Texas Golf Insider: Houston

TEXAS

Fall/Winter 2016

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Bayou Golf Course

Texas City’s Facility is a Must Play!

Inside:

Westwood Shores Not A Secret Anymore

University of Incarnate Word Professional Golf Management School

The Academy of Golf Dynamics One of The Best Golf Schools in America

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

3

Contents 6

Cover Story

Bayou Golf Course changes make it a Must Play near Galveston.

4 WELCOME

How to contact us with Golf News and stories.

8 FE ATURE COVER STORY

Westwood Shores Golf Course Municipal Golf Done the Right Way!

Bayou Golf Course

T G I

10 EAST HOUSTON PLAYS UP GREAT GOLF Top Houston Golf Courses.

40 UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD Professional Golf Management School.

50 JERSEY MEADOW GOLF COURSE Our Goal, be one of the top municipal courses in Houston.

MAP & DIRECTORIES 12 GENERAL DIRECTORY 14 MAP 15 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

Follow Us 40

8

Westwood Shores Golf Course

REGIONS SAN ANTONIO, HILL COUNTRY & AUSTIN 20 28 54 56 57

VAALER CREEK GOLF CLUB THE ‘FORESIGHT DRIVE’, BEST PUBLIC GOLF GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

TEXAS

Golf Insider HEBSBA at UIW

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

4

FROMTHE THE EDITOR EDITOR FROM

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine Texas

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

Mike Ratchman Publisher ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Right? Of course it is, our second season is now in motion in South Texas and is one of the finest times to tee it up. We want to welcome our winter visitors and we hope you enjoy your stay and get to play a ton of golf while visiting. In this issue you will find some of the most exciting golf courses to play in Texas. So let’s get started.

A great place to start is Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco Texas, where the Hill Country begins. I highly recommend you grab your sticks and head to Blanco, population 9,082 maybe, and entertain yourself by playing one of the most unique golf courses in Central Texas. While you’re in the Hill Country, try teeing it up at the Buckhorn in Comfort Texas, a great start to a list of Foresight Golf’s array of public courses you can travel to in south Texas and along the coast. Now while you are in Texas there is no way you can play golf in San Antonio without playing the Alamo City Golf Trails. The trail consists of 7 beautiful courses, several of which are walkable, while others require a scenic ride in a cart. All are in great condition.

If you are making your way to east Texas your itinerary should include the newly renovated 18-hole Bayou Golf Course in Texas City, just 15 miles from Galveston. Start off by loosening up on their par 3 course. After a day of rest, you might want to make your way north and stop off at Eagle Point Golf Club in Mont Belvieu, a Rick Foster design just 30 minutes from downtown Houston. It’s a pure golf experience, with stunning tall pines and dramatic elevation changes. It’s a stop you have to make. The list goes on so page through our magazine, pick a starting point and drive and play some of the best golf courses in Texas.

I wish you all a Happy Golfing Holiday Season Mike Ratchman Regional Publisher

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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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

5

Melanie Grafe

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

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.

TEXAS

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP TODAY TheTexasGolfInsider.com

6

COVER STORY

Changes to Bayou Golf Course make L]pYk ;alq k ^Y[adalq Y emkl%hdYq

By Steve Habel, Senior Writer There’s nothing fancy or opulent about the Bayou Golf Club in Texas City but it’s always been a solid and varied test of golf for players of all skill levels. A comprehensive makeover and two years of maturity has amped up that challenge and playability, making a round at the course a must for all golfers heading for the Bay Area and the beaches of Galveston.

I pulled up to Bayou GC on a cloudy and showery afternoon in September and was happy to see the parking lot nearly full. Some of the folks were there for a late lunch at the no-frills-but-food-rockin’ restaurant in the clubhouse (try the Frito pie), and there was loads of activity on the course as well.

“We make our mark by being a good golf course with great conditioning and reasonable prices,” Bayou Golf Club’s TheTexasGolfInsider.com

pro shop manager Scott Roach said. “We know exactly what we are and the golfers who play here understand that as well.

We’re proud of the course and think the changes made here only made a good round of golf even better.”

Bayou Golf Course was originally designed by Joe Finger, a native Texan who fashioned dozens of golf courses across the nation, and opened for play in 1974.

The 200-acre site is located on the banks of Moses Bayou and boasts a championship par-72, 6,596-yard layout that sports a handful of slightly elevated greens and tees. Winds from Galveston Bay, water on 12 holes and 18 sand traps present a very challenging and fun course for any skill level.

A seven-month, $869,000 renovation was completed in mid- 2014, overseen

COVER STORY

by Houston-based golf course architect Mike Nuzzo and championed by a city that understands the course’s status among area and regional golfers.

The size of the course’s putting surfaces, most notably on Bayou Golf Course’s first eight holes, was increased to an average of 5,000-square feet. The greens were turfed with Mini-Verde Bermuda, chosen for its quality and heartiness, and Nuzzo’s keen eye created some consistency on the putting surfaces and made them more versatile and fair.

“The course will play as Mr. Finger originally designed it with the addition of larger putting surfaces,” Nuzzo said. “We were not trying to make the course easier or harder – we just wanted to create a consistent experience from hole to hole.”

The project also included the renovation of every bunker on the course.

Several sand bunkers were eliminated and all remaining bunkers were reshaped, had better drainage installed and were filled with new sand. New fairway bunkers were added to the fifth hole.

Bayou Golf Club’s scorecard features a great mix of holes, including the ending stretches to both the front- and back-nines that determine a successful round here.

7

The postage stamp par-3 seventh – playing at just 134 yards from the back set of three tees – is one of the holes most affected by the renovation. It’s followed by the 502-yard par-5 eighth, which can be reached in two shots under the correct execution from the golfer and the perfect wind conditions, and the 412-yard ninth, one of three two-shotters on the front-nine playing over 400 yards.

The back-nine concludes with a demanding four-hole test. The 562-yard par-5 15th is the longest hole at Bayou Golf Course and No. 16 is a 191-yard par-3 beauty. The 17th, at 459 yards, is the lengthiest par-4 on the track and the No. 1 handicap hole. The round concludes with a 393-yard par-4 that’s considered one of the top finishing holes in the area.

Bayou Golf Course also boasts of a one-of-a-kind practice facility with a 13,000-square foot tournament putting green and a 5 ½-acre walking family pitch-n-putt golf course. This addition aids the skilled golfer as well as the beginner and can be used by individuals and for tournaments and outings.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

8

WESTWOOD SHORES:

“The Best Kept Secret on Lake Livingston”

Tucked in the Piney Woods of East Texas is Westwood Shores, a hidden gem that is being discovered anew by golfers and non-golfers alike. The 18 hole golf course provides for open fairways and an easy pace of play. Water holes provide not only beauty, but challenge. It is a golf course to be enjoyed by those who play from the “blue” as well as the beginner.

The surrounding woods and lakes are a haven for wildlife. Many improvements have been made to the Country Club and the word is getting out in the surrounding areas. Westwood Shores is not really a “secret” anymore. Golf is played here year round, enjoyed not just by those who call Westwood Shores home, but the Snowbirds who visit or live at Westwood during the winter months.

Westwood Shores is located 90 miles north of Houston and just 20 miles northeast of Huntsville, Texas. It is a residential Resort Community in Trinity, Texas, developed in the 1970’s by J. Belin.

The approximately 1,300 acre property is on the shores of Lake Livingston, one of the largest Texas lakes. It contains some 800 homes, gated access manned 24/7, over 26 miles of roads, several inland lakes, TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Country Club, Marina & Marina store.

There is an adjacent 5 Star RV resort.

The Country Club is owned and operated by the Westwood Shores Property Owners Association (POA). It consists of an 18 hole golf course and Pro Shop, tennis courts, swimming pool, completely renovated Clubhouse with Banquet Facility (on-site catering available), 19th Hole Bar & Grill and Fitness Center. Since the purchase of the Country Club and Golf Course by the POA in 2012, there have been many improvements. Golf course irrigation systems have been repaired/ replaced, sand bunkers restored, trees removed to restore the beautiful open fairways. The Pro Shop provides quality merchandise and schedules regular golf events.

Westwood Shores is a community of people who work (and play) hard together. There are homes on the lakes, cabins in the woods, townhomes and manufactured homes.

It is a “Working Man’s Paradise”, a place for a week-end home, or a place to retire. It is a community with a can-do and caring attitude that makes possible the many improvements and exciting activities to be found today.

FEATURE STORY

The Westwood Shores Real Estate Office is owned & operated by George and Theresa Gallagher. Their office is conveniently located adjacent to the access control gate. They have both been involved with Westwood Shores for many years and are an integral part of the community. Although they are not the only realtors who sell in Westwood Shores, they are the most deeply involved. George Gallagher says, “Today, homes and lots are selling, and new homes are being built in greater number than in previous years. It is an exciting time and it is because of the many improvements to the golf course and the new amenities such as the 19th Hole Bar & Grill and Fitness Center. Now is the time to buy in Westwood Shores. ” We would like to extend this opportunity for you to plan a visit and see for yourselves. Westwood Shores Real Estate is offering a “Stay and Play” package. Come and see for yourself what Westwood Shores has to offer. Sign up for a round of golf, ask George for a tour, or sign up for the Stay and Play package. Once here, you will see why “The Secret is Getting Out!” For More Information: www.westwoodshorespoa.com 936-594-3805, option 4 www.westwoodshoresgolf.com 936-594-3805, option 2 www.westwoodshoresre.com 936-594-1234

Stay & Play Package $69.00 per person based on Double Occupancy

Includes one night stay, one round of golf and 19th Hole Burger Basket (Additional rounds/nights available)

For Details- (936) 594-1234

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205 WESTWOOD DRIVE EAST TRINITY, TX 75862

936-594-3805, option 2

www.westwoodshoresgolf.com Semi-Private Course

MAP #29

DIRECTIONS Take Highway 19 to Highway 94 to Highway 356.

Once on Highway 356 travel about 2 miles out of Trinity. Westwood Shores will be on the left side of Highway 356.

Par: 72 Blue White Gold Silver Red

STATISTICS Yards Rating 6791 72.3 6317 70.1 5354 69.5 5000 69.0 4356 68.0

Slope 124 118 110 110 110

PERSONNEL Architect: Carlton Gibson Superintendent: Clayton Creel Pro Shop Manager: Alex Parker AMENITIES t Online Tee Times t Stay & Play Packages t Golf Instruction t Practice Facilities t Pro Shop t Golf Cart Rental t Swimming Pool t Tennis Courts t 19th Hole Bar & Grill t Banquet Facilities t Fitness Center

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COURSES

Public Course

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Friendswood MAP #36

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 27 Architect: Jay Riviere

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

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

4554 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546

281-993-1140

timbercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

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

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

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

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

RATES

MAP # 5

18

Twilight

Mon-Thur $45 $32* Friday $47 $40 Weekend $60 $40 Holiday $60 $40 *Twilight begins at 2 pm - Oct 14-Mar 1 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

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

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

COURSES

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M ONT B ELVIEU

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

12

DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST LOCATON

PHONE

COURSE

TYPE LOCATON

PHONE

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

Bay Forest GC

PUB

La Porte

281-471-4653

Bayou Din GC

PUB

Beaumont

M

Texas City

Beacon Lakes GC

PUB

Bear Creek Golf World Bellville GC Brenham CC

SP

Bayou GC

Galveston

409-683-4653

Newport GC & Conf.Center PUB

Crosby

281-328-3576

409-796-1327

North Shore CC

Semi

Portland

361-643-6057

409-739-9622

Oakhurst GC

PUB

Porter

281-354-4653

League City

281-337-1459

Pasadena Municipal GC M

Houston

281-481-0834

PUB

Houston

281-859-8188

Pearland Golf Club

PUB

Pearland

713-773-9603

PUB

Bellville

979-865-9058

Pecan Lakes GC

PUB

Navasota

936-870-3889

PUB

Houston

713-462-4914

Brenham

979-836-1733

Pine Crest CC

Brentwood Ent. Complex SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

Quail Valley GC

M

Briarcrest Golf Course

Bryan

979-776-1490

Raven Nest GC

SP

Missouri City

281-403-5910

PUB

Huntsville

936-438-8588

R

Houston

281-458-1350

Rayburn Country

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

Houston

713-988-2099 281-778-GOLF

Brock Park GC Cape Royale GC Chambers County GC

M PUB

Columbus GC

M

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

281-304-8515

Sienna Plantation

PUB

Missouri City

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Southwyck GC

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Stephen F. Austin GC

SP

San Felipe

979-885-2811

Faith Bridge Ranch GC

PUB

Hempstead

979-826-2131

Swanson Golf Center

Pub

Houston

281-440-1308

Freeport

979-233-8311

Texaco GC

PUB

Houston

713-453-7501

Spring

281-225-1200

The Campus Course PUB

College Station

979-845-1723

Freeport GC Gleannloch Pines

M PUB

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

281-459-7800

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 979-823-0126

Gus Wortham GC

Deer Park

281-478-4653

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Travis B. Bryan GC

M

Bryan

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

PUB

Conroe

936-760-1776

Kingwood

281-358-1155

Westwood Shores GC

PUB

Trinity

936-594-3805

Jersey Meadow GC

M

Kingwood Cove GC

PUB 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

La Torretta

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

DIRECTORY RETAIL

LOCATION

PHONE

GOLF RETAILERS Big O’s Golf

League City

281-557-3300

D & J Golf

Bryan

979-776-4653

Edwin Watts Golf

Houston

713-627-2411

Games People Play

Beaumont

409-866 -3883

Golf Etc.

Pearland

713-436-5001

Golf Galaxy

Houston

832-203-1518

Golf Galaxy

Houston

832-478-1365

Golf Galaxy

Sugar Land

281-491-1888

Golf Galaxy

The Woodlands

832-585-0505

Golf USA

Houston

281-392-4653

Golf Warehouse

Houston

281-443-2828

Golfsmith

Katy

281-398-4669

Golfsmith

Spring

281-292-2288

GolfSmith

Galleria Houston

713-993-9993

Golfsmith

Westheimer Houston

713-334-3334

Golfsmith

Woodlands

281-292-2288

Katy

281-741-6778

GolfTec 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

New U Ulm 26 26 26 75 109

Industry dus us y

109

1458

Magnolia olia a

78

Mon Montgomery

41 81

53 53 53

38

Pasa Pasadena asa asa ad a

36

36

Deerr Park Pa k

17

29

5

88

Mont Belvieu vi u

14

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

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

Golf Academy at Timber Creek | Map #36 | Ad Pg 10

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

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

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

(409) 739-9622 .

t t t t t

1

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex (281)385-6666 1 5 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580

Map Number

Yardage /Rating /Slope

15

Par

COURSES

Type Hole

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

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

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

Cypresswood Golf Club

(281) 821-6300

t t t t t

38 21602 Cypress Dr., Spring, TX 77373 www.cypresswood.com

t t t t t

t t t t t

t t t t t

www.eaglepointeonline.com

Jersey Meadow Golf Course (713) 896-0900 .

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

LaTorretta Lake Resort & Spa

(936) 448-4400 41

1

36 36 35

(936) 594-3805 S1

53 600 LaTorretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX 77356 www.LaTorrettaLakeResort.com

Timber Creek Golf Course

(281) 993-1140

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

Westwood Shores Golf Club

t t t t t

t t t t t

29 205 Westwood Drive, East Trinity, TX 75862 www.westwoodshoresgolf.com

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION

ACCOMODATIONS City of Jersey Village | Map #81 | Ad Pg 50 Comfort Inn | 713-856-5005 Executive Inn & Suites | 713-896-1000

La Torretta Lake Resort | Map #53 | Ad Pg 62 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX 77356 LaTorrettaLakeResort.com | 936-448-4400 Westwood Shores RE | Map #29 | Ad Pg 8 205 Westwood Dr., East Trinity, TX 75862 www.westwoodshoresre.com | 936-594-1234

DINING Lakeside Restaurant & Bar | Map #53 | Ad Pg 62 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX | 936-448-4400

Legends Grill | Map #36 | Ad Pg 10 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX | 281-993-1140 Ring of Fire Brew and Que | Map #17 | Ad Pg 6 2800 Dudley Dr., Texas City, TX 77590 www.bayougc.com | 409-643-5852

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company | Map #75 930 Walnut Street, Columbus, TX 78934| | Ad Pg 13 email: dgraferealtor@gmail.com | 979-732-1850

Lee DeForke Jr. Real Estate | Map #88 | Ad Pg 16 16602 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX email: leedeforkejr@yahoo.com | 409-739-1299 www.leedeforkejr.com

Westwood Shores RE | Map #29 | Ad Pg 8 205 Westwood Dr., East Trinity, TX 75862 www.westwoodshoresre.com | 936-594-1234

16

Galveston Area Perfect Place to Winter for Locals and Snowbirds!

The year is winding down with summer giving way to fall, and before you know it, North America will enter her winter sleep. Of course, in south Texas it’s more of a cat-nap.We get just enough cool air to refresh our spirits and energize our souls. Owning a home on or near Galveston Island gives you full access to a life of coastal fun and relaxation. And with over 165 incredible golf courses between Galveston and the greater Houston area, golfers certainly have the best of many worlds here.

Buying before the new year allows you the opportunity to enjoy the tax-saving benefits of homesteading any primary home property. Likewise, this is also an excellent time to enter the rental business. If the summer heat isn’t your cup of tea, you pack up and continue to use the house for long-term or holiday rental. It will not sit vacant as the number of available rental properties in the area is at an all-time low and vacation rental requests are soaring. Buying now gives you time to evaluate the property before the rental market ramps up in 2017. Spend time in it yourself now and when the summer months arrive, it will be booked. Interest rates are still low.You can lock in a good investment rate today.

Leaving family and friends in search of a kinder winter doesn’t have to mean isolation.

Our coastal communities are made of familyfilled neighborhoods that foster strong connections. Come visit and I’ll help you find the right property to meet your needs.The coastal Texas fall offers solitude on the beaches and perfect weather for all the golf you can play.

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

409-739-1299

www.LeeDeForkeJr.com

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Great Texas Golf

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

Golf Has Never been Better TheTexasGolfInsider.com

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

For Special Memberships Go To www.golfclubtexas.com

210-504-2550

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COVER STORY

The golf and overall experriience has never beeen en b bett etter

By Steve Habel/Senior ContributingWriter

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

Add to the venture the primo conditioning of the course’s lush, wide fairways and smooth rolling putting surfaces and the gusto one feels after conquering the tests offered by Michael Lowry’s oft-quirky routing and you understand why just about everyone who plays Vaaler Creek GC immediately wants another piece of it.

I’ve been playing 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 Blanco.

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 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

worth the time to get there and stay awhile.

And I can tell you after playing the course in September that the golf there has never been better.

“The rain that we’ve enjoyed this past spring and summer allowed all the ponds to fill and sent us to a level esthetically that we didn’t see during the drought,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek GC’s general manager and head PGA pro. “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.”

Vaaler Creek expanded to a full 18 holes in 2009 and through the years has added to its off-course amenities. First with condos off its 10th tee for purchase or rental, then with an expansive deck overlooking the pond that

COVER STORY

fronts the 18th green and clubhouse. Then came a gleaming pool and most recently, a pavilion adjacent to the pool for after-golf dining, entertaining and specific events – including weddings.

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

Lowry fashioned a muchtougher-than-it’s-carded 6,874-yard par-72 track among the live oak and cactus and along the rolling scrubbrush-filled prairies. He worked in all kinds of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of all sizes, elevated tee shots and undulating, treelined 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.

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Given its length, golfers might think they can overpower Lowry’s course, but finding success at Vaaler Creek is a much more subtle endeavor.

The course has a wonderful variety of long and short holes and creates shot values with strategic bunkering and the occasional carry over water. It’s true last-line-of-defense are its lightningquick, mounded and segmented putting surfaces, which can turn even the most aggressive player timid and to secondguessing.

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COVER STORY

Through my experiences at Vaaler Creek GC, I go into a round thinking that if I can play well on the front-nine (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

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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 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 405yard 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.

With its two-, three- and fourbedroom condos right on site and the amenities package that offers the 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 (April 2017 is

COVER STORY

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already completely booked) 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 300 left for purchase as I write this feature. at a reduced rate ($1,500 a year for individuals and $2,400 a year for families).

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?

With ownership comes privileges like three rounds per month for just the cost of a golf cart and the option to purchase membership at the facility

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

The ‘Foresight Drive’ offers best of public golf in Central and South Texas

By Steve Habel

The Buckhorn Golf Course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

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On the next day, we embarked for On The Republic’s sixth hole, for San Antonio proper and The Republic instance, the creek runs all the way Golf Course, one of the most beloved down the left-hand side, but you don’t courses in the Alamo City and a haven for have to cross the water on the 624-yard, great golf and great before and after fun. dogleg-right par-5. That way, women The Republic, which has often been can play it, novices can play it and the voted by golfers as San Antonio’s favorite low-handicappers can get it around as course, is friendly and mostly forgiving. well. Toward the finish take care on the It offers a pure-golf experience with big, reachable par-4 16th, which – at just fast greens and 336 yards from the secluded oakback tees – asks lined holes. There the bold player are no encroachto cross a ravine ing homes here and land a shot and no glitz, just between two inviting fairways bunkers. and thick, woodsy The Repubrough in a beautilic has its teeth ful river flood (especially near The Republic Golf Course plain. the end) and is a The course’s great course to wide range of tees work out the kinks – on some holes, distances can vary by in your game and regain confidence in more than 100 yards – makes The Republic your swing.You can easily see why it is a fair test for just about all levels of golfso beloved by the locals. ers. The track is relatively flat; despite On day three, we headed for the being built around Salado Creek, water coast and Foresight’s two municipal never cuts across any fairway. courses on the Texas Riviera – TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

Oso Beach Golf Course and the Lozano Golf Center, both owned by the City of Corpus Christi.

Located south of downtown, Oso Beach Golf Course was originally designed by John Bredemus, co-founder of the Texas PGA and the Texas Open in 1949, so it has some real bona fides.

Oso Beach (at just 6,223 yards) is short in length by today’s standards, but long on challenge because of its plethora of water hazards and the everpresent wind, two aspects that balance the test. While considered a very “player friendly” course, its 180-yard, par-3 13th hole is a strong test, requiring a tee shot over water directly into the prevailing wind.

The Lozano Golf Center is located in the heart of the city and sports an 18-hole regulation course and nine-hole executive track, with water on most holes and a bevy of newly renovated bunkers.

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Built in 1965 by famed golf architect Leon Howard and renovated in 1983

by Houston-based Finger-Dye-Spann, the fairways have generous landing areas and there is a fully lighted practice facility. It’s the perfect place to escape for some practice or a quick round before or after work.

The greens here are smaller on the front-nine than on the back and all of them are raised, steep off the sides with plenty of slope and contour.

Some are like a mini-rollercoaster ride around the perimeter. It’s oldschool, target-golf and a really fun round.

Next was a trip toward Houston, where we turned north and pulled into the expansive facility at Cypresswood Golf Club, and its 36-holes of 4-Star Golf on dramatic topography within almost 600 acres of rolling, heavily-wooded terrain.

FEATURE STORY

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With the original Cypress Course The Cypress course opened in 1988 (designed by Rick Forrester) and the bal- as the original course at Cypresswood and lyhooed Keith Foster-fashioned Tradition set the bar at the facility with a track that Course, Cypresswood sports two unique caters to shotmakers.The routing possessgolf experiences and the finest of playing es a handful of doglegs and rolling fairways conditions. that force players to work off uneven lies Towering trees, no nearby homes, and has more water to deal with – in fact, and no out-of-bounds, are just a few of water comes into play on 16 holes. the features of this Pinehurst-like experiGolfers will face decisions plenty at ence at The Tradition, Foster’s tribute to the Cypress course because of the abunthe work of Donald Ross. dance of elevation changes and holes that Added to the challenge are enormous end in raised greens surrounded by difbunkers, ficult swales ravines, and bunkers. creeks and Two of ponds, making the track’s this bighighlighted shouldered holes are the course a 427-yard challenge for par-4 ninth (a the golfer to left to right, be accurate downhillCypresswood Golf Course or suffer the then-uphill consequences. test to a narLook for row but deep replicas of Carnoustie’s “spectacles” on green) and the daunting 586-yard par-5 the par-3 11th, a tough-as-nails 23615th, which features a creek that cuts yard test. These dual “O” bunkers are in into the fairway in front of the green. the player’s line of sight and will gobble The Cypress course earned Golf Diup mishits and mightily strain a golfer’s gest’s ranking of the “Best New Course” depth perception. in 1988 and it’s still a blast to play.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

trees are still growing and at a premium, wind poses a considerable threat to your score. Depending on the speed, which can reach gusts of up to 30-miles per hour or more on breezy days, and its direction, club selection is crucial.

There is no better Plum Creek Golf Course example of the importance of judging both wind speed We pointed the truck back to the and direction than on hole No. 2.The parnorth and west and made it to Hays 5 is one of the longest holes in the state, County and Plum Creek Golf Course in measuring in at a Texas-sized 659 yards Kyle by early afternoon. from the back tees. If the wind is in your Plum Creek GC is the centerpiece face, six can be a good score, so take your of a burgeoning neighborhood and is cut from the natural beauty of Texas live oaks, medicine and just move along.

Since Foresight took over in 2010 limestone, rolling hills and Texas wildflowers. Spreading out on more than 200 acres the place has changed – for the better.

They brought this track to life by reroutof land, the course takes full advantage of the natural surroundings and was designed ing holes, relocated and built additional tee boxes to accommodate ladies and so that no two fairways touch.

For the most part, Plum Creek is wide seniors, on-course restrooms and a state-of-the-art practice facility. Now the open and allows you to home course of the Texas State Bobcats, go after it on most holes. it’s a much better golf course than you As the case is on anyy probably remember. links-style course where

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

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The Bandit Golf Course On our final day, we headed just about a half-hour back towards San Antonio and rolled out the sticks for a wonderful round at The Bandit Golf Club.The course winds in and around Long Creek and Lake McQueeney, creating stunningly beautiful natural water hazards.

Like the raccoon that is featured on the course’s logo and its scorecard, The Bandit is a mischievous track, thanks in part to a routing that calls for a little gumption – and a lot of confidence to attack a handful of risk-reward

opportunities and holes with sloping elevation changes.

The Bandit’s 18th is considered by many to be the best finishing hole in the region. A stunning downhill-then-uphill par-5 of 552 yards, a creek runs along the right of the landing and layup areas and then across the front of the elevated putting surface – that requires the right club and your best swing to walk away with a par.

It’s not a stretch to say the golf at these eight Foresight-managed courses are among the best set of facilities you’ll play.We can’t wait to try them again.

The Bandit Golf Course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Buy One Round of Golf Get One Free

Includes Cart

Not valid with other discounts coupon required, expires 2-28-2017

Spring Branch Public Course

RATES

18

Texas Golf Insider

MAP #29

The Club at Rebecca Creek

Twilight

Enjoy Yourself To The Fullest At The Club

M-F $30 $22 Seniors, $25 $22 Military, Police,EMS & Fire $29 Weekends & $33 Holidays

( Twilight after 2 pm, 9 hole rates available. Rates include cart! )

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: George Hoffman Superintendent: Ward Kirk

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Black: 6863 / 73.7 / 127 Blue: 6486 / 71.9 / 123 White: 6064 / 69.1 / 118 Red: 5325 / 71.3 / 119

COURSE AMENITIES t Excited New Ownership t Water Issues Resolved t Driving Range & Practice Green t Beautiful Tree Lined Fairways t Remodeled Clubhouse & Pool

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Located along the rolling countryside of Spring Branch, The Club at Rebecca Creek awaits the avid golfer who seeks a peaceful, but challenging experience. The views of the Texas Hill Country leaves most players speechless.

In 2013, new ownership made a commitment to the community, promising the best product possible. That commitment has been met, and continues to thrive each day.

The Club at Rebecca Creek is now a “must play” destination, boasting a 2014 golf cart fleet, beautiful tree lined fairways, tour inspired greens, and the friendliest staff in Texas. Come out and enjoy a round to remember!

In addition to our wonderful golf course, we are also excited about our remodeled clubhouse and swimming pool.

After your round, take a dip in the pool, or grab a seat in the clubhouse, and watch the golf tournament, or any other sporting event on one of our (5) TVs. Both areas make for great parties or special events!

The Club at Rebecca Creek offers a fantastic golf course, along with the after play extras. Come join us and experience a day to talk about!

10101 Rebecca Creek Rd. Spring Branch, TX 78070

830-885-5168

www.rebeccacreek.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

18

MAP #41

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 t t t t t

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

COURSES

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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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INSTRUCTION

FINDING YOUR BEST GRIP PRESSURE WHEN PUTTING

Kyle Jerome - 512-261-3300 office The Academy of Golf Dynamics, Inc.

T

here are many things in golf that are set in stone. Teeing off behind the markers, tapping down spike marks is prohibited and Jordan Spieth has a pretty good handle on the short game, to name a few. There are also things in golf that are personal preference. The speed at which you swing the club and what kind of clubs you use, for example. One of the most important things in the “personal preference” category is putting grip pressure. There have been great putters who have gripped their putter firm, some who have used a medium pressure and some that preferred a light pressure. What grip pressure should you use when holding the putter? Well, that’s completely up to you. Let’s look at some examples of each and how their grip pressure affected their putting strokes.

What grip pressure you use when putting is purely up to the individual. We’re going to show you how to find the grip pressure that works best for you.

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FIRM GRIP PRESSURE Typically, players that use firmer grip pressures tend to have a little quicker tempo to their stroke. Examples would be Tom Watson, Brandt Snedeker and Aaron Baddeley. Keep in mind, they may not have gripped/grip the putter “tight”, but their grip pressures tend to be a little firmer than most players. All three of these players have/had very quick tempo and their grip pressure plays a significant role in this aspect. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your tempo, when putting, has to be slow. The players mentioned above are/were considered great putters. Some people might hesitate to put Tom Watson on the “great putters” list because of his putting struggles later in his career. But make no mistake about it, no one wins 8 major championships without being a great putter.

MEDIUM GRIP PRESSURE Players with medium grip pressure when they putt tend to have more of a medium pace to their stroke. Players that fall into this category would be Tiger Woods, Billy Casper, Jason Day, Brad Faxon and Annika Sorenstam. Billy Casper is considered by many to be the best putter of all time. His stroke was a little more wristy (like many players of his era) but Tiger, Faxon and Annika keep/kept their wrists very quiet during their strokes while still keeping their arms and shoulders very relaxed.

LIGHT GRIP PRESSURE Players with light grip pressure when they putt tend to have a slower tempo.

Great putters in this category would be Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Jordan Spieth, David Toms, Loren Roberts and Larry Mize.

Super relaxed over the ball would be just one way to describe these great putters.

These are the players who tend to have the “best looking” strokes. Watching these

INSTRUCTION

players putt is much like listening to Patsy Cline sing a song...it just doesn’t get much better. Nicklaus is the one exception here - he tended to have a quicker pace to his stroke and didn’t exactly look relaxed over the ball. But he was obviously one of the best putters of all time and his grip pressure was usually light… and when analyzing Nicklaus’ putting stroke, just see: “18 majors”.

Nicklaus usually gripped the putter light, but former U.S. Open winner Lou Graham said Nicklaus had one of the best runs in golf when he gripped the putter real firm. What this tells us is that from time to time, you can modify your grip pressure as long as you keep it consistent during your round.

Often times a player’s personality will affect the tempo of his/her stroke as well.

Someone who has quick or fast mannerisms (talk, walk, drive a car, etc.) will tend to have a quicker pace than someone who does those things a little slower.

HOW TO DECIDE WHAT GRIP PRESSURE IS BEST FOR YOU The best way for you to figure out which grip pressure works best for you is to get on the practice putting green and try different grip pressures. Hit some putts with a light grip pressure, some with a medium grip pressure and some with a firm grip pressure. You might even find that you putt best when you’re somewhere in between.

Rate your grip pressure on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lightest and 10 being the firmest. Once you’ve found your ideal grip pressure, attach a number to it. That way you always have a form of reference to go to. You should try to let your tempo set itself. Let your grip pressure and the speed

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of your mannerisms dictate the speed at which you swing the putter so it is as natural as possible. Remember, it doesn’t matter what speed you swing the putter. A good putter is always comfortable when putting.

Doing something that doesn’t come natural will get in the way of being comfortable.

But having said this, the bottom line is, a good putting stroke is a stroke that makes putts.

So the next time you struggle with your putting, it might not be because of your stroke mechanics, you might just be holding your putter with the wrong grip pressure.

Good luck!

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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REVIEW

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 full swing and will graduate its first students this spring.

We started our program in August of 2015 and opened our new facility last October. Since then we have experienced growth in our partnerships with local golf facilities, enhanced our curriculum by consulting with industry experts, exposed our students nationally at the annual golf course owners conference, and 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.

A BBA in Golf Management Why and how?

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, regardless of their playing ability. Recognizing this need, UIW partnered with Foresight Golf Management, of San Antonio, and its Republic TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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 on-the-job and hands-on training.

Originally incorporated to build and own high quality, affordable golf courses, Foresight recognized an opportunity to serve other golf course owners in 2008 and subsequently offered its expertise and services to private companies and municipalities. Foresight Golf Management team members have vast experience in every segment of the golf industry. This experience and ability has translated into significant success with new projects and increased demand for management services. Although Foresight Golf is privileged to have initially championed UIW’s PGM program, neither Foresight nor UIW envision it to be exclusive to their organizations, instead approaching the effort as an outreach to the golf community.The hope of the Professional Golf Management program is to benefit golf facilities and personnel within the industry. For example, as part of their internship requirements, PGM students were employed last year at several facilities in the San Antonio area, including La Cantera Resort,Vaaler Creek Golf Course and San Antonio Country Club.

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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. Our Business Administration degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs and offers a high-quality and outstanding learning environment. In addition to the practical education in the BBA program, our golf-specific curriculum focuses on the most important knowledge areas of managing a golf facility.The classes consist of Business Planning,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 will round out a detailed and hands on education in the business of golf.

“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 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 Facility

Our new 13,000-s-f facility houses the PGM program, four large classrooms and student study areas, as well as office space for staff, faculty and advisors.

The facility also offers stateof-the-art equipment, inlcuding hitting bays, simulator labs, club repair facilities, locker rooms and a specially degisned putting green. It is also home to the UIW men’s and women’s NCAA Division I golf teams.

Our Students

One of the more important highlights of our students is understanding that while most play and enjoy the game of golf, there are no player ability requirements in order to graduate (though I would gladly take any of our students as a golf partner any day). Their focus, as is our curriculum, is to grow the game of golf through highly effective coursework and internships, business plans and operations.

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REVIEW

Our students look forward to numerous opportunities upon graduation.Texas is home to a robust golf industry, including 819 of the 15,000 golf courses nationwide.

The state is also home to 87 stand-alone ranges and 69 miniature golf facilities that generate over $2 billion in annual revenue.

Interestingly, there are approximately 81,000 Texans that go to work each day at a golf facility with the anticipation of collaborating with clients, coworkers and customers who are happy because they get to work in an industry they love.This is more impressive when you compare the business of golf in Texas to the state’s other popular revenue generating sports; football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer. What makes this comparison so impressive, is that these five sports combined generate less revenue than does the sport and business of golf.

Besides the opportunities to perform internships at many local golf courses and gain valuable exposure, each of our students are eligible to compete for a scholarship thanks to the Valero Texas Open, which allows two students to attend the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Annual Conference. During this conference they will work with NGCOA staff, assist attendees, introduce guest speakers, 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 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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 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 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 for career opportunities for our graduates.

“The Professional Golf Management Program will develop our business students who are passionate about growing and improving the game and business of golf, by educating them with critical leadership and management competences while providing them with a focused application of those skills through our partners at Foresight Golf Management.” - Brian L. Graybeal, Director, PGM Program 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/professionalgolf-management.html

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 2017 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2017 Group Specials

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REVIEW

Celebrating 100 years of golf

By Mike Ratchman

I usually don’t write stories for the magazine I publish, preferring instead to leave the words and thoughts about our local and far-flung golf courses to our professional journalists. It’s a formula that’s worked out pretty well for the Texas Golf Insider for quite a while.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

But last month I was lucky enough to be involved with The 1916 at Old Brack, a celebration of 100 years of golf and memories at Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio, and I wanted to personally express my excitement about the experience.

The three-day event was the end of a year-long celebration to remember the impact Old Brack has had on golf in San Antonio and in Texas.

The course was routed by noted designer A.W.Tillinghast on land that had been donated by George W. Brackenridge, who’s family used the property as hunting grounds. Brackenridge thought the city of San Antonio and its citizens would be better served with a golf course and surrounding park.

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at Old Brack Photos by Tony Roberts Photography

Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw andTom Kite have all played there, and so did – and do – a whole lot of muni golfers and folks visiting San Antonio. Old Brack was the original home of theTexas Open, which ran, with the exception of a couple of years, from 1922-1959 at the course.

It’s Texas’ oldest municipal course, and the city paid $4.5 million for a comprehensive restoration in 2008 that returned Old Brack’s layout to a semblance of Tillinghast’s original design, with new greens (some of them square), bunkers, irrigation and turf grasses.

There’s a story in every corner of the rolling, well-treed property and many of those stories were forged by the people that have been inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, which is housed in the Tudor-style clubhouse onsite and includes a Walk of Fame with the names of the Hall’s honorees among the ancient oaks right next to the 17th green.

It was an honor for my partner, Dave Roberts, and I to participate in the event.We didn’t win anything (I don’t think we had a birdie for the whole tournament) but we had a lot of fun and played a great course with some really wonderful people.

We played some holes with hickory-shafted clubs and vied for a hole-in-one using equipment that was in vogue when Old Brack debuted instead of the hightech instruments we now have in our golf bags.

Every single one of us walked away from our experience with a greater understanding of the course’s place in Texas golf history and our little part of the bigger picture.

We salute the efforts of Jim Roschek, the director of golf operations for the Municipal Golf Association of San Antonio and the Alamo City Golf Trail, and his staff and associates for a job well done.

Here’s to another century, and more, of wonderful golf at Brackenridge Golf Course.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

46

FEATURE STORY

Lopez Scholarship Invitational tournament benefits Laredo students, shows off The Max

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributor The Max Mandel Municipal Golf Course, Laredo’s award-winning golf course designed by distinguished architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., was on fine display on June 14 when it hosted the inaugural Nancy Lopez Scholarship Invitational tournament.

Three years ago, Lopez was a special guest of the City of Laredo when the facility’s new clubhouse was unveiled and the intent to establish a Nancy Lopez Scholarship fund was announced.

The first two recipients of the grants, Oscar Cantu and Mara Ramirez, local high school seniors who play golf and who embody the scholarship criteria, were presented a check for more than $2,000 each by Lopez at

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a gala dinner attended by 85 guests on the eve of the tournament.

Seventy-two golfers played in the best-ball tournament at The Max the next morning, and the dinner and the invitational tournament raised more than $6,800 for the ongoing scholarship fund.

“Nancy really loves the kids and she came and played a practice round with them,” The Max’s general manager Dennis Gutierrez said. “Not many people can say they’ve played 18 holes with a World Golf Hall of Famer and a three-time major winner.”

Jesus Olivares, Laredo’s city manager, said the City of Laredo enjoys a special relationship with Lopez and believes that she is an inspiration to the community.

FEATURE STORY

“The presentation of the first two Nancy Lopez Scholarships to the deserving winners will help underwrite the cost of their college education,” Olivares said.

“We hope to have Nancy back with us each year to make those presentations.”

The Max, now managed and maintained by Landscapes Unlimited, has matured nicely and is a great test of golf.

Routed along bluffs overlooking the Rio Grande across to Mexico, the site encompasses almost a mile of riverfront property. The course presents four holes that play adjacent to and high above the water as it traverses deep arroyos and navigates through 30-foot tall mesquite woodlands and upon open farmland.

The land for the course, located on a 270-acre site about 10 miles from downtown Laredo, was donated to the City by

47

the family of the late Max A. Mandel, a Laredo bank executive and economic visionary. Water is not an issue, because the Rio Grande skirts the course’s western boundary and can be tapped into at will.

“As a facility primarily designed to encourage repeat play by the golfing community of Laredo, our intent was to offer players a continuous mode of discovery from round to round,” Jones, Jr. said. “Reduced to its simplest elements, the golf course constantly plays with the concepts of flexibility and variety.”

The Max provides an excellent balance of drama, playability and risk/ reward that combine to form an exciting and enjoyable round of golf. Playing

to a par of 72 and at 7,069 yards from its back tees but with four more teeing grounds at the player’s option, there are wide, inviting fairways throughout and challenging putting surfaces and green surrounds.

The routing creates “courses within the course” on the back-nine, which stages returning three- and six-hole loops that flank the expansive practice facility.

This concept maximizes The Max’s ability to provide instruction for all levels of golfers, especially beginners.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

50

FEATURE STORY

New personnel, fresh attitude at Jersey Meadow GC are making great golf even better

By Steve Habel, Senior Editor

There are instant and tried-and-true indications of success at a golf course – a crowded parking lot, a full tee sheet and the smiles and positive comments of the players as they walk off the 18th green with a plan to return soon.

At Jersey Meadow Golf Course in the Houston suburb of Jersey Village, those facets are enjoyed on a daily basis.

But its operators aren’t resting on their laurels – besides being a fantastic and affordable golf course, Jersey Meadow is continuing to improve in all aspects of its golf experience – the already great is getting even better.

In the late 1950’s, a parcel of land of a 1,236-acre ranch owned by Clark W. Henry was set aside for the site’s original golf course. In 1984 golf architect Carlton Gipson redesigned the track and Gipson’s course was tweaked in the 1990s by Houstonnative Jay Riviere, helping to make it the outstanding test of golf it is today.

In the summer of 2004, the greens were resodded with Champions Bermuda and the clubhouse TheTexasGolfInsider.com

and driving range were renovated and updated.

Jersey Meadow GC is municipal golf at its finest and is a course that provides as much challenge as the golfer is willing to take on.You can shoot low scores here, but there are plenty of places where a wayward shot or two can really cost you.

If you play the course, and many golfers have through the years, you understand there is a bit of a risk for every reward.

It’s easy to be deceived into thinking that Jersey Meadow GC, which plays at just 6,671 yards from its back tees, will be a walk in the park. That idea can be dispelled by a serious look at the scorecard; playing the par-71 course all the way back brings a 73.3 rating and a stout slope of 136, numbers that rank in the top 25 percent of all courses in the United States. Its routing is nestled among mature live oak groves and forces game management as well as a lot of moxie to conquer.

Jersey Meadow GC offers a pleasant round of golf in the traditional sense, with a good balance of

FEATURE STORY

51

long and short par-4s to help keep the player’s focus and interest. Five of the two-shotters (including the 444-yard second hole and the better-get-it-right-or-pay 434-yard 10th) play at more than 415 yards from the back tees.

That difficulty is balanced by the fact that all three of the par-5 holes on the course (the 473-yard No. 1, the 519-yard seventh and the 513-yard 13th) can be reached in two shots and can relinquish birdies if played with a little moxie and verve. Jersey Meadow GC’s par-3s are never a bargain – at 165 yards, the sixth is the shortest, but its long and narrow green is well protected so it is no easy par.

The closing hole at Jersey Meadow GC is one of its toughest.The 399-yard par-4 plays straight toward the clubhouse on the horizon and has forced-carries over water on both the tee shot and on the approach. A 240-yard carry is needed from the back tees to traverse a wide creek that slices across the fairway. A pond fronts the putting surface about 65 yards short of the elevated green, which is the shallowest on the course and sandwiched with bunkers on either side.

There are fresh faces in control and a new attitude in place at Jersey Meadow GC, with Industry veteran Matt Jones as its new manager and head golf professional. Other new faces in the Pro Shop include assistant golf professionals Jennifer Johnson and Ben Johnson. Danny Atchison and Tony Brown are the course superintendents. Jones and staff bring decades of experience in the golf business and have already made many positive improvements to the course and its operations.

There are plans to keep Jersey Meadow Golf Course moving toward its goal of being one of the top municipal golf courses in the Houston area.The facility’s new teaching and practice programs have been augmented and improved and now offer many different teaching clinics, club fittings and private lessons for all caliber TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

of golfers.There is now a designated area at the course’s range for these activities to be more private and separate from the normal range activity.

The course’s golf shop sports a new look with a more diverse inventory and a very competitive approach to special ordering everything from shirts, caps, shorts and shoes to clubs and accessories, with pricing set to beat or match the bigbox competitors.

The routing and playing conditions at Jersey Meadow GC have always been solid, but with more than a dozen reconstructed bunkers and additional curbing surrounding all tees and greens, the overall cosmetics of the golf course are changing,

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too. Also, there are future plans to level some existing tees as well as adding some new teeing grounds to stretch the yardage to more than 6,800 yards.

“The clubhouse has begun some new cosmetic improvements as well,” Jones said. “We are making Jersey Meadow great, not just good!”

Jersey Meadow GC, which is located just northwest of the Bayou City near where Highway 290 and Beltway 8 intersect, has the largest senior golf association in the Houston area with more than 525 members.The facility also is the home of active men’s and women’s golf associations with weekly and bi-weekly tournaments and play days.

The course also welcomes public play and all interested groups for tournaments and fundraisers.

For frequent players, Jersey Meadow GC offers a STAR membership that gives great discounts on all green fees, driving range and merchandise for only $80.00 a year. Players get a free round of golf when they enroll in the program.

“We also have a fantastic food and beverage facility that has been operating here for over 10 years, so we can offer very competitive ‘turn-key’ pricing for our tournaments,” Jones said. “If you live in the Houston area and have not played Jersey Meadow, please give us a try. If you’re visiting, you must play here. Great price, great course, great service, great location!”

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GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

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

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PHONE COURSE (512) 248-2442 (512) 402-1558 (512) 288-4297 (512) 453-0276 (512) 444-0999 (512) 477-6963 (512) 974-8333 (512) 386-7077 (800) 646-5407 (512) 629-4585 (512) 308-9653 (512) 321-2327 (512) 321-1181 (830) 833-0706 (830) 537-4197 (512) 756-8471 (830) 899-3301 (830) 931-3100 (830) 606-7351 (830) 995-5351 (830) 232-4471 (830) 665-9943 (830) 216-2800 (830) 997-4010 (512) 864-1244 (512) 864-1222 (512) 864-1244 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (512) 252-4653 (830) 257-4982 (325) 388-8888 (325) 388-6660 (512) 262-5555 (512) 267-1170 (512) 267-1170 (512) 556-3202

TYPE

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

PHONE (512) 259-5855 (325) 247-5100 (512) 278-1304 (830) 693-3300 (830) 609-4665 (830) 221-4340 (830) 281-3486 (512) 251-9000 (512) 388-2874 (512) 252-GOLF (512) 651-9850 (254) 947-5698 (512) 353-1665 (325) 372-3212 (830) 303-0669 (830) 401-2490 (512) 264-1489 (830) 904-4653 (830) 885-5168 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 671-3466 (210) 504-2550 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 655-4148 (210) 826-4041 (210) 652-4570 (210) 533-8371 (210) 222-9386 (210) 349-5113 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700

THE PERFECT DRIVE

55

THE COAST COURSE

TYPE

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

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

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

PHONE (361) 664-7033 (956) 541-2582 (361) 790-7513 (361) 576-0018 (361) 991-2811 (956) 428-7758 (956) 381-1244 (409) 543-6592 (956) 542-9861 (361) 771-2424 (361) 645-2144 (361) 749-1974 (956) 412-4110 (361) 592-1101 (361) 826-8017 (361) 826-8010 (361) 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 COURSE Adobe Wells Country Club Alamo Country Club Brownsville Municipal GC Cimarron Cottonwood 21 Ebony Hills Golf Course Fair Winds G.C & Practice Range Fort Brown Memorial GC Harlingen Country Club Jim Paul Golf Course Llano Grande Golf Course Los Lagos Golf Club Martin Valley Ranches Golf Course McAllen Country Club Meadow Creek Golf Club Palacio Real Golf Course Palm View Golf Course Rancho Viejo Country Club Raymondville Municipal Course River Bend Resort Shary Municipal Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club The MAX Golf Course Tony Butler Municiapal GC

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

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

99

16

127

ConCan

15 15

Utopia

17

53

7

Castroville

27 1604

66

Comfort 46

14

8

1604

35

29 725 65

73

87 87 Spring Brand

3 12 9 10 6 13 64 11

473

1431

84

Kyle

98

25

620

Marble Falls 41 Leander

3

130 1825

Robstown

37

96

2

Refugio

97Portland

83286 358

44

Corpus Christi

77

Sinton

2

To Ho us to n

Harper

2342

Kingsland

Port Aransas

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Brackenridge Park Golf Course 6

2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

7

8250 Vista Colina, San Antonio, TX 78255 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

Cedar Creek Golf Course

Cypresswood Golf Club 38 21602 Cypress Dr., Spring, TX 77373

57

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

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Par

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

Type Hole

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

(210) 226-5612

1

t t t t *

(210) 695-5050

1

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(281) 821-6300

1

t t *

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www.cypresswood.com

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

t t t t t

www.delawaresprings.com

Jersey Meadow Golf Course 2 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040

(713) 896-0900

1 t t t t t

www.jerseymeadow.com

Landa Park Golf Course (830) 221-4340 73 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130

M

t t t t t

www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

Mission Del Lago Golf Course

(210) 627-2522

1

(361) 826-8016

P 18

t t

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8 1250 Mission Grande, San Antonio, TX 78221 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

Lozano Golf Center

72

t t

t t

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

Northern Hills Golf Course

(210) 655-4148 1

t t t t t *

9 13202 Scarsdale, San Antonio, TX 78217 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

Olmos Basin Golf Course

(210) 826-4041

1

t t

t t *

10 7022 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

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

1

t t t t t

www.olympiahillsgolf.com

Riverside Golf Course 11 203 McDonald, San Antonio, TX 78210

(210) 533-8371 1

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www.alamocitygolftrail.com

San Pedro Range & Par 3

(210) 349-5113

1

t t t *

(512) 252-4653

S1

t t t t

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

M

t t t t t

S1

t t t t t

12 6102 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

Star Ranch Golf Club 3

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

www.osobeachgolf.com

Plum Creek Golf Course 98 750 Kohler Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640

(512) 262-5555

www.plumcreekgolf.com

* Insert TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Par

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

COURSES SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Type Hole

Map Number

58

(830) 257-4982

M

t

(830) 609-4665

S1

t t t t t

(830) 995-5351

1

t t t t t

(830) 232-4471

1

t t t t t

(830) 885-7351

1

(210) 504-2550

1

t t t t t

(956) 726-2000

P

t t t t t

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

1

t t t t t

(830) 833-0706

S1

t t t t

(210) 226-6721

1

t t t t *

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

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

t

www.golfkerrville.com

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

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

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

The Club at Rebecca Creek

t t t t t

14 10101 Rebecca Creek Rd., Spring Branch, TX 78070 www.rebeccacreek.com

The Golf Club of Texas 27 13600 Briggs Ranch, San Antonio, TX 782 45 www.golfclubtexas.com

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

www.republicgolfclub.com

Vaaler Creek Golf Club 87 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf

Willow Springs Golf Club 13 202 AT&T Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING Audubon Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Louisiana www.audubongolf.com | Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 63 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Jersey Meadow Village | Map# 2 | Ad Page 52-55 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040 | www.jerseymeadow.com | 713-896-0900 Rockwind Community Links | Ad Page 25 Hobbs, New Mexico www.rockwindgolfcourse.com | 575-397-9297 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 20-24 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

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SHOPPING/SERVICES Edwin Watts Golf | Map # 3 | Ad Pages 64 1050 NE Loop 410, San Antonio,TX | www.edwinwattsgolf.com | 210-822-4060 Edwin Watts Golf | Map # 83 | Ad Pages 64 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi,TX | www.edwinwattsgolf.com | 361-852-0358 &41/ A5FYBT (PMG *OTJEFS | Ad Page 19 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Ad Pg 16 16602 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX | www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299 The Academy of Golf Dynamics | Map # 25 | Ad Pg 36-37 Club Estates Parkway, Austin, TX | www.golfdynamics.com | 800-879-2008 The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 5 Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, Georgetown, TX | www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

60

REVIEW

Miller, Burke, McCallister, Finger honored in Texas-sized TGHOF Induction celebration

By Art Stricklin, Contributing Writer

The next chapter of Texas Golf history was written Monday as the Class of 2016 was formally inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in a day long ceremony of memories and celebration, capped by the formal induction banquet at San Antonio Country Club.

“I cannot tell you how many great things have happened in my life because of Texas golf,” said Blaine McCallister,

Park Golf Course in Houston was added to the Texas Registry of Historic Golf Courses.

The inductees were presented in a special roundtable discussion Monday morning at historic Brackenridge Park where their names were added to the granite marker in the TGHoF Walk of Fame among the greatest names in Texas Golf.

Later they were formally presented at the induction banquet at nearby San Antonio Country Club and received the impressive Gathering of Eagles Trophy which goes to each inductee.

The induction was especially meaningful to Burke since she joined her husband Jack, the co-founder of Champions Golf Club in Houston and past Masters champion, as the only husband and wife in the Texas golf shrine.

Blane NcCallister, Art Stricklin and Robin Burke “I appreciate everything Jack has done for me, because who was inducted into the professional without him I would not be able to have the player category. “It’s such an honor to be amateur career I have had,” Burke said. “ a part of this”.

A five-time PGA Tour winner, The current captain of the women’s McCallister, who began his career in U.S. Curtis Cup team, Robin Burke tiny Fort Stockton, said being enshrined from Houston, was inducted into the among his fellow Lone Star players and amateur category. One of Texas greatest peers is an honor that can never be taken architects, Joe Finger was honored for away. lifetime achievement while renowned Miller grew up in Fort Worth where Texas Teacher Lindy Miller from he worked for TGHoF member Ben Fort Worth was honored in the golf Hogan at his home club, Shady Oaks professional/teacher category. Memorial Country Club TheTexasGolfInsider.com

REVIEW

“I had a great relationship with Mr. Hogan when I worked there at age 1415, shagging balls for him on the practice range. Nobody ever hit it better than him in golf, and probably (Dallas native, Lee) Trevino would be my second pick.”

“He would come watch me and always be interested in how I was doing.

I never told this story before, but I remember being told after he (Hogan) passed away, that he had bet $1,000 that I would win the Masters in five years starting in 1978. I’m sorry I let him down, but I am glad I was able to do this (hall of fame induction).”

Miller was a four-time All-American selection, playing college golf at Oklahoma State University while leading the Cowboys to two national titles. He played a few years on the PGA Tour before becoming the first head professional at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth. Miller started a junior golf program which became The First Tee of Ft.Worth, and is now serving as Director of Instruction at Shady Oaks where he started his golf career.

61

Finger was a member of the Rice Golf Team and led the Owls to a conference title before becoming a chemical engineer.

He turned to golf architecture later in life, designing hundreds of courses nationally and internationally including many in the Houston area and Austin. He designed two in Kerrville where he retired; Riverhill Country Club and Scott Schreiner golf course.

Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston opened in 1936 in the midst of the Great Depression, but has served as the home of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open in the past along with more than five million rounds by Southeast Texas golfers.

The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is the largest and most prestigious golf hall of fame in the country. It’s located in Brackenridge Park, the site of Texas’ first public course, the first with grass greens and the first site of the PGA Tour’s Texas Open.The Wall of Fame contains brass plaques from each of the classes inducted in the hall and the adjoining structures comprise the shrine to Texas golf heroes past, present and future.

Robin Burke, Lindy Miller, Blaine McCallister, Julia Finger (Joe Finger’s wife) and Jason Harsh, director of golf for Memorial Park and the city of Houston.

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62

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