Texas Golf Insider: The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Golf Insider TEXAS

SPRING 2021

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Fort Worth offers Great Golf History

Inside:

TPC-Craig Ranch

Hosting AT&T Byron Nelson

Beautiful Hill Country’s Kerrville Come Live, Work & Play

Two Guys & A Golf Show

Duo coming up on their 1000th show

Golf & Food

Texas Style Watch our new Facebook Live “Golf After Hours” Podcast!

Facebook.com/ TexasGolfInsider

Coming Soon to Rockwood Park Golf Course

Award-winning dining, a booming craft beer scene and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail await you in Alabama.

Plus, with Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountains to the coast you can take it all in.

www.GolfAlabama.org

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, Birmingham

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Cover Stories

8

6 WELCOME

HOW TO CONTACT US WITH GOLF NEWS AND STORIES

8 FORT WORTH / COW TOWN Rockwood Park Golf Course 20

GREAT GOLF HISTORY AND STILL GOING STRONG

14 GLEN ROSE IN SOMERVELL COUNTY TOURIST FRIENDLY & LOTS OF GOLF

20 TPC-CRAIG RANCH NEW HOME OF AT&T BYRON NELSON

28 TWO GUYS AND A GOLF SHOW TPC-Craig Ranch 28

NEARING 1000th SHOW & 17th SEASON DUO MIKE RATCHMAN & DAVE ROBERTS

CONTENTS 34 KERRVILLE TEXAS LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

42 EAT RIGHT, PLAY GOOD Dave Roberts 34

Mike Ratchman 50

Scott Schreiner GC, Kerrville 42

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Food For Golf Follow Us TheTexasGolfInsider.com

T G I

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

70 GOLF, TOURISM IN SW LOUISIANA TAKING BABY STEPS TOWARD NORMALCY

DIRECTORIES DALLAS/FORT WORTH 24 GENERAL DIRECTORY 25 MAP/ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

CENTRAL TEXAS 52 GENERAL DIRECTORY 54 MAP 55 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

GREATER HOUSTON/TEXAS COAST 66 GENERAL DIRECTORY 67 MAP/ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

6

FROM THE FROM THEPUBLISHER EDITOR

Letter From The Publisher Texas

GOLF INSIDER P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Director of Marketing: Joe Valentino, DFW Office: 940-735-1265 Editor: Ava Ratchman Contributing Writers: Steve Habel, Dave Daubert, Art Sticklin Contributing Photographers: Mark Lindsay, Steve Giles, Justin Becker, Office Manager/Social Media: Marcede Pullen Production: Pat Gondert 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS Copyright ©2020 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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Thank you for picking upTheTexas Golf Insider!

Can you believe it is Spring already! I don’t know about you, but I am ready for it. Just to back track a bit before we get to the new year, I know this sounds weird but boy last year was so great for the game of golf.

You know, before 2020, most golf courses inTexas were seeing the usual business and maybe were doing better than most states around the country.Then a worldwide pandemic emerged and everything came to a standstill. So many things changed. Personally, I thought I was headed into retirement and worse than that, being asked to not leave your house really stunk. But once things started opening back up again in late spring, thanks to social distancing and the encouragement of outdoor sports, golf saw a resurgence like we have not seen since theTigerWoods days.

The game of golf was one of the first “safe spaces” to get back to business and it still is one of the safest places to escape to.All indicators are forecasting that 2021 will be a better year for the golf industry, if you can image that. I can, and I am so happy to see it. I encourage you, if you have not played the game of golf before, start. If you gave up the sport years back, dust those clubs off and get back in the game. If you never stopped playing, I have a list of golf courses in this issue you might want to put on your play list this year.

Let us start with our front cover, FortWorth Golf.The City of FortWorth offers up four of some the best municipal courses in the state. PecanValley with 36 holes, Meadowbrook Golf Course and the king of them all, Historic Rockwood Park Golf Course. Each of the courses have a unique layout and were designed by some of the most legendary golf architectures in Texas. I could go on, but you will have to read it for yourself.

As you’re thumbing through this edition ofTGI, make plans to take advantage of some of the safe places to travel to this Spring. It will be good for your body and soul.

Publisher, Mike Ratchman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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JoeValentino

A forty year veteran of the construction industry, he has marketed products all over the world.

Golf is his passion and he has been fortunate enough to play top courses in seven countries. Joe is currently living in Denton and loves calling on North Texas courses for TGI.

Top 100 Clubfitters in the Country Huge selection of new and used clubs 8,000 sq ft facility, with hitting bays and custom Club Fitting

Steve Habel

Contributing golf writer and correspondent for TGI, 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.

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.

Visit our Golf Shop to See Major Benefits from: -Monitors and fitting equipment -Fully stocked Golf Apparel -Fast and Reliable Repairs -Custom Refinishing and Stamping -Friendly Customer Service -Personlized Lessons

TEXAS

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Watch our new Facebook Live “Golf After Hours” Podcast!

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610 North Austin Avenue Georgetown, TX 78626 512-863-4573 www.golfranchshop.com

Take your game to the next level!

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8

COVER STORY

Fort Worth Great Golf History

By Kevin Art Stricklin Contributing Writer By Drake, ,Contributing Writer

Fort Worth, aka Cow Town, aka Where the West Begins, aka Panther City, has never lacked for great golf history.

Names like Fort Worth residents turned golf legends Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson have made sure of that, as has the second longest PGA Tour event held at the same spot, the Colonial tournament now known as the Charles Schwab Invitational at historic Colonial Country Club.

Thanks to recent and ongoing improvement on the city’s municipal golf courses, Fort Worth golfers and visitors from everywhere have a chance to “be part of history by playing history,” according to city golf assistant director Dave Lewis.

Meadowbrook Golf Course hole #1

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Rockwood Park Golf Course hole #4

The three city courses, Rockwood Park, 36 holes at Pecan Valley and Meadowbrook give city residents and guests a wide variety of golf styles, price points and locations to enjoy the sport in the North Texas city where it became famous and produced some of its greatest players.

“We want to be constantly improving and constantly evolving,” said Lewis. “Our goal is to only get better.”

Nowhere is that seen clearer than the longtime Northside golfing staple Rockwood Park which was opened in 1938.

It’s Fort Worth’s longest owned golfing experience with work provided by the

COVER STORY

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PecanValley-River Course hole # 7

depression-era Works Progress Administration and designed by Texas golf architecture legend John Bredemus, who helped lay out nearby Colonial and is known as the father of Texas Golf.

The course, located just off Jacksboro Highway near a sports field complex of the same name, underwent a complete renovation 2017 by local architect John Colligan which restored the grandeur of the tree lined course. Since the renovation, it became Fort Worth’s most popular single course with 43,000-plus rounds in 2020, fueled with a steady stream of TCU college students, people from downtown and regulars and visitors who love the old school vibe here.

“John Colligan and Trey Kemp did a remarkable job of designing a fun, fair and

challenging course,” said head pro Shawn Watson. “The fact we are seeing so many new faces daily is a sign of success.”

The Trinity River comes into view on several of the front nine and back nine holes, notably on 4 and 5 along with 15 and 16, where a tributary of the river forces golfers to hit over the water on the par 3 15th.

The course in its renovated form features TifEagle Bermuda grass on large greens, which put a premium on putting and chipping.There is also water on 8 of the 18 holes, meaning many a wayward shot can turn into a watery disaster.

Colligan also fashioned a six-hole Rivers Edge practice course at the facility for beginning players or those who want to work on their short games. It’s close to the

Rockwood Park Golf Course hole # 2

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COVER STORY

Meadowbrook Golf Course hole # 17

Ben Hogan Learning Center, which is part of The First Tee of Fort Worth headquarters.

One of the biggest improvements will take place this spring when Rockwood Park opens a brand new clubhouse adjacent to the first tee box.The 16,000 square foot clubhouse, which features premium food and beverage along with a large pro shop providing all manner of golf gear, along with public meeting rooms and other golf facilities.

The architect on the project was Elements of Architecture along with RJM Contractors.

“We’ve been thrilled with the golf renovations, which have given us one of the best city golf courses anywhere, but when we started looking at it, the old clubhouse as it stood, was really holding back the course overall,” Lewis said.

Rockwood Park Clubhouse Rendering

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“We wanted to be constantly improving and when this is finished, along with some of the work we’re planning to do on the practice range, we will have one of the nicest city courses anywhere.” It falls into line with what Lewis wants to do with all three city owned courses.

Meadowbrook Golf Course didn’t start as a city-owned course, but it has the longest history. It was opened in 1920 as Meadowbrook Country Club, located on the cites’ East Side.

Famed Texas architect Claude Whalen came to Fort Worth to help build the original Meadowbrook layout.

Despite being a premium golf and club facility, Meadowbrook failed to make it through the Great Depression and ultimately Fort Worth bought the facility years later not wanting the outstanding layout and history to go to waste.

In 1960,Texas architect Ralph Plummer came in for renovations and with the creation of local dams, formed five new lakes and improved the irrigation system.

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COVER STORY

Meadowbrook Golf Course hole # 11

you choose to play, Lewis says he wants them to have three things in common.

“We want to have good course conditions, we want top flight customer service and we want to have good marketing so you’ll know where and when is best to play.”

Fort Worth golf got some unexpected marketing last year when the global COVID-19 pandemic hit.While many local courses were closed because of the virus, some for weeks or months at a time, Fort Worth courses never closed thanks to the hard work of Lewis and his staff.

PecanValley-River Course hole # 13

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“The mayor made it clear that golf was an essential activity in Fort Worth that we needed for exercise, so we never closed a single day,” Lewis said. “It had an unexpected residual affect.”

“The people who came in to play here because their home course was closed are now coming back to play again because it was so nice. More people are moving here all the time and play is booming.”

Another perk Fort Worth city courses added is that you can call from anywhere on the course and request a food or drink item and one of the city golf staff will bring it to you.

“We want our golf to always be evolving, always be improving.We are proud to have never closed.We’ve seen success and growth here and we want to keep it going.”

Just another Lone Star Links success story in the long history of Fort Worth golf.

COMING SOON! Rockwood Park GC

New 16,000 sq. ft. Club House

Rockwood Park Golf Course • Driving Range • Full Service Grill • Home of The First Tee of Fort Worth Ben Hogan Learning Center • (817) 392-6560 • Head Pro: Shawn Watson • Superintendent: Bill Sturm

Pecan Valley Golf Course • • • • • • •

Two 18-hole Championship Courses Driving Range Practice green Full Service snack shop (817) 392-6490 Head Pro: David Fowler Superintendent: Ryan Reimer

Meadowbrook Golf Course • 6,363 Yards (Blue Tees) • Par 71 • Two practice greens • (817) 392-6191 • Head Pro: Heath Eagle • Superintendent: Danny Smith

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FEATURE STORY

Somervell County and Glen Rose is high on Spring agenda

By Steve Habel, ContributingWriter

In the time of the coronavirus pandemic, getting away for a staycation by car for a day or a weekend has never been more desirable.That trend moves trips to the charming town of Glen Rose, the seat of Somervell County, up the ranking of places I want to put on my short list of destinations this spring and summer.

Being a golfer, my first thoughts always go back to the city’s pair of fabulous and highly regarded courses at Squaw Valley Golf Club. But there’s a whole lot more than just the grand game to like about this charming town of some 3,000 folks set about an hour southwest of Fort Worth.

SquawValley Golf Course

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Squaw Valley GC, 36 holes of golf designed by noted Texas-based architects and former partners Jeffrey D. Brauer and John Colligan, remains one of the state’s top public-access courses and drive-to golf destinations.

Starting as an 18-hole championship course designed by Brauer in 1992, Squaw Valley GC was, in 2001, expanded to 36 holes with the addition of a new track fashioned by Colligan.The two courses have their own personalities, and each is really fun to play.

They are a study in contrast, with the eastern portion of the property virtually

FEATURE STORY

flat and treeless, while the western half contains large native live oak, pecan and bur oak trees.

Squaw Valley GC offers golfers a serene and satisfying golfing experience via beautiful vistas of century-old oak trees that define rolling plains. Squaw Creek meanders through both courses, creating carries over water on numerous holes.

The routing allowed the site’s existing ranch house and barn to be converted into the clubhouse and cart storage, saving the county hundreds of thousands of dollars while adding character to the project.

COVID-19, and the need for distancing while recreating, has been a boom to the golf industry in the United States. Squaw Valley GC has enjoyed record play since April, with each ensuing month seeing more people play at the courses than in that month the year before.

“Our two courses are fun and challenging for all levels of golfers, and that’s

SquawValley -Apache Links

always been our draw and the reason we get repeat play and strong word of mouth,” said Steve Heppler, Squaw Valley GC’s head golf professional. “There’s a little bit of everything in the courses – from drivable par 4s, reachable-in-two par 5s, and long and short par 3s.”

“Things have been really hopping out here for the past nine months and show no signs of slowing down.”

Somervell County and Glen Rose have plenty to do off the courses, including

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SquawValley -Comanche Lakes

Barnard’s Mill & Art Museum, the building that started this area as established by Charles Barnard in 1849; the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, ranked No. 3 in the nation as the “Best Wildlife Safari Park;” and Dinosaur Valley State Park, one of Texas’ top State Parks, and a place where children of all ages can walk in the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs.

Other favored attractions are: the Eagle Eye Ranch and Carriage Company (for horseback riding in the park, hayrides, and carriage rides); Dinosaur World, where 150 life-size dinosaurs are displayed in a unique setting; and the Creation Evidence Museum, with its 25-foot replica of Noah’s Ark, a biosphere, and artifacts and scrolls.

“I love the history that makes up the county, the heart that its locals have, and the warm hospitality that you will find at all of the attractions, shops and restaurants,” said Kelly Harris, Somervell County’s Tourism, Promotions, and EDC director. “After moving here 11 years ago I’m happy to say the county has become my forever home.”

Then there’s tubing, canoeing and fishing and on select weekends there are COVID-19 safe music festivals as well as the well-received Somervell County Expo, with its equestrian events in a climate controlled arena.

The county, which has more than 30 unique bed and breakfasts, cabins and vacation rentals as well as six hotels and at least as many RV Parks, is beloved for its scores of mom-and-pop restaurants and shops.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Baker’s Bar & Grill

Squawvalleygc.com

254-897-7956

History * Heart * Hospitality

Hole 12

Hole 3

Glenroseexpo.org 254-897-4509

Somervell.co 254-897-3750

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Wanna Bet? Golf Side Games

By Adam Grosch

We all know making a birdie is exciting, but it’s so much sweeter when it’s worth something. Whether you’re making birdies or happy to make a par, here are a few side games that you can play with your friends to make every round of golf more interesting. All of these games can be played taking handicap difference into account so that all skill levels have a chance to win.

Bingo Bango Bongo: This can be played with 2, 3, or 4 players. In this game there are 3 points on every hole.

One point goes to the longest shot to be on the surface of the green, one point goes to the person nearest to the hole and one point going to the longest putt made within the group. This is a great game for beginners or for large handicap differences within the group because overall score doesn’t matter.

Captain: This game is made for a 3-some. Spin a tee before you start to get the order within your group. The first player will be the Captain and play a low net match for the first 3 holes against the other two players and the second player

will be the Captain on holes 4-6, so on and so forth. You can make each match worth whatever you like.

Baseball (or 9-point):This is another game for a 3-some. Each hole has 9 points available.The lowest net score gets 5 points, the next lowest gets 3 points and the highest score gets 1 point. If there is a tie for the low score the point distribution would be 4-4-1; a tie for the high score would be 5-2-2 and a three way tie would be 3-3-3.

This game usually doesn’t get out of hand so I tend to play each point worth more than what I do in a Wolf game.

The Dude: This a great game for a 3-some on a full course where you will be playing at a 4-some pace. Spin a tee before you start to determine your order. Player 1 will be The Dude on hole 1, player 2 will be The Dude on hole 2, so on and so forth. On each hole all three players tee off and then The Dude plays a second ball that is distinguishable from the original ball. The Dude plays both balls through the hole and his lower net score will go against the low net score from the other two players.

When you’re The Dude you have twice as much exposed to win or lose. Only keep track of the original ball on the scorecard for your handicap (and Nassau’s that you might also have going).

Whether you’re playing for nickels, twenties or pride, no matter what it takes for you, just find ways to make every round of golf fun and exciting.

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H I L L C O U N T R Y

Beachcomber Park 800-379-3083 lakebuchananrv.com

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

Big Chief RV Resort 512-793-4746 bigchiefrvresort.com

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

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

Hidden Falls Adventure Park 830-798-9820 hiddenfallsadventurepark.com

Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park 512-334-2070 canyonoftheeagles.com Cedar Lodge Waterfront Resort 512-793-2820 cedarlodgetexas.com Dos Rios RV Park 325-347-1713 dosriosrvpark.com Edgewater Resort 512-755-5692 the-edgewater.com Fort Mason City Park 325-347-2064 Galloway-Hammond Parks and Recreation Center 512-756-4890

Hofbrau RV Park 830-798-4004 hofbrau-rvpark.com Inks Lake State Park 512-793-2223 tpwd.texas.gov Krause Springs 401-236-7554 krausesprings.net Llanorado Lodge 325-388-4823 highlandlakes.com Llano City RV Park 325-247-7905 llanocityrvpark.com Miller Creek RV Park 830-868-2655 millercreekrvresort.com Poppy’s Pointe Resort 512-793-3922 poppyspointe.net

R V P A R K S

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

Rio Vista Resort 325-388-6331 riovistaresorttx.com Riverview RV Park 830-232-4006 Open 7am - 7 pm..... 7 days a week

325-247-5100

www.llanogolf.com

Roadrunner RV Park 830-868-7449 rrvtx.com San Saba River GC & RV Park 325-372-3212

100 Robinson Park Dr. Llano, TX 78643

325-247-7905

www.llanocityrvpark.com

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Shady Oaks RV Park 210-626-1012 shadyoaksrv.net Sunset Point on Lake LBJ 830-798-8199 sunsetpointlbj.com

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Savor The Hill Country Taste Becker Vineyards 830-644-2681 beckervineyard.com Bell Mountain Vineyards 830-685-3297 bellmountainwine.com Chisholm Trail Winery 830-990-CORK chisholmtrailwinery.com Duchman Family Winery 512-858-1470 duchmanwines.com Driftwood Estate Winery 512-858-9667 driftwoodwinery.com Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 830-500-3048 drycomalcreekvineyards.com Fall Creek Vineyards 325-379-5361 fcv.com Flat Creek Estate Winery 512-267-6310 flatcreekestate.com Fredericksburg Winery 830-990-8747 fbgwinery.com Grape Creek Vineyards 830-644-2710 grapecreek.com Pedernales Cellars 830-644-2037 pedernalescellars.com Perissos Vineyards 512-820-2950 perissosvineyards.com Pillar Bluff Vineyard 512-556-4078 pillarbluff.com ranchoponte.com

Sister Creek Vineyards 830-324-6704 sistercreekvineyards.com Spicewood Vineyards 830-693-5328 spicewoodvineyards.com Stone House Vineyard 512-264-3630 stonehousevineyard.com Texas Hills Vineyard 830-868-2321 texashillsvineyards.com Texas Legato Winery 512-556-9600 texaslegatowinery.net Woodrose Winery 830-644-2539 woodrosewinery.com

H I L L C O U N T R Y

W I N E R I E S

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FEATURE STORY

AT&T Byron Nelson PGA Championship is coming to TPC-Graig Ranch

By Art Stricklin, ContributingWriter

The 6th hole at Craig Ranch

David Craig won’t tell you he told you so, but almost 17 years ago, he really did tell you so.

The namesake of the TPC-Craig Ranch property in McKinney is finally holding an AT&T Byron Nelson PGA event on the Championship course 17 years after it opened and 700 times, at least, Craig would tell people the PGA Tour would finally bring its premier Dallas-area event to his beloved course.

to the booming growth corridor of Collin County for a week of great golf and great parties and just as important, the charity dollars being raised.

After a hugely successful 40-year run at the TPC Las Colinas course at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving and a two year uneven, if not dismal run at Trinity Forest Golf Club south of downtown Dallas, the Nelson tourney returns to one of the most popular

“The day we opened the course here 1994, I said we would host the Byron Nelson here one day. I told (architect) Tom Weiskopf we would host a Byron Nelson when he was designing the course.”

“Finally the stars alined, the clouds shifted, the people got together and it’s going to happen.”

Indeed it is. May 3-9, the world best golfers and 100,000 of their closest fans and friends hopefully will make the trek

sections of the city with plenty of golf fans, plenty of areas before and after the actual tournament and close-in parking for said fans.

“We are set up for success,” said Byron Nelson tournament director Jon Drago.

It’s what made the Nelson the alltime champion of PGA Tour charity dollars raised with more than $100 million dollars invested to the Momentous Institute facility in Dallas overseen by

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

the hard working Salesmanship Club of Dallas who operates the tournament.

“You really have to give Dave a lot of credit for seeing this through,” said Dallas’ Royal Oaks general manager Todd Harbour, who worked with Craig for many years at TPC-Craig Ranch.

“He told me over and over the Byron Nelson would be here one day and he told many people and he made it happen. I’m really happy for him.”

“We going to bring the party back to the Byron Nelson,” Craig added. “That’s what the people wanted. That’s what the Salesmanship Club wanted. We may have not been ready 16 years ago, because we didn’t have the population or the infrastructure, but we’re ready now.” A top quality golf course in flawless condition, acres of close-in parking and access to more than a million people within a 10 minutes radius of TPC-Craig Ranch is certainly proof of that.

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Sung Kang,winner at the 2019 tournament

The first steps in Craig’s decades long dream came in 2008 and 2011 when Craig Ranch hosted the then Nationwide Tour Championship, the year-end tournament for the best of the players trying to make it to the Nelson and the PGA Tour.

While the crowds are a tenth of the number Craig and Salesmanship Club officials hope to arrive in McKinney this May, Craig Ranch proved they could handle golf’s top players, the set up for a professional tournament and all the moving parts which come with hosting golf’s best.

The 9th hole

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FEATURE STORY

The 12th hole

While the PGA Tour moved its year-end event to other locations, Craig proved he could handle a major golf event and was always looking for a promotion.

“That’s when we got to know David and be around the course on a regular basis,” said Drago.

The Salesmanship Club handled all the volunteers for the two events and Drago and his staff helped run the logistics. While many of the players have moved on in their careers, doubtlessly there will be some this year who have played Craig Ranch in competition.

The 15th hole

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After the PGA Tour and the Salesmanship Club announced they were leaving Trinity Forest after their starcrossed brief venture, Craig had all the proof he needed that Craig Ranch was, at long last, the place for the Nelson.

“When it came time for our (site) meeting, David had done all of his homework,” Drago said. “David was there, of course, as was ClubCorp (who now owns and operates Craig Ranch), Mayor George Fuller and corporate leaders from McKinney. Their message was simple, what can we do to make the tournament successful?

FEATURE STORY

“But give David credit, he was all in from Day 1. He told me it would be here, he told everybody.”

“The experience we gained from hosting those two events with the Salesmanship Club was invaluable,” Craig added. “They knew us and knew what we could do and saw Tom (architect Tom Wesiskopf) had built a course for championship golf.”

Rowlett Creek comes into play on several holes, especially on the front nine along with a few on the back and water in front of the 18th hole.

Having seen the pros at two events at his course, Craig knows they can go low at anytime, even from the back professional tees.

“We can stretch it to 7,450 yards, but that’s not long for them. We do have some nice rough we can grow, I hope we see a lot of it,” Craig said, There is also some man-made water on the drivable par 4 14th hole and

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The 7th hole

watery par 3 15th. While the PGA Tour will decide how the course is set up for the Nelson, what the individual pars will be on the different holes, Craig certainly has his preference.

“This is my baby so I hope the PGA Tour sets it up harder. I don’t want to see the players shoot nothing.”

Drago and likely the Tour has a different take.

“I want to see lots of birdies and lots of roars out here,” he said. ‘But then one day 30 MPH North Texas winds to show what a great course David has,” A dream and a destination finally fulfilled at long last. He told you so.

The 18th hole

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DIRECTORY

DALLAS | FORT WORTH

ARLINGTON: Lake Arlington Golf Course Texas Rangers Golf Club Tierra Verde Golf Club

Semi-Private Semi-Private Semi-Private

AZLE: Cross Timbers Golf Course

Public

BROWNWOOD: The Hideout Golf Club

Semi-Private

BURLESON: Hidden Creek Golf Course Southern Oaks Golf Club

Public Public

CARROLTON: Maridoe Golf Club Indian Creek Golf Course

Public Public

DALLAS: Bear Creak Golf Club Buffalo Creek GC Cedar Crest Golf Course Keeton Park Golf Course Luna Vista Golf Course Preston Trail Golf Club Steven Parks Golf Course Tension Glen Golf Club The Golf Club of Dallas Trinity Forest Golf Club

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

DENTON: Wilderson GC at Robson Ranch Semi-Private DESOTO: Thorntree Country Club

Public

EULESS: Texas Star Golf Course

Semi-Private

FAIRVIEW: Heritage Ranch Golf Course

Public

FERRIS: Old Brickyard Golf Course Tour 18

Public Public

FLOWER MOUND: Bridlewood Golf Club

Public

GARLAND: (817) 451-6101 Duck Creek Golf Course Public (817) 275-5941 Firewheel Golf Park Public (817) 478-8500 GLEN ROSE: Squaw Valley Golf Club Public (817) 444-4940 GORDONVILLE: Rock Creek Resort Golf Club Private (325) 784-4653 GRAND PRAIRIE: Grand Oaks Golf Club Semi-Private (817) 447-4444 Prairie Lakes Golf Club Public (817) 426-2400 Riverside Golf Club Semi-Private Sunset Golf Course Pubic (972) 416-2131 Tangle Ridge Golf Club Public (800) 369-4137 HASLET: Willow Springs Golf Course Semi-Private (972) 456-3200 (972) 771-4003 IRVING: (214) 670-7615 Cottonwood Valley Golf Course Public (214) 670-8784 TPC Las Conlinas Course Public (214) 670-6322 Twin Wells Golf Course Municipal (972) 248-8448 (214) 670-7506 KELLER: (214) 670-1402 Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club Public (214) 333-3595 (214) 646-3570 LANCASTER: Country View Golf Course Public (940) 246-1001 LIPAN: Sugar Tree Golf Course

(800) 831-8259 (903) 523-5357 (972) 264-6161 (972) 237-4156 (817) 640-7800 (214) 331-8057 (972) 299-6837 (817) 439-4653 (972) 717-2525 (972) 717-2525 (972) 438-4340 (817) 498-1414 (972) 227-0995

Semi-Private

(817) 341-1111

(972) 296-2146 MUENSTER: Turtle Hill Golf Club (817) 685-7888 PLANO:

Public

(940) 759-4896

Pecan Hollow Golf Course (800) 579-3089 Ridgeview Ranch GC The Club at Los Rios (972) 355-4800 The Course at Watters Creek

Public Public Public Public

(972) 941-7600 (972) 390-1036 (972) 422-8068 (214) 509-4653

(817) 430-2000 RICHARDSON: Sherrill Park #1

Public

(972) 234-1416

Semi-Private

(972) 771-4003

Public

(254) 848-7800

Public Public

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

Public Public

(817) 596-4653 (817) 441-1044

Public

(972) 429-5100

FORT WORTH: Hawks Creek Golf Course Public Meadowbrook Golf Course Municipal Pecan Valley Golf Course Municipal Rockwood Golf Course Municipal Saddle Hills Park Public The Golf Club at Champion Circle Semi-Private The Golf Club at the Resort Public Whitestone Golf Club Semi-Private

(972) 355-4800 ROCKWALL: Buffalo Creek Golf Club (817) 738-8402 WACO: (817) 457-4616 Bear Ridge Golf Club (817) 249-1845 (817) 624-1771 WAXAHACHIE: (817) 246-5012 Country View Golf Course (817) 497-2582 Waxahachie Country Club (817) 750-2178 (817) 249-9996 WEATHERFORD:

FRANKSTON: Pine Dunes Resort and Golf Club Public

Canyon West Golf Course (903) 876-4336 Oeste Ranch Golf Course

FRISCO: Frisco Lakes Golf Club The Bridges Trails of Frisco Golf Club

WYLIE: (972) 292-3089 Woodbridge Golf Course (903) 696-0022 (972) 668-4653

Public Semi-Private Public

(214) 440-2229 (972) 205-2765

DALLAS | FORT WORTH COURSES

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

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

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Yardage /Rating /Slope

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Par

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Type Hole

Map Number

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Apache Links at Squaw Valley GC (254) 897-7956 M 18 17 2439 E. Hwy. 67, Glen Rose, TX 78043

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6731/72.7/131

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Comanche Lakes at Squaw Valley GC (254) 897-7956 M 18 5 2439 E. Hwy. 67, Glen Rose, TX 78043

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6731/72.7/131

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Meadowbrook Golf Course (817) 457-4616 M 18 8 1815 Jenson Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76112

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6363/70/125

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(817) 392-6490 M 18

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6690/71/126

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Rockwood Park Golf Course (817) 392-6560 M 18 10 1851 Jackboro Hwy., Fort Worth TX 76114

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6479/72/

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The Hideout Golf Club & Resort (325) 208-1937 P 18 44 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801

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www.squawvalleygc.com

www.squawvalleygc.com

www.fortworthgolf.org

Pecan Valley Golf Course

9 6400 Pecan Valley Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76132 www.fortworthgolf.org

www.fortworthgolf.org

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www.thehideouttexas.com

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING

Audubon Golf Trail | Ad Page 74 Louisiana | www.audubongolf.com

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 76 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 The Hideout Golf Club & Resort| Map# 44 | Ad Page 75 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801 www.thehideouttexas.com | 325-208-1937 The National Golf Club of Louisiana | Ad Page 73 1400 National Dr, Westlake, LA 70669 www.nationalgcla.com | 337-433-2255

SHOPPING / SERVICES Golf After Hours| Facebook Live Thursdays 7-8pm | Ad Pg 32

SHOPPING / SERVICES Edwin Watts | Map # 7 | Ad Page 3 5808 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 77107 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 817-731-4441 Edwin Watts | Map # 10 | Ad Page 3 410 W SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 903-561-8851

TOURNAMENTS AT&T Byron Nelson | Ad Page 40 TCP-Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX 75070 www.attbyronnelson.com | Charles Schwab Challenge | Ad Page 40 Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, TX 76109 www.charlesschwabchallenge.com |

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28

FEATURE STORY

Two Guys and a Golf Show

Dave Roberts

Mike Ratchman

For some people, success comes and is sure to top 1 million viewings in in an instant and happens so fast, 2021. sometimes they don’t even know “We were on radio, and now the what hits them. Then there are others podcast, and the podcasting seems to be whose success has been decades in the the wave of the future,” Ratchman said. making – like Mike Ratchman and Dave “The response we get weekly is mindRoberts, co-hosts of the popular Golf boggling, but I love it.”

After Hours podcast who are working It wasn’t always so fruitful for the together for an upcoming 17th season. duo. They started out on Thursday Ratchman and Roberts are nearing nights on New Braunfels KGNB their 1,000th show as a team, with Sporting News Network, then moved the milestone set for March 25, 2021. on to Saturday mornings for a fledging They have been ESPN 1250 San together since the Antonio station. beginning of 2005 After 12 years and, by looks of and then some of it, they will not radio broadcast, be slowing down they are now on anytime soon.

Thursday nights Their awardwith Facebook, winning weekly LinkedIn, and one-hour golf talk YouTube. show is so popular Ratchman, that last year the owner and alone, it garnered publisher of the more than Texas Golf Insider How many people can say 850,000 views Magazine, often they interviewed a duck TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

states that the show was only supposed to last a few years.

Roberts, a golf professional and former golf course owner with tour level chops, opines that “The reason we have lasted longer than most marriages is because we only have to see each other once a week… twice tops!”

This laid-back attitude and “not-take-themselves-so-seriously” mantra is one of the main reasons for their longevity. Golf after Hours with Mike and Dave,” along with its predecessors Golf with an Attitude, Best Damn Golf Show, TGI Golf and Travel Show have made up the longest continuous golf show in the state of Texas. Not bad for a one-hour-a-week, and for a while, two-shows-weekly gig.

Look who got caught drinking on the job

In the beginning, the show was supposed to be the David Ogrin Show with Mike Ratchman. But Ogrin’s opportunity to continue with his PGA TOUR career and with his Golf Academy and the time those required led him to opt-out of the radio gig. Ratchman then sought out Roberts, his longtime friend and former FM disc jockey, for a partnership. The new tag team went to practice at the studio and decided their show needed to be improvised

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Dave believes in really casual Thurdays

as it happened and void of defining bullet points and BS. With sponsorships already lined up, KGNB former general manager Jim Vance signed off on the notion, saying “What do we have to lose? Let’s do it!”

The first show started a little rough, but as each week went by, Ratchman and Roberts found their groove, and that is when the new ESPN station in San Antonio came knocking on the door.

Their unique slapstick way of promoting Lone Star State golf with a touch of the national news was exactly what ESPN Radio was looking for.

Media Day interview with Jack Nicklaus at Flintrock Falls CC in Austin

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30

FEATURE STORY

DFW Golf Show interview with golfer/actor Burton “Bubba” Gilliam from Blazing Saddles

“When I visited with my loyal listeners, it was often mentioned that we were funny, informative, and definitely not boring,” Ratchman said.

Most long-time listeners also said that the duo was unpredictable, and you never knew what was coming next.

From there, the two guys and their golf show were introduced to their current producer, GA Media. Under the direction of Johnny Guajardo, the producer, TGI was doing two shows a week, one podcast and one for ESPN. Even though it was hectic, Ratchman and Roberts worked hard and continued the journey with success, but no

guarantees for the future. Then in 2020 COVID hit.

There comes a time in one’s career where you have to say, “I am fully committed, or it’s time to hang it up.”

With the pandemic raging across the country and unable to go to ESPN or UIW’s Performance Center to do the shows, the voices of Texas Golf had a tough decision to make.

In stepped Guajardo with a great idea. Being a professor in the Department of Communication at Texas A&M, Guajardo’s vision of a Zoom/ Facebook podcast was created. With his knowledge, plus the support of all their sponsors, “Golf After Hours with Mike and Dave” was created.

Without skipping a beat or even a week, the two guys and their golf show went from life support to entertaining viewers all over the globe weekly.

The show is now seen in Germany, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Canada, and of course, across An After Hours Interview with Mickey Gilley the United States.

(That’s not coffee in that mug)

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FEATURE STORY

The show has featured guests like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Butch Harmon, Jimmy Walker, Tom Kite, and the list goes on. “And how lucky can you get when Texas’ very own Patrick Reed wins the Master’s in 2018 and you were there and get a follow up interview” Ratchman said.

Roberts, Mr. Funny Guy, is at the top of his game when they get to interview crazy guys like Golf Broadcaster/Comedian David Feherty or actor Burton “Bubba” Gillian from blazing saddles or superstars like singer/songwriter Micky Gilly. What doesn’t change, no matter who gets the interview, it is still all about golf.

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Interview with Gary Player (The Black Knight), on receiving the Presidential Medal of Honor

sponsors who have supported them over the years.

When will it end? I guarantee you not before March 25, 2021. These two guys, whose only mission over the years has been to promote Texas Golf, are living proof that “success is a journey, not the destination.”

Golf After Hours with Mike & Dave gives golfers in Texas information on PGA Tours events and interviews with some of the biggest names in golf, delivered in a style that is vastly different from traditional golf shows. They can be seen Host Johnny G talks with Mike about “Golf After Hours”, every Thursday night at 7pm a live Texas Golf Show. Hear the interview onYouTube. CST live, and taped for delayed viewing on Facebook,YouTube, Ratchman was asked, over the past and LinkedIn. 17 years, what was the one strangest, most weird moment that happen to you while doing an interview. “I think the strangest was when I was being interviewed. A couple of years ago Johnny Guajardo, host of “The Johnny G Affair” (now our producer) spent 40-plus minutes walking me through the past 23 years in the golf business.” I think Mike prefers doing the interviewing.

Mike and Dave still give all the thanks to GA Media and all of their Patrick Reed, 2018 Masters Champion, and Mike TheTexasGolfInsider.com

“Golf With An Attitude”

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34

REVIEW

Plan Your Outdoor Adventure In Kerrville

Scott Scheiner GC

When you vacation in Kerrville, you will find many ways to explore the lush, hilly environment unique to this region of the state. City parks and other public venues situated along the Guadalupe River offer recreational activities galore. Only a scenic hour drive west of San Antonio, and boasting a mild year round climate, there is never a bad season in this Hill Country gem.

From hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding to canoeing, camping and golfing,

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there are many ways you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Scott Schreiner Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Redesigned by renowned golf course architect Joe Finger in 1999, it is one of the best-kept secrets of the southwest.

A putting green, driving range, chipping greens with sand bunker, complete pro shop, and available golf lessons with

REVIEW

the latest video technology are some of the many amenities at the course.

The layout features mounded greens in a variety of sizes and shapes.The fairways offer generous landing areas, yet are tight enough to present a comfortable challenge.

The course has some fun elevation changes, challenging par 3’s and fairways lined with bunkers and the occasional water hazard and, if you are not careful, the rough could make you pay for your errors.

The signature hole is number 17, a 535-yard par-5.Water comes into play on the second shot, then again on the approach to the green, which is surrounded by water on three sides. A waterfall to the

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left of the green adds a pleasing aesthetic.

The harmonious integration of the stunning natural landscape and the outstanding customer service makes Scott Schriener a favorite of many golfers.

Set against the beautiful hills and rustic Texas landscape, this 18-hole course provides challenge and fun for all.

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36

REVIEW

Scott Schreiner Golf Course

Don’t stop in just for the golfing. Enjoy walking along the approx. 6 mile Kerrville River Trail or take on a trail at KerrvilleSchreiner Park. Kerrville-Schreiner Park has 517 acres on the Guadalupe River.The grounds include camping accommodations to suit almost any preferred camping style.

RV hook-ups—many with water, electricity and sewer connections—are plentiful, as are tent campsites, cabin rentals and ranch houses. A recreation hall and dining hall can be reserved here too.

The recreation amenities at KerrvilleSchreiner Park include a fishing pier, boat ramp, and approximately 10 miles of hiking and biking trails.Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced trekker, you’ll find a trail and terrain fit for your skill level. Basketball, sand volleyball courts and a playground are additional outlets for fun.

Camping is a treat in the Texas Hill Country

In August and September you might catch sight of Texas red admiral,Texas monarch,Texas orange and South Texas black butterflies, just to name a few. Other wildlife you may spot in the park include

whitetail deer, blackbuck antelope, axis deer, rabbits, foxes and birds. Annual passes to Kerrville-Schreiner Park are $50.00 per vehicle, or day-use passes may be purchased for individuals at rates ranging from $2.00 to $6.00. Overnight camping and facility rental fees vary.

Kerrville Kayak & Canoe offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard and river tube rentals on-site at Kerrville-Schreiner Park and Louise Hays Park.You are advised to inquire with the company for exact scheduling and availability at each park.

Hill Country Bicycle Works rents bicycles by the day or week in Kerrville.

REVIEW

37

Amphitheater in Kerrville-Schreiner Park

If you need a moment out of the sun, charming shops and cafes await you in the quaint, historical downtown district.

Small, winding country lanes that follow the flow of the Guadalupe, lined with generations-old cypress and oak trees, offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon drive. An impressive collection of galleries, museums, wineries, martini bars, eateries, studios, theaters and showrooms, as well as a number of other cultural settings, makes Kerrville the foremost destination for a weekend or a week in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Kerrville has become a cultural mecca for artists of all genres. Music lovers have

a number of opportunities throughout the year to enjoy and experience a variety of performances.

Whether you spend your time here relaxing with family and friends, exploring the waters of the Guadalupe River, or enjoying a multitude of fun activities such as shopping and festivals, Kerrville promises good times in the Texas Hill Country.

You are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

There is always something to see, do, or attend while you’re exploring the area. For more information, please visit www.kerrvilletx.gov or call (830) 257-7300.

Kayaking on the Guadalupe

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COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Municipal Course

MAP # 17

RATES

Twilight

18

Mon-Thur $43 $33* Fri-Sun $50 $38 Holiday $50 $38 Pricing includes cart fee *Twilight Winter months start 2 p.m.

Summer months start 3 p.m.

STATISTICS Par: 70 Blue White Gold Red

Yards 6453 6016 5184 4826

Rating 70.4 68.4 64.4 67.8

Slope 122 116 108 104

AMENITIES • Putting Green • Chipping Range with Sand Bunkers • Driving Range • Complete Pro Shop • Professional Golf Lessons 1 Country Club Drive Kerrville, Texas 78028

(830) 257-4982 golf@kerrvilletx.gov www.kerrvilletx.gov

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Kerrville

Scott Schreiner Golf Course BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE SOUTHWEST Scott Schreiner Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Redesigned by renowned golf course architect Joe Finger in 1999, it is one of the best kept secrets of the southwest.

The layout features mounded greens in a variety of sizes and shapes. The fairways offer generous landing areas, yet are tight enough to present a comfortable challenge. The signature hole is number 17, a 535-yard par-5. Water comes into play on the second shot, then again on the approach to the green, which is surrounded by water on three sides. A waterfall to the left of the green adds a pleasing aesthetic. Set against the beautiful hills and rustic Texas landscape, this course is fun for all.

The course is located in Kerrville, Texas making it an easy drive from San Antonio or Austin. A putting green, driving range, chipping greens with sand bunker, complete pro shop, and available golf lessons with the latest video technology are some of the many amenities at the course.

Awarded the number 1 course in Kerrville,Texas by the Kerrville Daily Times in 2020

NEW AND IMPROVED Lago Vista Golf Course

Bunker Bar & Grill

Newly Remolded Pro Shop

For tee times and tournaments call 512-267-1170 or go to: www.lagovistagc.com

Happy Anniversary !

Providing Great Golf for 20 Years

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 2021 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2021 Group Specials

42

REVIEW

All four food groups –

Steak, Gourmet, Seafood and Mexican – are a big part of golfer’sTexas travel itinerary

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

Golf is my passion, and – if you’re reading this – it’s likely yours as well. I’ve been all over the Lone Star State playing the grand game, from Amarillo to Lajitas, from the Toledo Bend to El Paso and most points in between.

But a golfer can’t live on pars, birdies, putts and drives alone – you gotta eat sometime. So here’s a list of my favorite places to dine in Texas’ four major markets.

There is no wrong food at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

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Austin The Capitol city of Texas is where this writer makes his home, and I just recently moved into a house in the tony Steiner Ranch community about 20 minutes northwest of downtown. The golf course of record here is the peerless University of Texas Golf Club, a thrill-a-minute bruiser designed by Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell that’s the base for the nationally ranked Longhorns golf teams, and there are a half-dozen other fine tracks within a 30-minute drive from my front door.

Our go-to restaurant is one worthy of the community and the locale in general, the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, an eatery that stands sentinel

REVIEW

atop a huge hill overlooking the former cattle ranch and above Lake Travis in the near distance.

Western motif is the steakhouse’s calling card, along with sumptuous views, live music and people watching aplenty.

For me all those attributes take a back seat to the food – this is a place where the menu offers a 14-ounce New York Strip Steak and sides (generous portions of mashed potatoes and a vegetable of the day) for about $38. I dare you to get a better steak at any of the high-falutin’ steakhouses for anywhere near that price.

Those of the fairer sex, or folks with smaller appetites, often choose the filet, which comes either at seven or 10 ounces. If you’re really hungry, try the “Cowboy” Ribeye (at 22 ounces) or the Porterhouse, all 28 ounces of goodness.

All steaks are hand selected Prime beef cuts, seasoned, broiled to order and topped with the restaurant’s house butter blend with caramelized shallots and chives.

There are appetizers aplenty (we usually stick with the basics – the crab

Steiner Ranch is the place for special occasions

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Beef is what you eat at Steiner Ranch’

cakes or the Signature XS Queso) and the salads are darn good, too. I’m a wedge salad guy, but the Steiner Greens (with avocado, hearts of palm, tomatoes, green onions and fennel) or the Steakhouse Caesar (served with a true Caesar anchovy dressing) has tempted me on occasions.

If beef is not your thing, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse also offers Blackened Salmon Florentine, Gulf Coast Shrimp, and even Chicken Fried Elk. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse has plenty of room to stretch out (always important in the days of COVID-19,) with its 14,000-square foot restaurant encompassing three levels, four bars, and three outdoor dining areas.

Fort Worth We love to golf in the western half of the Metroplex because the options are varied, memorable and always challenging. My favorite round of every year is the one I get to play in advance of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club, set on the southern banks of the Trinity River on a traditional and finer-than-fine routing fashioned by Texan John Bredemus.

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FEATURE STORY

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro On those days we can’t get on at Colonial (and those times are plenty), there’s the city of Fort Worth’s trio of course options (four tracks at three facilities) that are fun and test even the best players. Waterchase, just east of town, Iron Horse GC, and The Golf Club Fossil Creek are also can’t miss choices, as is Whitestone GC just west of the downtown sector.

When we stay in Cowtown, we like to set up shop near downtown and close to the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, a National Historic District that is every bit

Texas, from its original brick walkways to its wooden corrals. This trendy tourist area is also the home to many great restaurants, but for our money we like the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.

Lonesome Dove Bistro has more than earned its reputation as one of Fort Worth’s premiere dining establishments since its opening in 2000. Chef/owner Tim Love, a celebrity in his own right, has designed a menu influenced by all of the ingredients and cultures that have been a part of the West since the first adventure began on the GoodnightLoving and Chisholm Trails (which ran right through the Stockyards), and has added a level of modern sophistication.

Items on the Lonesome Dove Bistro menu range from a selection of steaks and seafood to dishes such as Wagyu Tomahawk, Kangaroo Carpaccio, Rocky Mountain Elk Dove Gourmet Dining atLonesome Lonesome Dove Ribeye, and Wild Boar.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

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You know, just like us Texans make at home every evening (not.) But that’s the appeal, as every dish here offered me a little something that I wasn’t quite familiar with but wanted to get to know a lot better.

Appetizers at this swanky joint include “Rosti” potato pancakes with rabbitrattlesnake sausage, empanadas enclosing It’s safety first from the ever friendly and always attentive staff at Gaido’s smoked rabbit, and warm, translucent at the now-shuttered nine-hole golf course scallops with a sweet corn sauce – have at San Jacinto College in Pasadena. you ever? Well, you should.

Given that history, I have an affinity for the area, and have grown to love the three Galveston golf courses in Galveston County – The I was born and raised on the Texas Gulf Bayou Golf Club in Texas City, Moody Gardens Golf Club and the Galveston Coast, an hour’s drive from the beaches Country Club on the island itself. of Galveston and the ferry ride across When my father really wanted to take Galveston Bay to Crystal Beach on the us somewhere nice on our week-long Bolivar Peninsula. I play left-handed but I learned the game using right-handed clubs vacations to the area, he would splurge for dinner at Gaido’s, Galveston’s Coastal Classic in its long-time location (since 1911) across from the seawall and down the street from the Pleasure Pier.

You can get steak, pork chops or farm-raised chicken at Gaido’s – though I never have – and even some sumptuous pasta dishes like Crawfish Asiago (Crawfish tails cooked with asiago cheese, tossed in fettuccine with grated parmigiana-reggiano).

For me, a trip here is about the seafood, starting with fried oysters breaded in cornmeal or even a half-dozen chucked fresh and served on the half-shell. I The always popular Crabcakes at Gaido’s TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

La Fogata enchiladas and tacos al carbon

like to follow up the appetizers with the American Red Snapper Michael, the restaurant’s signature catch of lean, moist meat with its distinctive sweet, nutty flavor coated lightly in Parmesan flour and pan sauteed.

Tell me you can read that description without having your mouth water, and I’ll call you a liar.

The folks at Gaido’s still peel their Gulf shrimp, shuck their Galveston Bay oysters and fillet their fresh fish by hand, the same way they have for more than 100 years.

Because the Gaido’s family has always remained passionate about food with a focus on taste, the restaurant’s unique sauces, seasonings, salad dressings and delicious desserts are all house-made from time-tested recipes. And over the decades, they’ve blended in traditional southern deep-frying, Southwest openflame grilling and rich Creole flavors.

This place holds a spot deep in my heart. Once you try it, it will find one in yours as well.

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San Antonio The Alamo City has become like a second home to me over the years. I know when I want to just get away from it all, for a day, a weekend or a week, San Antonio is only about an hour and a half’s drive away.

If you’ve spent any time there, you understand that San Antonio is likely the most cosmopolitan city in the Lone Star State, with a little bit of something for everyone to do, to eat, to recreate in, and to just enjoy.

Golf here is also varied, from the Alamo City Golf Trail’s fine collection of tracks (led by the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course), to the resort offerings at La Cantera, TPC San Antonio, and the Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa. When I think about eating out in San Antonio, I think Mexican food, and when I think about Mexican food in the Alamo City, I always think first about La Fogata on Vance Jackson Road, the spot in the city for authentic, fresh cuisine that highlights the best flavors of Mexico.

FEATURE STORY

Every meal here must start with the Guacamole a Mano, which is personally prepared at your table using fresh avocados, Pico de Gallo, lime juice, salt and pepper and garnished with Chiles Topeados.

I’m an enchiladas and tacos guy, and the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano here make me smile. I’m all about the corn tortillas filled with chicken breast and topped with a homemade mole sauce and queso fresco – they make me warm all over. For tacos, I choose the Tacos de Discada, corn tortillas filled with a combination of lean beef, pork steak and sausage, garnished with fresh onions and cilantro and served with frijoles charros.

I love a good margarita with Mexican food, and La Fogata is renown for pouring the best such cocktail in the

A Slice of Heaven at La Fogata

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La Fogata Nachos

Alamo City. Since 1997, this restaurant has stirred up more than 1.6 million margaritas, placing a signature edible orchid in each generous 16-ounce serving. Most restaurants pour 12 ounce glasses, but La Fogata’s margaritas are too good for such a small glass.

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DIRECTORY SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSE TYPE PHONE COURSE TYPE PHONE AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Golf Club Semi-Private Falconhead Golf Club Semi-Private Grey Rock Golf Club Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Public Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer GC Public Lions Municipal Golf Course Public Morris Williams Golf Course Public 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 Resort BURNET: Delaware Springs Golf Course Public CANYON LAKE: Lakeside Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public 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 Public HORSESHOE BAY: Blue Lake Golf Club-9 holes Public 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 Public KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Golf Course Semi-Private LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Public LLANO: Llano Golf Club Public MANOR: Shadow Glen GC Semi-Private MARBLE FALLS:

(512) 248-2442 (512) 402-1558 (512) 288-4297 (512) 978-2330 (512) 974-4653 (512) 477-6963 (512) 974-8333 (512) 223-6677 (830) 796-7745 (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) 995-5351 (830) 232-4471 (830) 665-9943 (830) 216-2800 (830) 997-4010 (830) 598-5524 (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) 556-3202 (512) 259-5855 (325) 247-5100 (512) 278-1304

Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bandit Golf Club Public Landa Park Golf Course Public 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: Kissing Tree Golf Club Semi-Private SAN SABA: San Saba River GC Public SEGUIN: Starcke Park Golf Course Public SPICEWOOD: Pedernales Golf Course Public SPRING BRANCH: River Crossing Club Private The Club at Rebecca Creek Semi-Private SAN ANTONIO: Brackenridge Park Golf Course Public Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Public Gateway Hills Golf Course Public Golf Club of Texas Public Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort La Cantera Golf Club Public La Loma Grande GC Public Mission Del Lago Golf Course Public Northern Hills Golf Club Public Olmos Basin Golf Course Public Randolf Oaks Golf Course Public Riverside Golf Course Public Salado Del Rio GC Public San Pedro Range & Par 3 Public Silverhorn Golf CLub 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 Public UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Ctr Public UTOPIA: Utopia Golf Course Public VICTORIA: Riverside Golf Course Municipal WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

(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) 749-1031 (325) 372-3212 (830) 401-2490 (512) 264-1489 (830) 904-4653 (830) 885-5168 (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 (361) 573-4521 (512) 847-9700

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

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 Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Public Ebony Hills Municipal Golf Course Public El Campo County Club Private Ganado Golf and Country Club Public Goliad Golf Club Public Harlingen Country Club Private L.E. Ramey Golf Course Public Los Lagos Municipal Golf Course Public Lozano 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 (956) 428-7758 (956) 292-2144 (409) 543-6592 (361) 771-2424 (361) 645-8322 (956) 412-4110 (361) 592-1101 (956) 316-0444 (361) 826-8016 (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) 968-5616 (956) 546-5331

$50.00 Entry Fee

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

180 Golf Course Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Contact:Chad Donegan Phone: (830) 221-4340

53

16

Laredo

127

ConCan

Harper

Utopia

17

Castroville

1604

37

Comfort

Kingsland

78 78

26

473

58

20

1431

1604

75

725

73

Kyle

620

Marble Falls Leander

Spring Brand

6 13 10 85 11

9 12 3

46

87 87

2

2342

84

3

130 1825

99

Pharr

83

54

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

Par

Yardage /Rating /Slope

55

Type Hole

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

(210) 226-5612

P 18

72

6234/70.3/126 • • • • 5

(210) 695-5050

P 18

72

7150/74.1/131

• •

• • 5

Gateway Hills Golf Course (210) 671-3466

26 1800 Dimsted Pl., Lackland AFB, TX 78236

P 18

72

6917/73.1/125

•

• • 50

LaLoma Grande GC at Fort Sam Houston (210) 222-9386 P 18 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

72

6774/72.5/124 • • • • • 50

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

72

6579/70.0/118 • • • • • 39

Landa Park Golf Course (830) 221-4340 M 18 73 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130

71

6205/68.9/112 • • • • • 49

Llano River Golf Course (325) 247-5100 M 18 78 2835 West Ranch Road 152, Llano, TX 78643

71

6094/69.1/123 •

• • 33

(210) 627-2522 P 18

72

7044/73.4/132 • •

• • 5

Northern Hills Golf Course (210) 655-4148 P 18 9 13202 Scarsdale, San Antonio, TX 78217

72

6602/71.9/123 • • • • • 5

Olmos Basin Golf Course 10 7022 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78216

(210) 826-4041 P 18

72

6847/71.8/131 • •

• • 5

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

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

72

7172/74.5/125 •

• • 50

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

Brackenridge Park Golf Course 6 2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

Cedar Creek Golf Course

37 8250 Vista Colina, San Antonio, TX 78255 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.co

www.ftsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

www.lagovistagc.com

www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

www.cityofllano.com

Mission Del Lago Golf Course

58 1250 Mission Grande, San Antonio, TX 78221 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.com

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

(210) 533-8371 P 18

San Pedro Range & Par 3 12 6102 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78216

(210) 349-5113 P

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

9

72 6694/71.2/114

Salado Del Rio GC at Fort Sam Houston (210) 222-9386 P 18 72

85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

•

• • 5

• • 5

6819/70.8/124 • • • • • 50

www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Scott Shreiner Municipal Golf Course (830) 257-4982 M 18 17 1 Country Club Dr., Kerrville, TX 78028

70

6453/71.6/126

• •

• • 38

www.golfkerrvilletex.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

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

56

71 7030/71.0/117

• • • • 41

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

72

6211/72/125

• • • • • 51

Vaaler Creek Golf Club (830) 833-0706 P 18 87 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78155

72 6864/73.0/140

• • • • 27

Willow Springs Golf Club (210) 226-6721 P 18 13 202 AT&T Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219

72

www.starranchgolf.com

www.themaxlaredo.com

www.vcgc.golf

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

7221/74.6/130 • • • • 5

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

57

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS City of Llano | Map #78 | Ad Page 33 301 West Main, Llano, TX | www.cityofllano.com | 325-247-4158 Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 76 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Laredo CVB | Map #99 | Ad Page 51 501 San Agustin | Laredo, TX 78040 www.visitlaredo.com | 800-361-3360 Lake Charles | Ad Page 68 www.visitlakecharles.org | Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Alabama | www.golfalabama.org |

Texas PGA Tour Tournaments | Page 40 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map #87 | Ad Page 27 Golf Lessons with Edwin Dickens | 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706 Valero Texas Open | Apr 1-4 TPC San Antonio, AT&T Oaks Course | www.valerotexasopen.com |

REAL ESTATE Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 26 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.rockinjranch.net | 830-833-2266

Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 87 | Ad Page 26 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.rockinjranch.net | 830-833-2266 The National Golf Club of Louisiana | Ad Page 73 1400 National Dr, Westlake, LA 70669 www.nationalgcla.com | 337-433-2255 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 27 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

SHOPPING/SERVICES Bash in the Box | Ad Page 57 www.bashinthebox.com Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 3 1050 N,.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 210-822-4060

Bash in the Box Boutique style Party Supplies

www.bashinthebox.com

Edwin Watts | Map # 83 | Ad Page 3 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 361-852-0358 Edwin Watts | Map # 10| Ad Page 3 410 West SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 903-561-8851 EpoxyMaster | Ad Page 56 www.epoxymaster.com | 888-376-9954 Facebook Live ‘Golf After Hours’ | Ad Page 32 Thurdays 7-8 pm | 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

www.bashinthebox.com

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60

FEATURE STORY

By Dave Dubert

“Be the right club today!”

It’s the iconic quote Hal Sutton made on the last hole of the 2000 Players Championship, hitting the clutch six-iron of his career to secure a victory over Tiger Woods at TPC Sawgrass.

The two-time Players Champion and victor at the 1983 PGA Championship

at Riviera Country Club has a resume that would stand up to most players.

Fourteen PGA TOUR wins, four Ryder Cups, and one Ryder Cup captaincy later, Sutton embarks on an exciting new venture in Houston, Texas, Hal Sutton Golf,a state-of-the-art teaching academy that just recently opened its doors.

Hal offers suggestions to Nicholas Canales on improving his swing

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

61

Back in 2017, Hal opened the Hal Sutton Golf Academy at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas. However, with the facility’s location being 75 miles from Houston, he felt its remoteness was a hindrance to building the business. “We taught mostly kids. If a mom brought her child out there, she would have to take a half-day for a one hour lesson,” Sutton lamented. Today, The Golf Academy at Big Easy Hal and Director of Instruction, Chase Cooper Ranch remains open under the direction of PGA Director of Hal Sutton Golf is an indoor Golf, Casey Russell. academy, but Hal has arrangements Sutton, on the other hand, is excited with various local facilities to bring his to collaborate with Chase Cooper, a instruction outdoors and onto the golf former playing professional and astute course. Hal added, “It’s the best of both voice on golf teaching technology. “I worlds.” brought Chase in--he had a lot of knowlLocated right in the center of Houston, edge when it comes to 3-dimensional Sutton has three teaching bays; two golf. We bought all the bells and whistles equipped with TrackMan and the other and put them in the new academy,” with Foresight Sports technology. In the boasts Sutton. back, there are four more hitting bays that

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

62

FEATURE STORY

TravisVick practices in front of state-of-the-art equipment at Hal Sutton Golf

have FlightScope Mevo Plus, where you can play golf or get data, and an indoor putting green in the building. Sutton touted, “The beautiful part about having three different types of devices gathering data is, you find out how accurate the data is, because all these things are close.”

When he hears naysayers doubting the validity of golf teaching technology, Sutton states, “trust me, believe in it.”

Sutton and Cooper offer a variety of player development programs for juniors and adults. The month long programs have already become popular with golfers of all levels. “I like to call it player development because it’s for anybody who wants to be a better golfer,” Hal says.

“I don’t know a golfer who doesn’t want to be better.”

With the 4,500 square foot facility only open since August, Sutton admits they don’t know everything their customers will desire.

“We’re fluid,” says Sutton. “Our hours TheTexasGolfInsider.com

will be fluid and our programs will be fluid.” This flexibility will depend upon what his clientele is looking for as the next season rolls around. “As we see what we need to develop, we will develop it for them,” he added.

In addition to Hal and Chase, former mini-tour player Will Paulsell rounds out the teaching staff. “I think we have more wisdom in our academy than almost any place,” Sutton states with confidence and pride. “I’m excited about teaching with the two of them.”

With two artificial hips and an artificial left knee, the 62-year-old Sutton’s competitive playing days are admittedly behind him, but through his vast knowledge of the golf swing and his insight on what it takes to help golfers of all levels improve, the Louisiana native is engaging his students and growing the game--one legendary six-iron at a time. To learn more about the #1 Elite Coaching Team in Texas, please visit HalSuttonGolf.com.

2800 Ted Dudley Dr Texas City, Texas 77592 www.bayougc.com

Call Today!

409-739-9622

64

FEATURE STORY

Epps, Steinbauer, PGA, Named President, VP of Spirit Golf Association Two longtime Texas golf professionals and promoters, Charlie Epps and Mark Steinbauer, have been named to lead the Spirit Golf Association into its 2021 International golf event and to a new level of popularity and fame.

Epps, a longtime teacher and golf proCharlie Epps, President and Mark Steinbauer,Vice President moter, will be the new president of the Spirit Golf “I’m thrilled for this opportunity to Association while Steinbauer, who has been work with Charlie, along with Chris and the head golf professional at Carlton Woods others, to give The Spirit the worldwide Golf Club in The Woodlands and Bentwater amateur golf attention it deserves,” Country Club in Houston among others will Steinbauer said. “What Corby has done be the vice president. here is truly remarkable in the game of golf The 2021 Spirit Tournament, which and to be able to build on this legendary brings together male and female amateur foundation is truly an honor.” twosomes from all over the world, will take “It’s going to be great. I’m thrilled to get place November, 1-7, at the top-ranked and going with this great event,” Epps added. newly renovated Whispering Pines Golf In his new role, Steinbauer will oversee Club in Trinity. partnerships for The Spirit International The Two Lone Star golf legends will Amateur Golf Championship, the Spirit work with Spirit founder and CEO Golf Association’s signature event Corby Robertson and longtime featuring the world’s best amateur Whispering Pines head profesmen and women golfers represional Chris Rowe to make the senting their respective countries 2021 Spirit the best and wellin team and individual competireceived ever. tions. Steinbauer will also work in The Spirit Golf Association, the development of new charitable a 501 (c) (3) charity dedicated to events for the Spirit Golf Associathe promotion of amateur golf for tion and its corporate partners. the benefit of health-related causes, was “Mark is a forward-thinking and formed in 1999 by Houston philanthropist progressive PGA Professional who has Corby J. Robertson, Jr. Corby established run successful day-to-day golf operations the SGA and Whispering Pines Golf Club, at courses in Texas and South Carolina,” rated by Golf Digest as the #1 course in said SGA President Charlie Epps. “He also Texas. brings extensive experience managing “We are so fortunate to have Charlie and high-level tournaments and USGA events Mark step into this role, after being invaluto our team. Mark and I have worked able members of our Board of Directors, and together several times over the years. His take the reins as we continue our charitable energy and expertise made him my first missions and promoting the international call when we began our search for a vicegoodwill of amateur golf,” said Robertson. president.”

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

66

DIRECTORY

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

COURSE TYPE

LOCATON

PHONE

COURSE

Alvin Golf & CC

PUB

Alvin

281-331-4541

Memorial Park GC

M

Houston

866-256-6688

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

281-290-1910

Moody Gardens GC

PUB

Galveston

409-683-4653

Babe Zaharias GC

PUB

Port Arthur

409-796-1327

Newport GC & Conf.Ctr

PUB

Crosby

281-328-3576

Bay Forest GC

PUB

La Porte

281-471-4653

North Shore CC

Semi Portland

361-643-6057

Bayou Din GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-796-1327

Oakhurst GC

PUB

Porter

281-354-4653

M

Texas City

409-739-9622

Pasadena Municipal GC M

Houston

281-481-0834

Beacon Lakes GC

PUB

League City

281-337-1459

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

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

Chambers County GC

M

Anahuac

409-267-8235

Rayburn Country

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000

Red Wolf GC

PUB

Huffman

281-324-1841

Columbus GC

M

Columbus

979-732-5575

River Point GC

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

Country Club of Texas

SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

River Terrace GC

PUB

Channelview

281-452-2183

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

281-304-8515

Sharpstown GC

M

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Sienna Plantation

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Freeport

979-233-8311

Bayou GC

Clear Creek GC

Freeport GC

M

TYPE LOCATON

PHONE

Houston

713-988-2099

PUB

Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

Southwyck GC

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

Swanson Golf Center

Pub

Houston

281-440-1308

PUB

Houston

713-453-7501 979-845-1723

Gleannloch Pines

PUB

Spring

281-225-1200

Texaco GC

Greatwood GC

PUB

Sugar Land

281-343-9999

The Course at Texas A&M PUB

College Station Deer Park

Gus Wortham GC

M

Houston

713-928-4260

The Battleground at Deer Park PUB

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

409-842-3220

The Golf Club of Houston PUB/PV Humble

Hermann Park GC

PUB

Houston

713-526-0077

The Village GC

PUB

Panorama Village

936-856-5531

Heron Lakes GC

PUB

Houston

281-807-0207

The Wilderness

PUB

Lake Jackson

979-297-4653

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Timber Creek GC

PUB

Friendswood

281-993-1140

Houston National GC

PUB

Houston

281-304-1400

Tour 18 Houston

PUB

Humble

281-540-1818

Idylwild GC

PUB

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

Wedgewood GC

PUB

Conroe

936-441-4653

Country Club of Texas East SP

Beaumont

409-866-9191

West Brazos Golf Center PUB

Brazoria

979-798-4653

Jersey Meadow GC

M

Jersey Village

713-896-0900

West Fork Golf and CC

Conroe

936-760-1776

Kingwood Cove GC

PUB

Kingwood

281-358-1155

Westwood Shores GC PUB

Trinity

936-594-3805

PUB

281-478-4653 281-459-7800

Margaritaville Golf Resort 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

Melrose GC

PUB

Houston

281-847-1214

Find it all in the Texas Golf Insider

Golf

Dining

Accommodations

25

28

29

53

2

2

53

29

Montgomery

COURSES/DIRECTORY

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

67

Magnolia

109 Industry

60

New Ulm

Mont Belvieu

1458 109

3 Pasadena

Deer Park

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

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

17

Par

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

Type Hole

Map Number

17

72

6496/71.7/117

• • • • • 63

www.bayougc.com

ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACADEMY?INSTRUCTIONS

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING Bayou Golf Course | Map #17 | Ad Pg 63

Fire of Ring Brew & Que 2800 Dudley Dr., Texas City, TX 77590 www.bayougc.com | 409-739-9622 | 409-643-5852

SHOPPING / SERVICES Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 3 5395 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 713-627-2411 “Golf After Hours” On Air ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 32 Facebook Live | Thurdays 7-8 pm |

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

The Art of Golf Travel Services

TRIPS INCLUDE: Premium Golf Riding/Walking with Caddies On-Site Transportation; Hotel and Food Final Evening Celebration Dinner Course History and Stories

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

ART STRICKLIN! Art's connections in the golf world will make your trip fun but will put you on a course you may never be able to play on your own!

Hal Sutton Golf | Map #60 | Ad Page 60 13455 Cutten Rd. #1J | Houston, TX 77069 www.halsuttongolf.com | (281) 919-2080

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Golf, Tourism in SW Louisiana taking baby steps toward normalcy

COVID-19, two hurricanes in six weeks took their toll, but area’s resilience shines through

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

The folks that live, work and play in Southwest Louisiana have a unwavering message for anyone reading this story – “We will not back down.”

The skyline of Lake Charles might look a little different these days after the deadly and destructive hurricanes Laura and Delta hit the region with a one-two punch just six weeks apart, both making landfall in coastal Cameron Parish just to the west and near the Texas border.

Laura found land in late August, leaving a path of destruction along its route from the coast to Lake Charles,. Delta followed in October, striking just 15 miles from where Laura first hit.

Laura, which hit the Louisiana coast as a massive Category 4 storm, is now listed as the most powerful hurricane to make landfall in the Pelican State. Parts of Southwest Louisiana could take a year or more to return to a semblance of what it was before the storm because of a critical housing shortage, the economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, local officials and community advocates have opined.

But the region is off to a good start on its rebound and push toward a return to normalcy.

Koasati Pines, the uber-fine golf course at the Coushatta Resort about 25 miles northeast of Lake Charles, suffered about 100 downed trees but was back open and welcoming guests within two weeks of Hurricane Laura.

The course, the latest to join Louisiana’s ever-popular Audubon Golf Trail, was recently ranked by GolfPass as the 18th-best public golf experience in the country, a list that’s based on more than 265,000 reviews from golfers.

The same publication ranked Koasati Pines No. 6 in the nation for course conditioning.

Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino and Resort

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Contraband at L’Auberge

Lake Charles’ massive casinos, the Golden Nugget, L’Auberge Lake Charles and Isle of Capri, respectively, were back on line and welcoming customers and guests soon after the dual hurricanes, albeit with COVID-19 safeguards in place and strictly enforced.

Golf courses, well some of them, are up and running And then there is the golf in the region, which before the storms was one of the South’s top locations for stay-and-play options because of its variety of courses and things to do after the action on the links.

Two of SW Louisiana’s benchmark courses – the Country Club at the

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Golden Nugget and Contraband Bayou at L’Auberge – were ready for play within days after Laura and then again quickly after Delta.

“Despite Covid-19 and two significant hurricanes, golf in the Lake Charles area has never been better,” said Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “The two premier resorts, Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort, were minimally impacted by the storms, and they sit side by side with two spectacular golf courses.

“Contraband Bayou is in wonderful condition and currently taking tee times, and the Country Club at Golden Nugget will reopen for play on March 1,” Edmiston added.

“The course at the Golden Nugget was set to host the inaugural PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s Lake Charles Championship this spring, but that tournament has been pushed back to the spring of 2022.”

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The National Golf Club of Louisiana

Four of the region’s other courses suffered considerably more damage and are in various stages of rebound.

The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake just north of Prien Lake, lost more than 1,300 trees to the pair of killer hurricanes, and was closed for nine weeks to remove the trees and grind down more than 550 tree stumps. Management officials and workers at The National also rebuilt and nurtured the course’s putting surfaces that were left parched when the area underwent drought conditions for six weeks after Laura and was without electricity to power its water pumps for five of those weeks.

David Kaspar,The National Golf Club of Louisiana’s director of golf, said the devastation from the storms was on a scale he had never seen before.

“I’ve lived here for almost all of my life and even I wasn’t – well, really no one really was – prepared for the wreckage from the storms and the difficulties that they’ve created in their aftermath,” Kaspar said.

“I lived in a stinky, little trailer in the driveway next to what was left of my house for five weeks, and we worked every day to get a little bit closer to opening up the course with every tree we removed.”

The National Golf Club of Louisiana was enjoying record play before the storms, as restrictions driven by COVID and the need for distancing pumped up golf courses revenue around the nation. Since

reopening, Kaspar’s golf club has produced its top months ever for November, December and January, with no indication that the upward trend will slow down anytime soon.

“It sounds kind of weird, but having no play on the course for those two and a half months led to our fairways being in their best shape ever,” Kaspar said with a shake of his head. “We had to do some repair work to the greens but they have come back in excellent shape.We have had full tee sheets just about every day since we reopened, and that’s a good thing.”

And things are set to be even better at the National, as its much-anticipated clubhouse is set to finally come on line in July after delays created by the hurricanes.

The Lake Charles Country Club suffered minimal damage – mostly the loss of some trees – and was back ready for play for its members almost immediately after Laura and then within days after the deluge of rain delivered by Delta.

Grey Plantation

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At Gray Plantation, a semiprivate facil- in transition, but with the fighting spirit to ity that is one of the area courses belongmake things better than ever. ing to the state’s Audubon Golf Trail, the Visit Lake Charles, the region’s bureau back-nine and driving range has been in charge of tourism, events and convenreopened to members and guests of mem- tions, has developed a three-point plan for bers only. The course, which sits alongside luring visitors back to the area.

Prien Lake, had the bridge that connected The plan focuses on SW Louisiana’s rethe tee box to the green on its iconic sixth silience, illustrating its capacity to recover hole washed away, so its front-nine cannot quickly from the hurricanes via imagery be played in a continuous loop. and messaging that point to the spirit of the Mallard Cove Golf Course, the citypeople of the region while highlighting the owned gem near the Chennault Airport, area’s positive motion and the strength of has closed and will not reopen at its curcharacter. Also, to reconnect via a resurrent location. gence of new buildings and refurbished The course received significant damareas to spark connectivity as more and age that would require a lengthy repair more residents are able to move from place process, and in reviewing the timeline and to place sparking awareness of offerings in acknowledging that the completion of Southwest Louisiana. these repairs would likely coincide with The goal is to rediscover.To tell and the opening of a new golf course currently show the world that “Louisiana’s Playunder construction to replace the current ground” has reopened, fully restored and Mallard Cove, the decision was made to rebuilt, with its breadth of offerings; from proceed forward with completing only culinary, to the great outdoors and culture, the repairs necessary to preserve existing to gaming resorts, to golf and is ready again equipment and facilities. to be shared.

At the new course, to be called Mallard How can you help? Head to SW LouiCove at Morganfield and fashioned by siana, stay a few nights and tee it up at the Texan Jeff Blume, there are several projects golf courses that are open. Every dollar you currently underway, including construction spend and every smiling selfie you post on of the maintenance barn, entrance road, your social media page makes things a little cart shed and course parking lot. easier for the people here – that’s called the The golf course itself is complete but ultimate win-win situation. remains closed due to other ongoing ancillary projects, and this additional growth time will allow the course to properly mature prior to opening.The anticipated opening date for the new course will be in either late May or early June.

The area still has plenty of work to do Those who’ve experienced Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana in the Drinks,Golf, Gambling! You have it all packed in here past will encounter a region TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Call 337-433-2255 for tee times and information.

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