins Course, is a fairly gin from an adjacent hole. straight par 4, but the approach shot Campbell has actually played the sets up on the courses enough same ground as to know it’s the par 4 17th fulfilled his longhole at the par held goal. Make 72 Craddock golf fun, make Course.You it scenic and insimply just play teresting and get the holes from the locals and the different direcnew visitors back tions. on a regular basis.

The same is Plus, he made it a Craddock # 7 true for the par family affair, with 3 second hole on the Hanhis wife and kids working at the resort kins Course which plays as part of and his brother an assistant chef here. the par 4 16th hole of the Craddock “We will probably never make Course. The third (of the Hankins) money here, at least I don’t think so. plays the same land as the 15 of the We spent a lot here, a whole lot, but Craddock Course. It’s not until you I wanted to do something for the TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

community and the golfers. Sometimes it’s so still and silent out here you can hear your heart beat and that’s what I wanted.”

Along with eight large wooden cabins there is a small hotel as well, with a view of a large local lake with the Silvies Valley Mountains in the background, offering the basics of Golf Trip 101.

There is a large table for poker games or an in-house meal, a refrigerated wine cooler and a massive big screen TV which usually starts on the Golf Channel but can retrieve hundreds of options. West-

41

ern art hangs on the wall and there is a wood paneled Jacuzzi on the patio which can soothe the bumps and

bruises of a reversible day of golf.

The location is secluded and remote, which is great for an exclusive buddies trip golf getaway, but tougher for travel. But like Campbell’s in-state inspiration, Bandon Dunes, he believes in a build it and they will come mentality for America’s newest and most unique course.

For more information on Silvies Valley, go to www. silviessimplyamazing.com or call 1-800-SILVIES. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

42

GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE TYPE PHONE COURSE TYPE PHONE AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Falconhead Semi-Private Gray Rock Golf Club Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer GC Municipal Lions Municipal Golf Course Municipal Morris Williams Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Club Public BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort BASTROP: Colovista Golf Club Semi-Private Hyatt, Wolfdancer Resort 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 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 HUTTO: Golf Club at Star Ranch Semi-Private KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Municipal KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private Highland Lakes Public LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

(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) 321-1181 (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 (512) 252-4653 (830) 257-4982 (325) 388-8888 (512) 262-5555 (512) 267-1170 (512) 267-1170 (512) 556-3202 (512) 259-5855

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: 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 Northern Hills Municipal Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal Randolf Oaks Golf Course Military Riverside Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio Public San Pedro Range & Par 3 Public Silverhorn Public The Palmer Course Public The Quarry Golf Club Semi-private 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 Ctr Public UTOPIA: Utopia Golf Course Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

(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) 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) 655-4148 (210) 826-4041 (210) 652-4570 (210) 533-8371 (210) 222-9386 (210) 349-5113 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 824-4500 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700

THE PERFECT DRIVE

43

THE COAST COURSE TYPE PHONE Alice Municipal Golf Course Public Brownsville Golf Center Public Buccaneer Bay Public GC Public Colony Creek Country Club Semi-Private Corpus Christi Country Club Private Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Public Edinburg Municipal Golf Course Public El Campo County Club Private Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Public Ganado Golf and Country Club Public Goliad Country Recreation Assoc. Public Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Public Harlingen Country Club Private L.E. Ramey Golf Course Public Lorenzo Golf Center Public Oso Beach Municipal GC Public Northshore Golf Course Public Padre Isles Country Club Private Palm View Golf Course Public Palmilla Beach Golf Club Semi-Private Rio Colorado Golf Course Public South Padre Island Golf Club Public The Victoria Country Club Semi-Private Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Public Tierra Santa Golf Club Public Treasure Hills Country Club Semi-Private Village Executive Golf Course Public Valley International Country Club Semi-Private

(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) 643-2798 (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

WHERE

AFFORDABILITY MEETS

EXCELLENCE • LIONS • HANCOCK • MORRIS WILLIAMS • JIMMY CLAY • ROY KIZER • GREY ROCK

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

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

(956) 686-8801 (956) 787-0910 (956) 541-2582 (956) 581-7408 (956) 428-0766 (956) 381-1244 (956) 423-2010 (956) 541-0394 (956) 412-4110 (956) 943-7520 (956) 565-3351 (956) 316-0444 (956) 585-6330 (956) 928-0440 (956) 581-6267 (956) 381-0964 (956) 687-9591 (956) 350-4000 (956) 689-9904 (956) 548-0191 (956) 580-8770 (956) 943-5678 (956) 726-2000 (956) 216-5970

SIX CENTRALLY LOCATED GOLF COURSES IN AUSTIN, TX

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

99

16

Laredo

127

ConCan

15 15

Harper

Utopia

17

Castroville

27

1604

Comfort

66

2342

46

1604

Kyle

25

3

130

55 53 50

84

52 54

620

98

51

29 725 65 65 75

73

87 87 Spring Brand

46 64 26 8 85

473

1431

Marble Falls 41 Leander 1825

Robstown

37

44 286

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358

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Corpus Christi

77

96

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Kingsland

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

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6891/72/127

• • • • • 29

Gateway Hills Golf Course 26 1800 Dimsted Pl., Lackland AFB, TX 78236

(210) 671-3466 P 18

72

6917/73.1/125

•

(512) 288-4297 M 18

72

6909/74.6/141 • • • • • 43

(512) 978-2330 M 9

2633/32.6/112 •

• • 43

(512) 974-4653 M 18

72

6914/73.8/124 • •

• • 43

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

72

6774/72.5/124 • • • • • 28

Landa Park Golf Course (830) 420-0417 M 18 73 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130

71

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

Type Hole

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

45

Par

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

www.delawaresprings.com

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.com

Grey Rock Golf Course

51 7401 TX-45, Austin, TX 78739 www.austintexas.gov

Hancock Golf Course

54 811 E 41st St. , Austin, TX 78751 www.austintexas.gov

Jimmy Clay Golf Course

53 5400 Jimmy Clay Dr., Austin, TX 78744 www.austintexas.gov

• • 28

www.ftsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

5665/71

• • • • • 30

www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

Lions Municipal Golf Course

(512) 477-6963 M 18

71

Lozano Golf Center (361) 826-8016 P 18 96 4401 Old Brownsville, Corpus Christi, TX 78405

72

52 2901 Enfield Road, Austin, TX 78703 www.austintexas.gov

6001/69.2/124 • • • • • 43 7027/73.9

• •

• • 20 • • 43

www.lozanogolfcenter.com

Morris Williams Golf Course

(512) 974-8333 M 18

72

7023/73.0/124 • •

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

72

6550/72/125

• • • • • 24

Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course (361) 826-8010 M 18 97 5601 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, TX 78412

70

6223/70

• • • • • 20

Plum Creek Golf Course (512) 262-5555 SP 18 98 4301 Benner Road, Kyle, TX 78640

71

6210/71

• • • • • 19

Randolph Oaks Golf Course (210) 652-4653 P 18

75 Bldg. 1300 Golf Course Rd, Randolph AFB, TX 78150

72

7172/74.5/125 •

71

6819/72.2/125

• • • • • 43

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

6819/70.8/124

• • • • • 28

55 3851 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723 www.austintexas.gov

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

www.osobeachgolf.com

www.plumcreekgolf.com

• • 28

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.com

Roy Kizer Golf Course

50 5400 Jimmy Clay Dr., Austin, TX 78744 www.austintexas.gov

(512) 974-4653 M 18

www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

Par

COURSES SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Type Hole

Map Number

46

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

71 7030/71.0/117

• • • • 3

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

(830) 257-4982 M 18

72

(830) 609-4665 SP 18

71

5905/67.6/

• • • • • 22

The Buckhorn Golf Course (830) 995-5351 P 18 66 36 FM 473, Comfort, TX 78013

71

6155/71

• • • • • 18

The Golf Club of Texas Concan 15 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838

(830) 232-4471 P 18

72

5187/72

• • • • • 32

The Golf Club of Texas (210) 504-2550 P 18 27 13600 Briggs Ranch, San Antonio, TX 782 45

72

5187/72

• • • • • 33

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

72

6211/72/125

• • • • • 66

The Republic Golf Club (210) 359-0000 P 18 64 4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78222

71

7007/74.3/128 • • • • • 21

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

72

6864/73.0/140 • • • • 8

www.starranchgolf.com

www.golfkerrvilletex.com

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

6453/71.6/126 •

• 5

www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

www.clubatconcan.com

www.golfclubtexas.com

www.themaxlaredo.com

www.republicgolfclub.com

www.vcgc.golf

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING Alabama Road Trip | Ad Page 2 www.alabama.travel/golf | Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 68 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Kerrville CVB | Ad Page 5 Kerrville, Texas www.kerrvilletexascvb.com | 830-792-3535 Magnolia | Ad Page 13 Houston, Texas www.magnoliahotels.com | 713-221-0011 Silvies Valley Links & Resort | Ad Page 38 Seneca, Oregon | www.silviessimplyamazing.com | 800-SILVIES The Bandit | Map #65 | Ad Page 22 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | www.banditgolfclub.com | (830) 609-4665

The Golf Club of Texas Concan | Map #15 |Ad Page 32 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, Texas 78838 www.clubatconcan.com | 830-232-4471 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 8 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

SHOPPING/SERVICES ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 31 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com G A media | Map # 8 | Ad Pages 16 115 East Travis St. Ste 625, San Antonio,TX | www.GAmediaPro.com | 210-393-8092 Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Ad Pg 67 4310 Caduceus Pl., Galveston, TX 77550| www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299 Texas Golf Tournament Gifts | Ad Page 47 www.TexasGolfTournamnetGifts.com | 210-508-6201

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

47

SHOPPING/SERVICES The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 7 610 N Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX | 35 & Williams Drive at exit 262 www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573 UIW-Professional Golf Mangement Program | Map # 46 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX | Ad Pg 34-37 email: graybeal@uiwtx.edu | 210-805-5839

INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS The Academy of Golf Dynamics | Map # 25 | Ad Pg 14-15 45 Club Estates Parkway, Austin, TX | www.golfdynamics.com | 800-879-2008

The Art of Golf Travel Services TRIPS INCLUDE: Premium Golf Riding/Walking with Caddies On-Site Transportation Hotel Food Final Evening Celebration Dinner & Course History and Stories Plus Trip Surprises!

About Art Go With Someone Who Has Been There ...

ART STRICKLIN! Art's connections in the golf world will make your trip not only fun but will put you on a course you may never be able to play on your own!

Call: 972-673-0054 or Email: art@theartofgolftravel.com

For more information go to:

www.theartofgolftravel.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

49

Houston Area Golf Courses

The Bayou Golf Club in Texas City TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Mont Belvieu, TX

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

18

Twilight*

Mon-Thur $48 $35 Friday $48 $40 Weekend $62 $40 Holiday $62 $40 *Twilight begins at 2 pm All rates include cart fee Range balls included on weekends & holidays untill 10:59 am

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

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

A

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

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

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

COURSES

51

Exceptional location to host your event

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

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

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

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

52

COVER STORY

Bayou Golf Club in Texas City Combines Docile Start With A Knockout Finish

Classic golf course designers like the famous Joe Finger know to give golfers a fighting chance off the first tee so as not to feel guilty about punching them in the gut later in the round. Texas City’s Bayou Golf Club is testament to Finger’s famous risk/ reward design approach. Situated on links-like flatlands surrounded by natural bayous and tributaries, where towering native palms give eye-pleasing relief to native flora, this 6,600-yard layout plays to a par of 72, with a 123 slope rating. But don’t be deceived. It can play a full four to six shots harder when the Easterly winds are whistling off the bayous. With only a handful of native trees to protect the fairways and greens on tee shots and approaches, club selection can quickly change in a heartbeat.

“With these elevated greens and prevailing winds, we can have these putting surfaces rolling up to 13 on the Stimpmeter,” says head PGA pro Michael Skiba. “We’ve doubled the slope, roll, elevation and size to an average of 5,000 square feet per green, TheTexasGolfInsider.com

and you can three-putt in a heartbeat if you’re not careful.” After the renovations, there are now no guaranteed two-putts, and you’d better be on the correct level.

In fact, the local municipality, City of Texas City, that owns and manages the course and opened for public play in 1974, invested some $870K in a massive green-renovation project in 2013. It was planned and executed by the Houston design firm of architect Mike Dinuzzo and associates, and the results are impressive.

But the new head pro is most proud of their rapidly-growing First Tee Program, which features some 60-plus youngsters ages six to 15 and is run almost entirely by volunteers. “ These kids are learning about a lot more things than just how to play golf,” says Skiba. “ They’re learning life skills and how to have fun in a competitive environment.” The program utilizes the newly-installed par-3 Family Course practice area installed down the left side of the 10th and 11th fairways, where participants can

COVER STORY

practice chipping, pitching and even a variety of full- length short-iron approach shots.

There’s fun for senior golfers as well. Wednesdays offer an 18-hole Senior Scramble for four-player Athrough-D skilled players. And money players might enjoy the regular 18hole Skins Game, featured on the last Sunday of the month.

Bayou GC starts off with a fairly benign dogleg-left par five of 511 yards (watch out for the bayou that lurks left all the way home!); two solid shots should set up a reasonable approach to this smallish, elevated green. At a mere 366 yards, the second hole seems straightforward enough, until you note water in play down both sides. Par is a solid score here, and you should welcome it, given what awaits on the third tee.

At 414 yards, this par 4 plays into the prevailing wind, with water guarding the entire left side all the way home. Most would tend to aim middle-to center-right off the tee. “It really takes a perfect tee shot,” says the head pro. “Hitting into the trees right could easily turn this into a par 5,” often necessitating a punch-out layup in hopes of up-an-down. However, water hides behind one of the course’s smallest greens, which tilts

53

back-left to front-right. “You simply cannot go left on this hole, and long is lost as well,” cautions Skiba of the back-left pin placement. A U-shaped swale mid- to front-right funnels approaches toward right-side pin positions. Walking off this green with 4 on the card can make one feel as if you’ve just made birdie.

As does a 4 on the deceptive par4 sixth, which at 414 yards invites driver off the tee. But Finger’s subtle influence has provided a water hazard some 225 yards out, necessitating a layup tee shot. “ This is definitely not a driver hole,” opines Skiba. “It’s one of the most challenging second shots on the course,” he says, with deep reeds left and the water wrapping around right and behind. The back-right pin placement brings the hazard into play, but short is a safe layup. “Just get it over the water in two and you’ll have a shot at par.”

One of the most appealing, albeit shortest, par 3s is #7, which at a mere 134 yards can play anywhere from a short wedge to 8-iron, depending on the prevailing wind. The kidneyshaped green slopes back-left to frontright, but being on the correct tier will yield the best shot at a good score.

The gently curving par-5 eighth at 502 yards is often reachable in two,

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

54

COVER STORY

provided you avoid a series of ponds down the fairway’s right side and OB left. Birdie is possible here, as it is on the shortish par-5 10th at 481 yards, again provided OB left is avoided.

Medium-length par 4s at #11 and 12 are fairly-well negotiable, followed by the tricky par-3 13th, which at 164 yards can sneak up to bite a pushed mid-iron into water right or one of two deep- faced bunkers short-left and middle-right.

You’ll want to bring out the lumber on the brutish par-5 #15, which at 562 yards demands full attention.

Requiring three well-struck to shots to negotiate this sweeping dogleg left

in regulation, as OB lines the entire right side, approaches should favor middle- to short-left to avoid a severe slope right-center that demands a deft touch, sweeping some 18 to 24 inches from above center green down to the hole. Two-putting here is no given.

Many a golfer has holed out on the longish par-3 16th, stretching some 191 yards from the tips, with hopes of posting a number going into the last two holes, but again, this is Finger at his best, hitting with the jab in order to set up the knockout combination for two grand finishing holes.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

That starts with the monstrous par-4 17th hole, which doglegs severly left and has OB guarding down the entire left side. The safe play is center-left off the tee, but this leaves a long-iron/fairway wood to the elevated green, one of the largest on the course that is guarded short and right by another water feature.

Gunslingers can take a more aggressive line over the white OB stakes to cut off the dogleg, but anything slightly mishit can be snagged by a series of small trees lining the fairway left which, again, dictates a punchout and hopes for an up- and-down par. Miss the approach short and left to have the best chance at a 4, because the green slopes dramatically from back-left to right-center, and anything left above the hole leaves a very challenging two-putt.

With water lurking deceptively left but in plain sight all the way down on the right, pulling driver on the 398- yard par 4 #18 is not a necessity-- unless the prevailing wind is in your face. A solidlystruck left-to-right shot aimed at the left greenside bunker should comfortably find the fairway, leaving a mid-iron approach into this mid-size green that slopes slightly back-right to front-left. A deep-faced bunker guards the coffin-corner back left pin position that is virtually unreachable with anything less than a short iron. Favoring short- to middle-right on the approach will open up the green for favorable birdie opportunities. Fading shadows from framing palms highlight the two-story elevated clubhouse in the near distance. Two-putt pars will be a welcome finish to this subtle yet challenging links-style layout created here by Joe Finger.

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

MAP #17

RATES Monday-Thursday $33 Seniors (65+) M-Th $28 Friday-Sunday and $39 Holidays Seniors (62+) Wknd $36 (Green Fee, Cart & Tax Included)

9-Hole Par 3 Course -Walking- $10

COURSE FACTS

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

COURSE AMENITIES • Snack Bar • Driving Range • Family Pitch & Putt Course • New 13,000 sq. ft. Putting Green • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • Online Specials

2800 Ted Dudley Drive Texas City, TX 77590

409-739-9622 bayougc.com

COURSES

55

Texas City

Bayou Golf Course Texas Coast Golfing At Its Best Bayou Golf Course in Texas City is only minutes from Galveston. Amidst the blue skies and palm trees with tropical-like climate, Bayou Golf Course offers golfers year round play. The 200-acre site on the bank of Moses Bayou boasts a championship layout with elevated greens and tee boxes redesigned by Mike Nuzzo where the average size per green was increased to 5,000 sq. ft. In addition, there are rebuilt sand traps and added new tee complexes.

The new renovation includes a new 13,000 square foot putting green and a 9-Hole Par 3 Course for walking, a great way to spend quality time with friends and family. It’s the convenient location and spacious clubhouse that makes Bayou Golf Course an ideal choice to host your next golf tournament, plus the new grill has great options before or after your round.

To Book a Tournament call 409-739-9622 Golf Gift Certificates are now available TheTexasGolfInsider.com

56

DIRECTORY

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

COURSE TYPE

LOCATON

PHONE

COURSE

Alvin Golf & CC

PUB

Alvin

281-331-4541

Melrose GC

PUB

Houston

281-847-1214

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

832-381-1000

Memorial Park GC

M

Houston

713-867-0386

Babe Zaharias GC

PUB

Port Arthur

409-796-1327

Moody Gardens GC

PUB

Galveston

409-683-4653

Bay Forest GC

PUB

La Porte

281-471-4653

Newport GC & Conf.Center PUB Crosby

281-328-3576

Bayou Din GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-796-1327

North Shore CC

Semi Portland

361-643-6057

M

Texas City

409-739-9622

Oakhurst GC

PUB

Porter

281-354-4653

PUB

League City

281-337-1459

Pasadena Municipal GC M

Houston

281-481-0834

Bear Creek Golf World PUB

Houston

281-859-8188

Pearland Golf Club

PUB

Pearland

713-773-9603

Bellville GC

PUB

Bellville

979-865-9058

Pecan Lakes GC

PUB

Navasota

936-870-3889

Brenham CC

SP

Brenham

979-836-1733

Pine Crest CC

PUB

Houston

713-462-4914

Brentwood Ent. Complex SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

Quail Valley GC

M

Missouri City

281-403-5910

Briarcrest Golf Course

SP

Bryan

979-776-1490

Raven Nest GC

PUB

Huntsville

936-438-8588

Brock Park GC

M

Houston

281-458-1350

Rayburn Country

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

Coldspring

936-653-2388

Red Wolf GC

PUB

Huffman

281-324-1841

M

Anahuac

409-267-8235

River Point GC

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

Clear Creek GC

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000

River Ridge GC

PUB

Sealy

800-553-7517

Columbia Lakes

PUB

West Columbia

979-345-PUTT

River Terrace GC

PUB

Channelview

281-452-2183

Columbus

979-732-5575

Sharpstown GC

M

Bayou GC Beacon Lakes GC

Cape Royale GC Chambers County GC

PUB

Columbus GC

M

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

281-304-8515

Sienna Plantation

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Faith Bridge Ranch GC PUB

Hempstead

Freeport GC Gleannloch Pines

M PUB

TYPE LOCATON

PHONE

Houston

713-988-2099

PUB

Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

Southwyck GC

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

Stephen F. Austin GC

SP

San Felipe

979-885-2811

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

The Campus Course PUB

College Station

979-845-1723

Glenbrook GC

M

Houston

713-649-8089

at Texas A&M

Greatwood GC

PUB

Sugar Land

281-343-9999

The Battleground at Deer Park PUB

Green Caye GC

PUB

Dickinson

281-337-2021

The Golf Club of Houston PUB/PV Humble

Gus Wortham GC

M

Houston

713-928-4260

The Village GC

PUB

Panorama Village

936-856-5531

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

409-842-3220

The Wilderness

PUB

Lake Jackson

979-297-4653

Hermann Park GC

PUB

Houston

713-526-0077

Timber Creek GC

PUB

Friendswood

281-993-1140

Heron Lakes GC

PUB

Houston

281-807-0207

Tour 18 Houston

PUB

Humble

281-540-1818

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Travis B. Bryan GC

M

Bryan

979-823-0126

Houston National GC

PUB

Houston

281-304-1400

Waller CC

PUB

Waller

936-931-3335

Idylwild GC

PUB

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

Wedgewood GC

PUB

Conroe

936-441-4653

Iron Oaks GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-866-9191

West Brazos Golf Center PUB

Brazoria

979-798-4653

Jersey Village

713-896-0900

West Fork Golf and CC

Conroe

936-760-1776

Kingwood

281-358-1155

Westwood Shores GC PUB

Trinity

936-594-3805

Jersey Meadow GC

M

Kingwood Cove GC

PUB

La Torretta

PUB

Deer Park

281-478-4653 281-459-7800

R

Montgomery

936-448-3022

Wildcat GC

PUB

Houston

713-413-3400

Legendary Oaks GC

PUB

Hempstead

979-826-4001

WindRose GC

PUB

Spring

281-370-8900

Longwood GC

PUB

Cypress

281-373-4100

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

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

DIRECTORY

57

PHONE

League City 281-557-3300 Bryan 979-776-4653 Houston 713-627-2411 Beaumont 409-866 -3883 Pearland 713-436-5001 Houston 832-203-1518 Houston 832-478-1365 Sugar Land 281-491-1888 The Woodlands 832-585-0505 Houston 281-392-4653 Houston 281-443-2828 Katy 281-398-4669 Spring 281-292-2288

GolfSmith Galleria Houston 713-993-9993 Golfsmith Westheimer Houston 713-334-3334 Golfsmith Woodlands 281-292-2288 GolfTec Katy 281-741-6778 GolfTec Houston-Upper Kirby 832-426-5650 GolfTec Westheimer Houston 713-339-2470 GolfTec Webster 281-557-0015 GolfTec Galleria Houston 713-850-7555 Mulligan’s Golf Houston 281-890-6026 Sport Shoppe Houston 281-879-0929

TEXAS

Golf Insider

Bash in the Box Boutique style Party Supplies

www.bashinthebox.com

Radio on TV

Watch LIVE Every Thursday 7-8 PM

Follow Us

www.bashinthebox.com

@texasgolfinsider TheTexasGolfInsider.com

25

109

New Ulm

Industry

109

1458

29

Magnolia

53

Montgomery

29

13

Pasadena

Deer Park

17

17

88

5

Mont Belvieu

5

58

72

6496/71.7/117

• • • • • 52

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

71

7077/73.1

• • • • • 50

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

Type Hole

Bayou Golf Course (409) 739-9622 M 18 17 2800 Dudley Dr., Texas City, TX 77590

Map Number

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

59

Yardage /Rating /Slope

COURSES

Par

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

www.bayougc.com

www.eaglepointeonline.com

78 ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING Bayou Golf Course | Map #17 | Ad Pg 52 2800 Dudley Dr., Texas City, TX 77590 www.bayougc.com | 409-739-9622

Download our app today

Magnolia | Map #13 | Ad Pg 13 1100 Texas Ave. | Houston, TX 77447 www.magnoliahotels.com | 713-221-0011

SHOPPING / SERVICES ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 31 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Map # 88 | Ad Pg 67 4310 Caduceus Pl., Galveston, TX 77550| www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299 Texas Golf Tournament Gifts | Ad Page 47 www.TexasGolfTournamnetGifts.com | 210-508-6201

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION Eagle Pointe Player Development | Map # 5 | Ad Pg 50 Jeff Strong, PGA www.eaglepointeonline.com | 281-385-6666

The Academy of Golf Dynamics | Map # 25 | Ad Pg 14-15 Club Estates Parkway, Austin, TX | www.golfdynamics.com | 800-879-2008 UIW-Professional Golf Mangement Program | 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX | Ad Pg 34-37 email: graybeal@uiwtx.edu | 210-805-5839

www.purposegolf.com

60

FEATURE STORY

Houston Golf Community Bands Together to Resurface From Hurricane Harvey’s Disastrous Impact

It’s tough to describe the effects of a 500-year storm event on a golf course.

Many factors determine how turf, sand and machines will survive. But the utmost determining factor to a facility’s ability to bounce back from such a lifethreatening event is the heart of its staff-and Houston-area courses have indeed bonded together to make the best of an horrific situation. Throughout the region, courses continue checking in with one another to determine the extent of damages, return to playability time frames and full-recovery projections.

Every course within the greater Houston and Gulf Coast area, extending south to the Victoria/Rio Grande Valley and easterly into Louisiana, has

Bayou Golf Club’s footbridge succumbed to rushing water

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been affected to some degree, determined by proximity to water landmarks like creeks, rivers, lakes, streams and man-made retention areas. General consensus among those we contacted was damage ranging from bunker washouts and contamination to full submersion for multiple hours, even days, with some suffering total loss of green surfaces, to prolonged coverage by poisonous silt build-up.

One tragic tale is the 72-hole Bear Creek Golf World off Highway 6 on Houston’s west side. Situated on the massively-overflowing Addicks Reservoir maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, the grounds were subjected to monstrous water releases done to preserve homes and businesses outside the flood plain. Unconfirmed reports had water levels rising some 28 feet, cresting above the cart barn. Recovery status is unknown as this issue goes to print.

A prime example of 18- to 24-inches of rushing run-off from surrounding bayous at Texas City G. C., south of Houston, was the uprooting of a 4-ton solid oak footbridge that was ripped from its moorings and rotated some 90 degrees

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from it’s original roots. “You can’t believe how powerful that water flow must have been,” says head pro Michael Skiba.

On Houston’s central west side, hard on the banks of the overflowing Buffalo Bayou, stalwart Lakeside Country Club experienced total inundation of it’s 209acre facility, including the entire clubhouse facility, which has been “gutted down to the studs,” according to shop assistant Jesse Walter. Thanks to course superintendent Terry Hutcherson and staff “working tirelessly” these past weeks, all 18 holes reopened on Oct. 4.

Another course suffering tragic closure of their lower 15 holes, situated on a fork of the San Jacinto River, for the seventh time in two-and-one-half years was West Fork Golf & C.C., where G.M. Ron Coville says there was “water as far as the eye could see! We estimated that parts of the course were 20- to 30-feet deep. Luckily, it ran off fairly quickly

Extensive bunker damage, including total sand washout, shown here at West Fork Golf & CC

and we were able to re-open shortly afterwards. But we still have $10K worth of bunker damage,” says Coville, who proudly states the facility reopened for full play on Sept. 9 and welcomes golfers to

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Lakeside Coutry Club on Houston’s West side was completely inundated - lush greens replaced with muddy water

this rolling, semi-Hill Country layout.

More amazing than West Fork’s miraculous comeback is that of the Gary Player-designed Rio Colorado G. C. south of Bay City, who’s back nine plays alongside the Colorado River. Word from the clubhouse is that the river nine suffered severe flooding but minimal damage, and they were able to reopen for off-path play on Sept. 14.

Missouri City’s Quail Valley G. C. complex, where two 36-hole classic contiguous 18s were hit hard but managed a partial cobbled-together reopening as early as Sept. 6, found GM Tyson Stittleburg opining that extensive flooding damaged two key bridges that were repaired in time for a partial reopening on Sept. 9.

La Torretta Golf & C.C. on Lake Conroe suffered flooding in the adjacent resort facility as well as extensive bunker damage but “carts were out by Sept. 5, and we’re currently at about 90% ,” according to Director of Golf Ralph Smith.

In the NW corridor, Cypress Lakes G. C. closed from flooding but, other than bunker damage, managed to reopen all 18 holes on cart paths by Sept. 11, says GM Tim Sulak. However, sister course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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Longwood G.C.’s 27 holes took a much urday. Business as usual!” Amazing.... more severe hit when Little Cypress Another west-Houston course near Creek tributary crested it’s banks to Katy on the the Brazos River, River entirely swamp five holes with some five Ridge G. C.’s 27 holes was slammed feet of water, covering the greens with by a third flood in as many years. A silt. Ironically, Sulak’s ground maintesix-feet-deep inundation caused closure nance staff had only partially completed in 2015, and it lost five greens to silt a total bunker renovation program on 14 contamination last year, but this year’s holes; sadly, contamination set in quickly third dousing wasn’t quite as severe, and has forced them to start again from says Assistant Pro Casey Heath. “We scratch. were basically submerged for four One of the facilities lucky to avoid straight days, but luckily we didn’t lose major flooding was Oakhurst G.C. in any greens this time. Basically, there was Porter, northeast of no major damage, so the city-proper off we’re shooting for Hwy. 59. It was able re-opening at least 18 to return to regular holes in the first week weekday golf, burger of October, and with and brew special ofany luck, we’ll have all fers less than a week three nines back open later. Wind Rose G. during the first week of C. in Spring faired November.” better than they One shining bunkers were spared from contamina- example of a facility expected as well, ac- These tion atWood Forest G.&C.C., unlike the 14th cording to GM Eddie hole which was underwater for 6-8 hours. that escaped virtuallly Dey. “We really didn’t unscathed is Montget hit that badly, certainly not to the ex- gomery’s Wood Forest G. & C.C., where tent that it could have been.” The driving GM Tom Martty exclaims, “I was in my range and course reopened on Aug. 30 on office every day throughout the storm, a limited basis, with full play resuming and I could see the water rising then the next day. subsiding down the fairways and around But for every crazy tale wrought by the greens. We never had standing water Harvey, there seems to be a better-thanfor more than about 30 minutes,” he recould-be-expected tale of recovery. Bear calls. “It gave me great pleasure to see the Creek’s sister course, Southwyck G. C. golf course drain so quickly. It was truly in Pearland, saw all of it’s lakes overflow amazing. We were one of the blessed to submerge the entire course. However, ones,” he surmises. being known as “one of the best-draining For all of the doom-and-gloom proscourses in the Houston area,” according pects circulating among golfers regular to manager Jim Morris, “We were back to these Houston-area courses, it seems out on paths the following Thursday, that hope does spring eternal. Every and letting carts out 90 % that Friday.” nightmare closure is closely followed by Indeed, as a regular weekend course a positive, “But hey, did you hear about marshal, this writer was astounded when, those guys?” Word is spreading that Housupon receiving this startling news, had ton golf is resurfacing in a big way-- and Morris declare that evening, “We’ll be it’s courses and patrons are key to that fully off the paths Friday. See you on Satuplifting message.

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Texas Golf Hall of Fame honors 2017 Class with star-studded heartfelt ceremony

Celebrating the 2017 Golf Hall of Fame Inductees Dinner at San Antonio Country Club

The Texas Golf Hall of Fame celebrated Steve Elkington, a 10-time winner its 2017 class with an induction ceremony on the PGA Tour, was inducted into the for the ages. professional player category. Cook was Austin’s Ben Crenshaw drove down to honored for lifetime achievement, and give an impassioned plea to save the public Austin’s Lions Municipal was added to the course that helped make him a two-time Texas Registry of Historic Golf Courses.

Masters champion, PGA Tour player “I think you can tell we are really pasJohnson Wagner came to accept his grand- sionate about this Hall of Fame,” said Jerry father’s trophy, and inductees Buddy Cook Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Kelli Kuehne tipped their hats to coun- for the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. “This is the try legend George biggest and best hall of Strait, seated in the fame in America.” packed ballroom Kuehne, who postat the San Antonio ed one of the greatest Country Club. amateur careers in golf “I had no idea, history, developed her Mr. Strait, that you competitiveness playwere going to be ing with brothers Trip in this room,” said and Hank, who also Kuehne, who was won national amateur inducted into the titles. amateur category.

The Dallas native “Ace in the Hole has claimed four straight been my family’s Kelli Kuehne was inducted into the amateur individual titles while category. She posted one of the greatest theme song.” at Highland Park amateur careers in golf history

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That Kuehne managed to finish her speech was remarkable, coming just six days after the death of her mother, Pam. “My dad’s tough but I think my mom is tougher than all of us,” Kuehne said. “She should be the one standing here.”

Elkington established his Texas ties after moving from his native Australia to play at UH. He helped the Cougars win national titles in 1982, 1984 and 1985.

He also met his wife there, Winner of 10 PGA Golf Tournaments, Steve Elkington (center) settling in Houston for a proudly accepts his inductee award with Family & Friends. pro career that featured 17 titles worldwide.

High School. She won the 1994 U.S. Girls’ He posted 10 top-10 finishes in major Junior, the U.S.Women’s Amateur in 1995 events, highlighted by his 1995 PGA and 1996, and the British Ladies Amateur Championship victory, and was a two-time in 1996. An All-America at the University winner of the Players Championship. of Texas, she played on the 1996 Curtis “I tell everybody that everything good Cup team before embarking on an LPGA Tour career highlighted by her 1999 Corn- that’s happened to me has happened in Texas,” Elkington said. ing Classic victory.

L to R: Ben Crenshaw, Mary Arnold, Kelli Kuehne, Steve Elkington, Buddy Cook and the M.T Johnson Family

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Cook served as tournament director of San Antonio’s Champions Tour event, and as chairman of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame (2009-15).

A true promoter, he impacted virtually every phase of the industry in Texas and beyond. Strait was one of his many students.

Cook mentored 24 professional apprentices, and served as PGA director of golf or head professional at such places as the Dominion CC, La Cantera GC, and Briggs Ranch GC. “I know there are a lot of other people who deserve this award as much or more than me but fortunately they are not here tonight,” Cook said, laughing.

The late Johnson, former president of the Amarillo Country Club and the Panhandle Golf Association, chaired three USGA Executive Committee sessions, and served on the R&A’s rules committee.

“M.T. was such a legend in my family, such a legend in Amarillo, and such a leg-

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end in golf that it’s quite moving to actually be up here talking about him,”Wagner said.

Lions Municipal, created in 1924 and operated by the city since 1936, was Austin’s first public course. Its rich history includes the 1950 exhibition match involving Ben Hogan and Harvey Penick.

The course, known as “Muny,” impacted national history in late 1950 when it became the first municipal facility in the South to racially integrate.The USGA formally recognized the desegregation as a milestone for the game.

Crenshaw, a longtime advocate for “Save Muny,” is working to keep the course alive. In February he unveiled plans to enhance the old layout’s playability. “We’re fighting to save Muny,” he said. “It provides us with recreation and enjoyment and a love for the game.”

For more information on the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, please visit www.texasgolfhof.org.

James E.“Buddy” Cook (Top Left), Golf Professional & Teacher, was the first and most entertaining to be inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame at Monday Night’s Ceremony

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