Texas Golf Insider Fall/Winter 2020 Bayou Golf Course

Golf Insider TEXAS

FALL/WINTER 2020

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Bayou Golf Course, Texas City Municipal Clubbing At Its Best Inside: Start Christmas Shopping Now Edwin Watts Has It All

Texas’ Ronny Glanton

Winner of PGA of America National Award

Rockin’ J Ranch, Vaaler Creek GC A Premier Hill Country Community

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Cover Stories

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6 WELCOME

HOW TO CONTACT US WITH GOLF NEWS AND STORIES

8 ROCKIN’ J RANCH , VAALER CREEK GC Rockin’ J Ranch,Vaaler Creek GC 20

GETS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING RIGHT

20 START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NOW EDWIN WATTS HAS IT ALL

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26 BAYOU GOLF COURSE MUNICIPAL CLUBBING AT ITS BEST

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FROM THE FROM THEPUBLISHER EDITOR

Letter From The Publisher Publisher, Mike Ratchman

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 Roberts, Art Sticklin,Tony Vaught Contributing Photographers: Mark Lindsay, Steve Giles, Justin Becker, Connie Black 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.

Still very weird out there, but it looks like we are trying to work our way through this pandemic inTexas. As for golf, we are doing a very good job of it. I have been in touch with golf courses all over the state and according to most GM’s their tee sheets could not be healthier. Small tournaments are making their way back, and most are seeing new faces taking up the game and old faces returning to the course, which means golf retail is just trying to keep up. Safety is still at the top of the list when it comes to playing, be sure that when you make your next tee time you go to the course website to get the CDC rules for that course.

That way you’re not surprised when you show up to play.

Looking for a golf course community to build that dream house you always wanted?Then check-out Rockin’ J Ranch in BlancoTexas. Rockin’ J, one of our cover features offers over 1000 acres of land with scenic vistas and is wrapped around 18 holes of one of the best golf courses in theTexas Hill Country,Vaaler Creek Golf Club.The property offers dozens of other actives and social events.

Treat yourself and take the tour and receive two complementary rounds of golf.

AnotherTGI feature story is the Bayou Golf Course in Texas City, located just north of Galveston and designed by the legendaryTexan Joe Finger. I had a chance to play it this summer and what a fun municipal golf course. Not only is the Bayou priced right but it’s a true costal golf experience. If you’re making your way to the Bay area don’t forget to make a stop at the Bayou on the way down.

It’s the ideal place for travelers to tee it up.

Christmas is right around the corner and I can’t think of a better place to shop than EdwinWatts. In this issue you find pages of golf gift ideas for that golfer in your life.

EdwinWatts has it all.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas & A Happier New Year Stay Safe & Healthy Mike Ratchman

Publisher,

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

Tony Vaught

Tony Vaught is a Special Contributor to Texas Golf Insider, and acts as the Senior Distribution Consultant for TGI. Tony has written several course reviews for TGI, and is the immediate past President for the Texas Golf Writers Association.

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

Take your game to the next level!

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COVER STORY

Rockin’ J Ranch, Vaaler Creek GC gets just about everything right SteveDrake, HabelContributing , Contributing Writer ByByKevin Writer

There’s no mistaking the appeal of Rockin’ J Ranch, a friendly yet exclusive community five miles south of the thriving town of Blanco. Here, on a wide series of hills and plateaus, is a little piece of the best parts of the Texas Hill Country made special by the serenity and isolation that’s becoming more needed and desirable by the day thanks to the pandemic.

The 1,064-acre luxury neighborhood is the site of spectacular Hill Country homesites set amongst rolling fields of flowers and stands of oak and cedar trees. It’s set less than an hour north of San Antonio

and just a conversation further drive from Austin, and is a development that stands apart from others in the area, surrounded by sprawling family ranches that provide a sense on oneness with the land.

Rockin’ J Ranch was developed by Colonel Lee Roper, an El Paso businessman and 24-year Army veteran, who was entranced by the land that has become this neighborhood from the minute he set eyes on the sprawling tract more than 30 years ago.

The original ranch presence was preserved by incorporating some of the

COVER STORY

150-year old homes and landmarks into the community’s clubhouse and the golf course design. All the streets in the neighborhood are named for Texas Rangers.

Roper has helped bring families to the Texas Hill Country via dozens of successful projects through his company, Rinco of Texas, a firm that has been ultimately responsible for

developing more than 30 properties across the Hill Country. “We’ve developed and sold more than 8,000 tracts of land over

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– even more so now than when Rockin’ J Ranch first came on line.

Roper’s ultimate vision for the future and Rockin’ J Ranch is a balance of the delicate Hill Country lifestyle with amenities that families desire for comfort and convenience.

You can still get a plot of land at Rockin’ J Ranch for a handshake and as little as 10 percent down for lots from one-quarter acre to one acre in size.The development company offers in-house financing for the community’s lots, and will continue to carry the note until the land is built on.

Rockin’ J Ranch has a list of preferred home builders for when landowners

Rockin’ J Ranch is about Community

A historic ranch and golf community of over 1000 rolling acres set amidst ancient seabeds and limestone canyons the past 30-plus years,” Roper said. “I don’t think anybody else has done that.”

One of the earmarks of Roper’s communities – including Rockin’ J Ranch – is its use of a centralized water and sewer system rather than the well water and septic fields used in the majority of other Hill Country developments.That matters because water is a precious resource and so scarce in the region

are ready to take the next step, such as Creative Homes, American Tradition Custom Homes and TurnKey Builders.

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COVER STORY

Landowners can use their own designated builder as well, with approval.

“We have been successful here through the years because we treat people right and the property almost sells itself,” said Ryan Brubaker, the long-time sales manager at Rockin’ J’ Ranch. “We still have about 20 percent of the community’s property available for

sale, and we have golf course lots as well as those with some spectacular Hill Country views.We are very proud of the neighborhood we have built here.”

Children in the neighborhood are schooled in the Blanco ISD, which is considered one of the highest-performing districts in the region.

Brubaker said the recent move to stay-at-home work and school schedules have produced increased demands for communities like Rockin’ J Ranch that are out of the city but not too far away.

“Why would someone want to live in Dallas, Houston or Oklahoma City if they are working from home and they can live in the Texas Hill Country?” Brubaker asked. “We’ve had a huge upturn in sales since the Coronavirus and since people understand the advantages to living here where we are remote but not too much so.”

A ride around the property with Brubaker shows off all the construction that’s underway – all as deer play in the open spaces of the scrub brush

and golfers drive by in carts between holes at Rockin’ J Ranch’s most popular amenity,Vaaler Creek Golf Club.

It’s the community’s centerpiece and one of the region’s most enjoyable golf courses, voted among the best public tracks in Texas. All real estate sales include basic membership.

COVER STORY

The community also sports a pool, pool house, and clubhouse built with rustic charm, and there are miles and miles of hiking trails and outdoor activities.

There are condos for rent off the 10th tee of the golf course, a nature park, ponds for canoeing and fishing, an 80-acre equestrian center and a pavilion near the community pool for after-golf dining, entertaining and special events.

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The natural land offers habitat to all kinds of wildlife, perfect for great photography and seclusion.

The unique living standards of Rockin’ J Ranch helps residents get away from it all while sacrificing nothing as far as amenities and convenience.The community has become a melting pot of residents from across Texas and from coast to coast.

“They are coming because of the beauty of the Hill Country,” Col. Roper said. “Everyone wants a little piece of the heaven we have here, and we try to help them.”

Rockin’ J Ranch is indeed Texas Hill Country living at its finest.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Take A Tour Today & Receive 2 FREE Rounds of Golf at Vaaler Creek Golf Club

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COVER STORY

Vaaler Creek GC

matures into ‘destination’ golf course The original marketing push for Vaaler Creek Golf Club employed a Texas football legend – none other than former Dallas Cowboys’ Hall of Famer Bob Lilly – to turn drivers’ heads toward billboards across the state.

But now that the course is grown up and grown in, there’s really no need for such a Lone Star State celebrity to draw golfers – word of mouth and a bushel full of great reviews are enough to entice them to the property.

That notoriety has increased through the spring and summer of 2020, with the need for safe, outdoor recreation produc-

ing full tee sheets for the course and a record number of rounds, even though Vaaler Creek GC was closed for a month because of COVID. “We’ve seen a 25-30 percent increase in play here over the past year because of the conditioning of the course and the need created by coronavirus,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek’s Director of Golf. “It’s been amazing to see how people have responded and adapted to this strange new world and how many of them have let our golf course play a role in that.”

Vaaler Creek GC is a place for great golf and a solid option that integrates

COVER STORY

challenge and fun in an isolated setting. It was voted the nation’s No. 19 Best New Course for 2010-11 by Golf Digest, and the word is continuing to spread about its playability and excellent conditioning.

Opened as a nine-hole track in 2007, Vaaler Creek expanded to a full 18 two years later.The course was the first signature design by Michael Lowry, who fashioned a much-tougher-than-its-carded 6,874-yard, par-72 track among live oak and cactus.

Lowry routed the layout along the rolling, scrub brush-filled prairies and worked in all sorts of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of sundry sizes, elevated tee shots and wavy, tree-lined fairways.

“Our owners had a solid plan to bring along the course and its amenities bit by bit,” Grosch explained. “It’s a strategy that allowed us to develop a following of golfers as we added to the things they would experience.”

Both nines offer far-reaching views of the famed surrounding region and the generous homesite setbacks mean that the houses near the course are mostly out of sight and unobtrusive, adding to the course’s isolated feel. The back-nine at

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Vaaler Creek is a bit more mature and not as severe as the newer outward half.

Given its length, golfers might think they can overpower Vaaler Creek, but finding success here is not that simple.The course has a rich variety of long and short holes, with shots involving strategicallyplaced bunkers and an occasional carry over water.

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

Vaaler Creek has become a real favorite for Hill Country golfers and continually draws players from the region’s bigger cities. It’s one of the best conditioned and fun places to play in the region.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Municipal Course

MAP # 17

RATES

Twilight

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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

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

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A Beautiful Get Away is yours with Stay and Play Packages at Kerrville-Schreiner Park Need a place to stay while playing Kerrville? The City of Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department is now hosting a Stay and Play discount for Kerrville-Schreiner Park. The discount will be available to those visiting the Scott Schreiner Golf Course, Tennis Complex, or Sports Complex for a two night max stay. Restrictions apply.

Reservations using this discount must be made over the phone by calling (830) 257-7300. Discount will not be honored online.

While you play, stay at our beautiful Kerrville-Schreiner Park, only a 10 minute drive to the Scott Schreiner Golf Course. Kerrville-Schreiner Park is a beautiful 517 acre recreation and camping park on the Guadalupe River. Our park is home to an abundance of wildlife.

Full hook-up water / electric and sewer RV sites(30 / 50 amp), tent sites, cabins, dining / recreation halls, hike / bike trails, Kerrville River Trail access, playground, volleyball / basketball courts are also available in this family oriented park.

Visit us at: 2385 Bandera Highway Kerrville, Texas 78028 kerrpark@kerrvilletx.gov www.kerrvilletx.gov

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Looking for more tee times?

Our Readers are Looking for You!

For more info call 830-964-2152 or email Mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com

Hole 6

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Titleist TSi3 Driver $549.99 ea., Fairway $299.99 Baker’s ea.

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TaylorMade P790 Irons $1224.99 7PC Steel, P770 Irons $1224.99 7PC Steel, P7MC Irons $1224.99 7PC Steel, P7MB Irons $1224.99 7PC Steel

TaylorMade MG2 Raw TW Wedges

As golfers begin their journey with these precision-engineered clubs, they will be treated to an immersive “unboxing” experience.

Constructed from premium materials, every detail of the P7TW box has been carefully considered to unveil these irons in a way that pays tribute to the heartfelt collaboration of Tiger Woods and TaylorMade Golf.

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Cobra Speedzone Driver $349.99 ea.

Available at Edwin Watts Golf Shops and WorldwideGolfShops.com

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COVER STORY

Bayou Golf Course

gives players what they want:

fun, challenge and great conditioning

By Steve Habel, ContributingWriter

There’s likely no better place on the Texas Gulf Coast to play golf in the autumn than Bayou Golf Course. While the facility is fabulous at all times of the year, the fall – when the winds turn to the north and the course’s devilish putting surfaces are at their absolute best – brings out the best in this mainstay of golf in Texas City.

Bayou Golf Course has long been known as one of the region’s friendliest and most playable places to tee it up and roll it in. But in recent years, with the City of Texas City footing the bill for a needed renovation and refreshening, and Mike Skiba, the course’s head professional and director of golf holding the

The Clubhouse at Bayou Golf Course

reins, things have gone from good to even better.

Skiba said he’s never seen Bayou GC in better shape than it was at the beginning of the fall.

“We’ve had a great summer and made it through the storms that hit down here early in September and the golf course is thriving and just spectacular in every way,” Skiba said. “The attention we’ve been able to give to our course back in

COVER STORY

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The Pavilion at Bayou Golf Course

the spring when we had to close down a while for the pandemic has resulted in prime playing conditions.”

Bayou Golf Course is just a short 14 miles shy of the Galveston city limits and is located in Galveston County on the outskirts of Texas City. The hybrid links/ parkland-style course was originally designed by legendary Texan Joe Finger back in 1974, and was restored in 2014

by Houstonian Mike Nuzzo and is carved out of about 200 acres.

The Bayou’s 6,596-yard par-72 track has a little bit of everything, with plenty of challenges for every level of golfer.

Moses Bayou skirts the property as the tributary makes its way to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with the routing bringing water into play on 12 of the holes. There are also 18 sand bunkers scattered about to form a formidable combination with the course’s slightly elevated tees and greens.

“When things are right with this course, we can get the greens rolling to 13 on the Stimpmeter and, with the undulations added in, can create as challenging a round of golf as you would ever want,” Skiba said. “But in reality our course is a place where golfers can

have a blast playing with their friends.”

Breezes off the bay and the tides constantly affect this open course, making it play longer than the yardage on the scorecard and more difficult that its 71.1 rating and 123 slope. From the tips every par 5 plays at more than 500 yards, and four of the par 4s are carded at over 400 yards.

Nuzzo’s renovations created consistency on the putting surfaces and added hole placement options and to be able to really challenge the golfer when severity is called for. He also increased the size of the greens – most notably on Bayou’s first eight holes – by an average of 5,000-square feet and turfed them with Mini-Verde Bermuda, chosen for its hardiness and overall quality.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COVER STORY

The renovation did not add any length to Finger’s original course – none was needed thanks to the winds – but it was returned to the playability level originally envisioned by Finger. “We were not trying to make the course harder,” Nuzzo said.

“We just wanted to create a consistent experience from hole to hole.”

There’s plenty of Texas golf history at Bayou Golf Course, beginning with the architectural lineage from Finger to Nuzzo and including the fact that Butch Harmon, one of the game’s most noted and famed instructors, got his first job in the business at the Texas City facility.

“There are people who want to play this course just because Butch used to teach here,” Skiba said. “I’m no Butch Harmon, but if you want to improve your golf game, I can get you on the right track.”

Bayou Golf Course also sports a 13,000-square foot putting green adjacent to the clubhouse. One of the best parts of the facility is its five-and-a-half acre walking family pitch-and-putt course that helps grow the game by benefitting both the skilled golfer looking to hone his or her short-game skills (and who isn’t) as well as the beginners just learning about how great golf can be.

COVER STORY

“We love to see families and beginners to golf out on the pitch and putt course, which has holes that play from 60 to 90 yards,” Skiba said. “That’s our future right there, and when we see how much fun

they are having we know we will do all we can to continue to provide that experience to them as they decide to take on our regulation course.”

Some of the Bayou’s best features might be area’s blue skies and the course’s radiant palm trees that seem to light up and highlight each hole along the links.

“I’ve worked at every level of golf course and truly love what we are able to do here, from the course itself, to the family pitch-and-putt, to our efforts with

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our First Tee program, which helps our younger players and is run entirely by volunteers,” Skiba said.

For parts of five decades, this course has welcomed golfers of all skill types and has never been better; it’s still the best option for budget-conscious golfers or those looking to escape the intensity of other competitive courses.

And there’s something to be said, especially in these days and this age, about a warm greeting, a friendly smile and attention to detail from good-hearted folk.

Bayou Golf Course has those bases covered in a big way.

L to R: Pro Shop Assistant Randy Burrows, Assistant Manager Mark Ripley and General Manager Mike Skiba

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

Call Today!

409-739-9622

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REVIEW

Excellence in Everything we do Everyday JBSA- Randolph Oaks Hole # 3 The 3E’s Spotlight Course of the week is Joint Base San Antonio’s Randolph Oaks.

Being part of the “Triple Crown” of San Antonio’s military courses, this classic Joe Finger design is not only a championshipcaliber design, but Randolph Oaks is also one of the most pleasurable walking courses in the Air Force.This beautiful and manicured winding par 72 layout can be maxed out at 7,200 yards with a course rating of 74.5.The featured hole is a diabolical mid-range par 3 with a green Fully Stocked Pro Shop

that would make any roller coaster blush.

Par is not a guarantee, but if you do make a three, smile and move on.

In April, when COVID struck, General Manager Kenneth Boyce and staff were very pro-active with the other JBSA courses and immediately put guidelines/ procedures in place to be ready when they had the green light reopen. Even still today, with the base in HPCON Charlie, Randolph Oaks has maintained a high level of customer service, superb conditions, and average 3,875 rounds per month since May. Like most golf courses, the food and beverage have been limited, but Randolph Oaks has gone “outside the box” literally, and now offers BBQ Weekends on Saturday and Sundays. Customers can reserve a BBQ plate when you check-in and it will be ready at the turn or when you are finished with your round. Feedback from the patrons is “Five Stars,” and this program helps bring

REVIEW

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include; Kids Have Fun Golf School,Turf Class for Homeowners, Re-gripping 101, and, coming soon, Disc/ Traditional Golf Combo Tournaments. If that was not enough, Boyce is unveiling a new Food &Beverage Tasting/ Closest to Pin-Putting Contest in October to give customers a chance for their feedback on new menu items.

With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 by Golf Advisor, Randolph Oaks has proved that being proactive in a crisis time will ensure long-term success for the courses and our Airmen, their families, and all of those who are looking at getting some “Showplace of the Airforce” - Randolph Oaks Vitamin D therapy. JBSA Randolph Oaks’ high in that extra revenue lost by the limited level of innovation and customer satisfachours of the dining facility over the last tion is a reflection of the 3E’s.Thank you, several months.

Randolph Oaks, for providing Excellence Being a trendsetter, Randolph Oaks in Everything we do Everyday. has initiated some new programs to

Randolph Oaks Hole # 2

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FEATURE STORY

Roberts chases 125th tournament win and a spot on college roster

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer Junior golf is a funny business – sometime notoriety is not predicated on how low you go on the course but who you know and who you’ve been running with after the round.

But there’s a way around that. Let’s take the dominating career of Ty Roberts as an example.

Roberts splits time between his parents in Cibolo and New Braunfels, is in his senior year as golfer at New Braunfels Canyon High School and is arguably one

Ty Roberts, STPGA Junior Golfer of 2019

of the best junior players ever from South Texas.

He’s won a mind-boggling 122 tournaments since he first took a shine to the game at age 2, was voted South Texas PGA Junior Golfer of the Year in 2019 and excels in the classroom and as an impressive young man.

But Roberts has not chosen where he will be playing college golf just yet.

Despite all his success and spectacular resume, he is surprised by some local colleges’ little response. Roberts is a hot commodity in the Southeast section, with many D1 and D2 putting in their scholarship offers. Ty states, “there are coaches out there who are looking for golfers like me who can win and excel in the classroom as well.” With a +5.7 handicap and a 3.8 GPA, Roberts has both those requirements covered.

And Roberts belongs – he’s a winner.

“You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for,” Roberts said. “My new goal is to reach my 125th win and finish with a scoring average in the 60s.” He missed by 2/10th of a stroke last season.”

Good golf genes Roberts has been tutored in the art of the grand game by his father, Dave Roberts, who played for a stint on the Mini Tours and has been a Golf Professional for decades. His current title is Golf Player and Program Development for the United States Air Force.

FEATURE STORY

Dave Roberts has seen them come and go through his years on the practice range giving lessons but recognized something special from his son early on.

“By the time he was of 8 he was already shooting in the 30s from red tees for nine holes,” Dave Roberts said. “I could tell at a young age (around 9-ish) that Ty had this visualization for different shots, and an understanding of how the game is played. He’s always been aware, and he’s worked hard in studying certain tour players and how they conducted themselves on and off the course.”

Ty Roberts’ accomplishments and statistics on the golf course are uberimpressive.

Ty Roberts and dad eyeing up his next shot

Ty, a 17-year old who stands at an even 6-foot, currently sports a plus-5.7 handicap, on the pro side of the scale. His clubhead speed has been recently clocked at 118 mph with a ball speed of 178 mph.

Those are professional-level numbers.

His driving average is at 314 yds on average (which is better than the average of PGA Tour players Xander Schauffle, Harris English, Web Simpson and Rickie Fowler), with a long drive of 385 yards at Brackenridge Golf Course in San Antonio, where he recently hit a driver-gap wedge to No. 13 a 486-yard par 5.

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“Ty’s strengths are his resiliency when things are not going right, his preparation, and his attitude on the course,” Dave Roberts said. “His weakness right now is getting ahead of himself – he doesn’t need to be in a hurry.”

Ty has won all three STPGA majors – the “Ty Slam” as they called it in Houston during a tournament – and was a key member to the winning 2020 Ben Hogan Cup matches this summer that pitted the best juniors of the STPGA against their counterparts from North Texas (Ty nabbed two of a possible three points in the prestigious event).

Ty’s career-low tournament showing was 64-64 to win the Prestige Open at Brackenridge this summer and had

Riverside Golf Course

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FEATURE STORY

Ty Roberts with a few of his Trophies

a nine-birdie performance at Fort Sam Houston Golf Club last month to shoot a 66 in the windy conditions.

His low round is a 62 at now shuttered Northcliffe Golf Club in Schertz (Dave Roberts owned the course for a few years before it closed) and he’s finished as a runner-up in tournaments 58 times. Roberts has 15 wins in 2020; he was the District 26-5A champion in 2019, when he shot a back-nine 30 in route to a 68.

“My favorite moment on the golf course is when I had my first hole in one at No. 6 at Sonterra Country Club’s

North Course when I flew a 9-iron right into the cup,” Ty said.

Roberts, the dad, said he’s “over” the first time his son beat him from the same set of tees.

“A few years ago we played (July 10, 2017 but who’s counting?) and he beat me by two strokes,” Dave Roberts said.

“I had to birdie last three to make it respectable. We only go head to head once in a blue moon. The last time was before COVID where I shot even at Landa Park in New Braunfels and he beat me like a drum. I think he shot four under… we usually partner up as a team.”

FEATURE STORY

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Roberts, the player, understands how important his dad’s teaching has been to his success. The apple, it seems, has not fallen far from the tree.

“My dad has taught me everything I know about golf,” Ty Roberts said. “If I had to pick one thing on the course it would be to never give up because the next shot you hit could be the one that wins it.”

“And he has always told me to be nice to everyone, it doesn’t cost anything to

some. “Then there would be Rory McIlroy – he is my favorite golfer of all time,” he said. “I would round it out with the King himself, Arnold Palmer, because he would make the whole group happy whether we shot 65 or 100 – his knowledge was astounding.”

Roberts will announce in the coming months where he will go to college to further his dream to play on the PGA Tour. Wherever he signs, Roberts will immediately make an impact on the team.

have some humility.You never know who you might bump into and how they could change your life.”

Off the course Ty Roberts has been elected to the National Honor Society and the National Thespian Society. And he’s almost as good at video games as he is at golf.

“I follow the same schedule almost every day,” he said. “I do all my schoolwork by about 2 and then go to the course to practice until its dark. When I get home it’s time for friends and games.”

Ty Roberts said his dad would be among the players in his dream fourTheTexasGolfInsider.com

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REVIEW

by TonyVaught, Special Contributor

What a fun course to play - fair yet demanding, outstanding layout, large greens, reasonable rates, great service, and best of all, an opportunity to have a relaxing and low scoring round!

The Golf Club at Star Ranch plays through some gently rolling terrain just north of Austin. Star Ranch is golfer friendly and a great layout. Measuring 7017 yards from the tips, you will definitely be challenged, however step up a few tee boxes and the yardages obviously are shorter (from 6341 down to 4990 yards) and the course appears to be a bit more forgiving for the higher handicap players. In fact, Star Ranch offers you an excellent opportunity to turn in a great score if you

pick the right tee box, avoid the bunkers, and have an average day of putting.

Each of the nines is a little different from the other. The front nine is a par 35 with only one par 5, and a bit more open and forgiving off the tee. Starting out on Hole 1, a Par 4 that ranges from 307 yards up front to 398 yards at the tips, you will note that the front nine plays like a links style course. A slight dogleg right, downhill hole, it is a pleasant way to start the round.

Gently rolling and wide open contoured fairways, huge strategically placed bunkers, and above average sized greens epitomize the front nine. If you avoid the bunkers, leverage the wind, stay in-bounds, and play

Hole # 10

REVIEW

smart you’re going to have a very good and enjoyable nine. You’ll have some uphill and downhill shots, a couple dog legs, and water but no tricks and no hidden hazards.

As good as the front nine is, the back is just as good, though a little longer, tighter and more demanding.

On the back nine you’ve got to manage the water, some tight fairways, bunkers, a creek that crosses the fairway, and a cactus patch that can get nasty if you try to retrieve your ball.

Number 10 is a bit different than Number 1, as it stretches from 346 yards at the front tees, to 453 at the tips! With bunkers surrounding the large green on either side, and water behind and to the right, the approach shot is key!

Hole 15 is a great little par 3 that makes sure you don’t want to go to the right – because your ball will get wet! At 78 yards

Hole # 7

up front to 170 yards all the way back, the 3rd easiest hole on the course is quite a site, both from the tee box as well as the green!

The entire course is very well maintained and manicured. Most of the Star Ranch fairways are rolling and contoured with several uphill and downhill shots. The majority of the fairways are also wide and

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Hole # 15

forgiving but spray it and you’re in trouble.

The greens at The Golf Club at Star Ranch are a variety of interesting shapes and most of them are huge - ranging from 19’ to 49’ deep and 17’ to 43’ wide.

All but one green is guarded by at least one, and typically two bunkers and some mounds. The pins are generally “attackable” even though the greens aren’t soft – but not like concrete either; they roll smooth and true and at a good speed. All have some slope, mostly back to front, and contour that you need to study before you putt.

The bunkers at Star Ranch are formidable - most are huge, multi-fingered, and with some steep faces.They are strategically placed, typically on one side of the fairway and both sides of the greens.

Let’s not forget about the other facilities – like the clubhouse! A nice, spacious area inside as well as patio seating outside, provide a great way to relax with a cold beverage, delicious burger, or even a tasty cigar (outside of course).

Bottom line - The Golf Club at Star Ranch has it all - good conditions, fun holes, excellent layout, great atmosphere, # 10play for sure! and reasonable ratesHole - a must TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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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 2020 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2021 Group Specials

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Wanna Bet? Golf Side Games

By Adam Grosch

I was reading an article yesterday on Golf Digest’s website by Ron Kaspriske about a gambling game called Let It Ride. I talked my group into trying it out yesterday afternoon. Here is the description of the game: Players earn points for making a bogey or better on a hole. A typical point distribution would be 5 for a bogey, 15 for a par, 30 for a birdie and 60 for an eagle (better groups can start with par as the first pointeligible score). After earning points on a hole, the player has the option of banking the amount or “letting it ride,” meaning the point total can still grow on subsequent holes.The point totals double for every hole that they aren’t banked. So a bogey on a second consecutive hole would now be worth 10 and a par would be worth 30 and so on. However, if a player elects to let his or her points ride and a double bogey or worse is made, the player’s total points not banked goes back to zero. Banked points can’t be taken away and are credited at the end of the round.The players with the highest point totals are paid a predetermined amount for every point they have earned in relation to the other players.This is a great game for golfers who are streaky and also for golfers who love to gamble.

Think about it: If you make back-to-back birdies without banking, you’ll have earned

the equivalent of making 18 bogeys earned at 5 points each.

My group consisted of all handicaps of 5 or less, so we modified the game a little.

In order to make the accounting a little easier, we made pars worth 1 point, birdies worth 3 points and eagles worth 5 points.

We also changed it to make the 2nd hole of a streak worth 2 times the normal amount and the 3rd hole of a streak worth 3 times the normal amount (and so on) rather than doubling it every hole. Being that it was our first attempt, we decided to make each point only worth 50 cents in case things got out of hand. When it was all said and done, the big loser had only lost $43 and the big winner had won $50 so it really wasn’t too bad, but with higher point values I could see it getting very interesting. One of the guys in the group is definitely a risk taker and on the 17th tee he had 40 points accrued and chose not to bank because it was worth a multiplier of 10 for him at that point. His greed did not pay off as he missed his 6 foot par putt to take him from the likelihood of being the big winner to instead being the big loser.

In all, this is a great game that will reward good play and will really test your nerves when you’re on a streak and feeling greedy. I think this would be a viable game for 3-somes, 4-somes and definitely 5-somes if you have that opportunity.

Good luck out there

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KNOW THE REAL LAREDO

INSTRUCTION

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DON’T “FINISH” AT THE TARGET!!!

By DebVangellow, PGA Master Professional Riverbend Country Club, Houston

We have all heard it. When getting information about aim and alignment, we often hear to “finish facing your target.”

Don’t do it…you will likely hit a shot that will not end up on line!

Good instruction in this important preswing principle indicates the following: First, place your hands on the grip, keeping the clubface square.

Then, aim the square clubface to the target on the line you established from behind the ball. The leading edge of your golf club will be at a right angle to the target line.

Next, align your body (checking feet, thighs, hips, and shoulders) parallel and left of the target line, addressing the golf ball. If you feel as if you are really left of your target, you will be aligned correctly.

Do not align your body to the target…aim your club at the target and align your body left of the target!

Last, with confidence, trust your aim and alignment and make your best effort to create the shot. Even if you do not hit it perfectly, it will likely be on line, heading towards the intended target---a great miss!

This is accurate information: Left is “Right” (correct) at address. However, finishing with your belt buckle facing the target line is stopping short of the full completion of the swing circle. When you finish a good golf swing, your belt buckle will actually be facing LEFT of your target

if you have completed the swing circle.

The ball will track towards the target on the line you established in your pre-shot routine, but your body will not finish facing the target. If it does, it could result in a shot that leaks to the right of the intended target.

Think in terms of the two lines at address that might help you understand this critical piece of information relating to the completion of your golf swing motion. Imagine that the target line is the “ball target” and the parallel line you have lined up your body on is the “body target”.

The two lines are parallel at address and remain so during the swing motion, but it is just the golf ball that (hopefully) ends up on the “ball target” line you established.

Ideally, you will end up in a balanced finish position, facing the “body target” line you set at address, clearly left of the ball target line. The swing circle motion has been completed, allowing both the operator and the equipment to hit a shot “on line” to the target!

Understanding this very thing has been instrumental for improved aim/alignment/ result with my students. See if this perception change alters the directional reality of your golf shots!

LPGA Master Professional DebVangellow teaches at Riverbend Country Club in Houston, Texas. She is the 2012 LPGA National Teacher Of TheYear, an LPGA and Golf DigestWoman “Top 50”Teacher, a Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine “Top Regional Teacher”, a US KIDS GOLF “Top 50 Master Kids Teacher”,a GRAA “Top 50 Growth Of The Game Professional”, and was continually featured in the now retired Golf ForWomen Magazine as a “Top 50” teacher. Deb served as the National President of the LPGA Teaching And Club Professionals and is a longtime lead instructor in the LPGA Global Education Program. An educator/coach who offers wellness based developmental programming integrated into her “student centered” philosophy, Deb can be reached at 281-277-4653 or online at http://www. debvangellowgolf.com/www.debvangellowgolf.com.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

44

REVIEW

Lago Vista Golf Course

enjoys record play, looking for even more

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

The summer of 2020 has been one to remember for Lago Vista Golf Course, which has enjoyed record play and scores of days with a full tee sheet spurred by dynamic course improvements and added leisure time created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Now Lago Vista GC is moving ahead with further renovations on the course and in the clubhouse in an attempt to build on that momentum.

Golfers who have ventured here regularly through the years are pumped about the improvements and the continued attention to detail by head professional Chris Godwin and his staff.Those who are new to Lago Vista GC have discovered that

the course is one of the region’s best kept secrets and a facility that provides plenty of fun and challenge and bang for the buck.

“Our success has been pushed by good weather, for a change, and helped by the need for outdoor recreation caused by COVID and social distancing,” Godwin said. “It’s been quite a journey to get to where we are today, but it’s very gratifying to see golfers who haven’t been out here before find out just how good, and how fun, our course can be.”

The improvements and renovations here are all a part of a three-year plan put in place by the City of Lago Vista to drive business into the municipality.

For more than 50 years, this bedroom community that commands the better part of a peninsula into the north side of Lake Travis, has mostly flown under the radar. It’s winding streets, small commercial area and golf courses separated by tall hills and a switchback road from the urban sprawl of Central Texas that has grabbed a chokehold on many of the small towns in the region.

REVIEW

The course is a sense of pride for its hundreds of members and as a solid go-to option for prime daily-fee play for golfers in the northwest suburbs of the Austin area and beyond.

Lago Vista Golf Course’s 18-hole layout is routed amid rolling topography with so-close-you-can-almostreach-out-and-touch-it views of the lake. It plays to a par of 72 and at 6,544 yards from its back set of four tee boxes, which carry a rating of 72.6 and a slope of 134, plenty testing for any level of golfer.

The course was designed by legendary Texan Leon Howard and originally opened as a nine-hole facility in 1971 to help promote lot sales in the young, unincorporated neighborhoods that make up the city of Lago Vista today. Shortly thereafter Lago Vista GC was renovated and expanded to 18 holes, and operated as a private country club until the mid 1990s.

Lago Vista GC’s two separate nines offer differing tests and a bit of a split personality.The front-nine is basically wide open and relatively flat (at least until you get to the ninth hole) and a back-nine is

45

narrower and, in this opinion, provides more of a test.

The pandemic has not stopped community leaders who have been and are being proactive about their town and its quality of life for residents.

Godwin and his staff began the renovation with the total reconstruction of the putting surfaces on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes.The project added better drainage to those greens complexes and returned them to USGA specifications.

“Rounds were already trending upward prior to COVID and we’ve continued to have record play and full tee sheets,” Godwin said. “Things are so much better here than when we started in 2018 it’s hard to even compare the two.”

Next up, will be the renovations of the putting surfaces on the fourth, eighth and ninth holes, a project set to begin next spring. Godwin is also looking for a new operator for the renovated clubhouse’s restaurant.

The city spent more than $250,000 to expand and completely renovate the clubhouse, with the stated goal of making the building and its surrounds into a true community meeting place.

Lago Vista Golf Course is all that’s good about golf wrapped up in one neat package – and just a short trip from the hustle and bustle of Austin and its suburbs and well worth the trip.

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NEW AND IMPROVED Lago Vista Golf Course

Baker’s Bar & Grill

Newly Remolded Pro Shop

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

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Hole 12

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FEATURE STORY

PGA REACH SOUTHERN TEXAS CONTINUES TO IMPACT LIVES THROUGH GOLF ACROSS 4 PILLARS

The foundation reflects on a successful 2020 and plans for continued growth in 2021.

PGA REACH Southern Texas, the foundation of the Southern Texas PGA, has a mission to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations. The foundation was able to make strides across all of its four pillars—Junior Golf, College Scholarships, Military Involvement, and Employment Opportunities—in 2020, despite the interesting challenges this year has presented.

Junior Golf After a brief pause in the tournament schedule this Spring, the Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf program came back stronger than ever at the 2020 STPGA Junior Championship. Presented by AHEAD and Sam Houston State University’s PGA Golf Management Program, the Championship at The Woodlands Country Club (Palmer) was one of the largest the program has seen in recent years, bringing in more than 270 junior golfers ages 6-18 from across Southern Texas.

The 2020 Championship took place on Wednesday, August 5th – Thursday, August 6th. Over these two days, players in the Little Linksters program played a total of 18-holes on the Deacon Course and Junior Tour players competed over 36-holes on the King and General Courses.

San Antonio native, Julia Vollmer, claimed the Junior Tour Girls 15-18 Division title for the second year in a row after carding an impressive 6-under-par total of 138 at the event.

“It was hot, but we powered through,” said Vollmer. “There was a lot of really good playing today.”

2019 STPGA Junior Golfer of the Year, Ty Roberts of Cibolo, celebrated his 119th STPGA Junior Golf tournament win after coming in at the top of the Junior Tour Boys 15-18 Division leaderboard with a two-day total of 137 (-7).

Roberts, who had previously claimed titles at the STPGA Spring and Fall Series

Winners of the Girls 11-12 Junior Tour Division

FEATURE STORY

Championships sought the 2020 Junior Championship win to complete his Junior Golf Championship “set”.

“This has been seven years in the making,” said Roberts. “After back-toback second-place finishes at this event, I’m glad to finally take home the win.”

The Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Program would like to thank PGA General Manager Paul Earnest, PGA Director of Golf Darrell Fuston, PGA Head Professional Matt Nyren, and the entire staff at The Woodlands Country Club (Palmer) for hosting another successful STPGA Junior Championship.

A full list of winners from the event is below.

2020 STPGA Junior Championship Winners Little Linksters Division Champion Co-Ed 6-8 Carter Hoskins (Corpus Christi) Girls 9-10 Katelyn Davis (Kingwood) Boys 9-10 JP Lynch (Austin) Girls 11-12 Jules Mahan (San Antonio) Boys 11-12 Brent Mauer (Mont Belvieu) Junior Tour Division Champion Girls 11-12 Syna Nijhawan (Houston) Boys 11-12 Austin Le (Houston) Girls 12-14 Khloe Jones (Kingwood) Boys 12-14 Shiv Parmar (Selma) Girls 15-18 JuliaVollmer (San Antonio) Boys 15-18 Ty Roberts (Cibolo)

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Scholarship Program PGA REACH Southern Texas’ Scholarship Program also hit a milestone this year with the program awarding $115,000 in college scholarships this May—an all-time high for the program.

Overall, 28 scholarships were given to 20 individuals for the 2020-21 school year.

Since 1999, the PGA REACH Southern Texas Scholarship Program has awarded more than 360 scholarships and over $1,190,000 to young adults seeking higher education. Scholarships are given to graduating high school and current college students who demonstrate high levels of achievement and outstanding character.

With an impressive 330+ applications from across Southern Texas, the 202021 recipients were chosen by a group of trustees. Some of the larger scholarships awarded this year were the Patrick Reed Scholarship, presented by the Team Reed Foundation, given to two high school seniors for $10,000 each, and the Shawn Stefani scholarship awarded in the amount of $10,000 to one high school senior.

The full list of the 2020-21 scholarship recipients is below. Applications for the 2021-22 school year will be available at stpgareach.org in January 2021.

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FEATURE STORY

Hunter McDonough Texas A&M International Olivia Vargas Texas A&M Kingsville Zayla White Savannah College of Art & Design Hardy Loudermilk Scholarship Waylon Daniels Texas A&M University

2020-21 PGA REACH Southern Texas Scholarship Recipients Bill Sitton Sr. Scholarship Cari Denson Sam Houston State University Davis Archer The University of Texas at Dallas Carol Mann Scholarship Cari Denson Sam Houston State University Grace Ni Princeton University Irissa Macheta Harvard University Dave McMahon Scholarship Garrison Hoyt Texas A&M University Dick Harmon Scholarship Austin O’Brien Schreiner University Garret Martin Texas Tech University Evan Pool Texas A&M University Grace Hammond Texas Tech University

Hill Country MGA Scholarship Honoring Gerald Barton Evan Pool Texas A&M University Jay Herbert Scholarship Davis Archer The University of Texas at Dallas Jeff Morton Scholarship Garrett Martin Texas Tech University John & Ginny Termeer Scholarship Irissa Macheta Harvard University Lone Star NGL Scholarship John Hunter Beamesderfer Lee College Mia Cotta University of Arizona The Mick Scholarship Carson Hunsucker University of Houston Patrick Reed Scholarship David Zhou Texas A&M University Austin O’Brien Schreiner University

FEATURE STORY

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Robert N. Lyons Scholarship Leslie Hill Williams Baptist University Valerie Routzong Wichita State University Shawn Stefani Scholarship Cari Denson Sam Houston State University Tommy Aycock Scholarship Joseph Medrano University of Houston – Victoria Mariel Flores Schreiner University Military Involvement In partnership with the PGA of America’s PGA HOPE program, PGA REACH Southern Texas supports programs that introduce the Shawn Stefani Scholorship: game of golf through a developmental Shawn Stefani , Cari Denson and Jeff Strong 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf HOPE programming next year, The and military cultural competency.

PGA REACH Southern Texas is proud University of Texas Golf Club looks to join them in offering this Veteran service to have hosted four PGA HOPE sessions at two facilities in Houston and San Anto- to the Austin area in 2021. nio throughout 2020. Free to all Veteran participants, these programs are designed Employment Opportunities Throughout 2020, The Southern to introduce golf to Veterans in order to Texas PGA employed a total of seven enhance their mental, social, physical, interns in the areas of tournament operaand emotional well-being. tions and media/communications. These Jeffrey Ulrich, PGA Instructor at Mac internships are focused on providing Wylie Golf Center in San Antonio led valuable work experience within the golf two PGA HOPE sessions this year, one in industry and showcasing to young adults June/July and one in September/October. In the Houston area, two PGA HOPE the various career paths available in the industry. sessions were held at Cypresswood Golf Applications for Spring 2021 internClub and led by PGA Director of Instrucships are currently being accepted at tion,Tirrel Baymon.The first session at stpgareach.org.

Cypresswood was held in September, and PGA REACH Southern Texas is the second session is currently taking place thankful for a successful 2020 and looks and will run through mid-November.

As both Mac Wylie and Cypresswood forward to continuing to impact lives Golf Club plan to continue to offer PGA through golf in 2021.

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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

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

53

5

16

Laredo

127

ConCan

Harper

Utopia

10

17

Castroville

1604

37

Comfort

Kingsland

26

473

58

20

1431

1604

75

725

73

Kyle

620

Marble Falls Leander

Spring Brand

44

6 13 10 85 11

9 12 3

46

87 87

2

2342

44

84

3

130 1825

99

Pharr

35

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 • • • • 3

(210) 695-5050

P 18

72

7150/74.1/131

• •

• • 3

Gateway Hills Golf Course (210) 671-3466

26 1800 Dimsted Pl., Lackland AFB, TX 78236

P 18

72

6917/73.1/125

•

• • 31

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 • • • • • 31

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

72

6579/70.0/118 • • • • • 44

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

71

6205/68.9/112 • • • • • 19

(210) 627-2522 P 18

72

7044/73.4/132 • •

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

72

6602/71.9/123 • • • • • 3

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

(210) 826-4041 P 18

72

6847/71.8/131 • •

• • 3

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

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

72

7172/74.5/125 •

• • 31

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

Mission Del Lago Golf Course

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

• • 3

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

•

• • 3

• • 3

6819/70.8/124 • • • • • 31

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

• •

• • 16

www.golfkerrvilletex.com

TEXAS

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

71 7030/71.0/117

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

• • • • 38

www.starranchgolf.com

The Hideout

(866) 575-0259 P 18

72

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

72

Tierra Del Sol Golf Club 35 700 E. Hall Acres, Pharr, TX 78577

(956) 402-4545 P 18

72 6266/69.9/128

• •

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

72 6864/73.0/140

• • • • 13

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

72

44 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801

6211/72.1/137 • • • • • 72

www.thehideouttexas.com

6211/72/125

• • • • • 42

www.themaxlaredo.com

www.golf.pharr-tx.gov

• • 47

www.vcgc.golf

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

7221/74.6/130 • • • • 3

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

57

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

INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 76 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

Two Man Best Ball - June 25 & 26, 2021 | Ad Page 68 Eagle Pointe Golf Club solsen@montbelvieu.net | 281-385-6666

Laredo CVB | Map #99 | Ad Page 42 501 San Agustin | Laredo, TX 78040 www.visitlaredo.com | 800-361-3360

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map #87 | Ad Page 13 Golf Lessons with Adam Grosch & Edwin Dickens | 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Alabama | www.golfalabama.org | Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 87 | Ad Page 8 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.RoncoTX.com | 830-833-2266 The Hideout Golf Club | Map# 44 | Ad Page 72 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801 www.thehideouttexas.com | 325-208-1937

REAL ESTATE Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 8 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.RincoTX.com | 830-833-2266

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 13 228 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 20-25 1050 N,.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 210-822-4060 Edwin Watts | Map # 83 | Ad Page 20-25 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 361-852-0358 Edwin Watts | Map # 10| Ad Page 20-25 410 West SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 903-561-8851

Bash in the Box Boutique style Party Supplies

www.bashinthebox.com

Edwin Watts | Map # 5 | Ad Page 20-25 5805 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 817-731-4441 EpoxyMaster | Ad Page 56 www.epoxymaster.com | 888-376-9954 Facebook Live ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 75 “Golf After Hours” Thurdays 7-8 pm | K & I Associates | Ad Page 5 Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 200 Concord Plaza Dr. Ste 100, San Antonio,TX www.fa.ml.com/ki.associates | 210-805-2977 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

60

FEATURE STORY

PGA of America National Award Winner Ronny Glanton, Sherrill Park Golf Course

Sherrill Park Golf Course

Ronny Glanton, the head golf professional at city-owned Sherrill Park in Richardson has spent four decades honing his craft and helping others with the game of golf.While other more well-known pros tutor PGA Tour superstars, host golf’s major championship events or are splashed on the cover of national golf publications, Glanton has worked tirelessly in the background to make golf in North Texas a better place.

Ronny Glanton and Joe Black with the Texas Joe Black Cup

This year Glanton, a two-time Northern Texas PGA section president who has worked in just about every major golf pro role both locally and nationally, was finally honored for his years of service to promote golf. Glanton was named the PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, the highest individual honor the national association gives out on an annual basis.

The low key, amiable, friend of golf everywhere was just the second municipal club professional to win the PGA of America national honor in the last 30 years.While momentarily speechless when he got the confirmation call with PGA of America president Suzy Whaley, Glanton handled the long overdue honor with the same grace, gratitude, appreciation and calmness which has been the hallmarks of his remarkable career.

“Ronny Glanton has demonstrated a passion and commitment to training and mentoring fellow PGA Professionals throughout his career,” said NTPGA Executive Director Mark Harrison.

He has served the Association as the District 12 Director on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012 and also chaired multiple PGA of America Committees including the

FEATURE STORY

Associate and Tournament Committees.

He has served on several other national committees as well, and currently serves on the Membership Committee.

Glanton is the Honorary President of the Northern Texas PGA Section after serving as President, for the second time from 2018 to 2019. He previously served as the Section’s President in 2006 to 2007 and is the only Northern Texas PGA Section President to have served multiple terms.The most notable accomplishment under Glanton’s leadership, in 2018, was the announcement of PGA Frisco and a new home for the Northern Texas PGA. Groundbreaking for the new headquarters is currently underway.

This is the fourth time that a Member of the Northern Texas PGA has won the Association’s most prestigious award.

Glanton joins Ross Collins, who won the award in 1971 while serving as the PGA Head Professional at Dallas Athletic Club, David Price, who won the award in 1995 as PGA Head Professional at Bent Tree Country Club, and Randy Smith, who won the award in 1996 as PGA Head Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club.

Glanton was happy to talk to Texas Golf Insider Contributing Writer Art Stricklin in his small, award and photo-filled office about his national awards, his decades of service to North Texas golf and the future for golf in this area and state wide.

TEXAS GOLF INSIDER: Congrats on your national award, after decades in this job which many might overlook when thinking of top pros, you should be proud to be recognized by the PGA of America RONNY GLANTON:Well I was speechless when the PGA called me and I’m humbled and extremely grateful for this honor. (Past winners) David Price through rules and Randy Smith through fund raising really set the standard on what it means to be an iconic golf pro and help the game.

61

Billy Harris, Hal Sutton and Ronny Glanton

TGI: Is that what you love about golf and your job?

RG: Most people who get into this business get in because they love the game and they love people.They enjoy the people they are with and enjoy the people they have a relationship with through golf. It’s all about relationships which is why I go on golf trips with the same people every year.

TGI: Is this what you always wanted to do with your life?

RG: I grew up in Mineral Wells and started working at Holiday Hills Country Club when I was 11 years old. I worked for a pro who did everything and I always figured I would come back to Holiday Hills one day as head pro. After being here for nearly 40 years, I guess I’ve upgraded.

TGI: Did you ever think about playing golf for a living on the PGA Tour?

RG: I played college golf at Hardin Simmons and was a good player, but didn’t have that type of game to play on the pro tour. I could put one round together, but four, every week, I didn’t have that. I’ve qualified for the Byron Nelson PGA Tournament 7 times, but it’s a good thing it’s just a one round qualifier, not four, otherwise I might be in trouble.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

62

FEATURE STORY

drove from Glen Rose to Richardson and got totally lost and wound up having to call Buster from a pay phone to ask for directions. I finally got here and we talked for a few hours and I went home. It was February and it started snowing on the way home and it took me 5 hours to finally get back.The next day he called and said the job is yours and I’ve been here ever since.

TGI: Sounds like a pretty good drive to come over and interview?

RG: It was the best drive of my life.

TGI:What’s different about running a city-owned course as opposed to a high end private club or daily fee or military course?

Philip Bleakney and Ronny Glanton RG:You see all walks of life Winners of the JBT Invitational at Pebble Beach here from parents to juniors to workers to people who just want TGI:You talked about relationships, to come out and play. During the COVID 19 what about the relationship which led you to Pandemic we never closed, we have all kinds Sherrill Park? of people who want to play here.

RG: You’re right, that’s a great story.

TGI: How many rounds do you do here After I left Hardin Simmons, I was working with 36 holes of golf and a large practice as an assistant pro at Squaw Creek in Glen area?

Rose and I knew an assistant at Dallas RG: This year we will do about 100,000.

Country Club whose dad was the head pro at That’s high, but in the past we’ve done as Colonial Country Club. many as 136,000 before a lot of these other One day in 1981 my friend called me courses nearby started to open.We want to and said Buster Creagh was looking for an assistant at Sherrill Park in Richardson. I told give everybody a great experience. Not everybody is going to be happy, but we always him I didn’t know Buster, but he insisted I try to provide a high level of service to all. call and check it out, because he felt it was TGI: Are you considered a City of Richa good job. So I called Buster and told him ardson employee, as they own the course?

I was an assistant pro and was calling about the job at Sherrill Park. Buster said what are RG: No, I’m an independent contracyou doing today? I told him I was working to tor, the way it’s always been. I answer to the 1 p.m., but he said why you don’t drive over city financial director who is a great guy. I’ve for an interview after you get off work. worked with about 7-8 city managers and I wasn’t dressed for an interview, but he each one loves the course and recreation and said he didn’t care, so after I got off work, I has put money into the course to make it suc-

FEATURE STORY

cessful.We have a great location and a great city and culture, so we are set up for success.

TGI:While many golf fans know high profile pros who are featured in golf publications or have national or radio shows, you think people would be surprised how pros like you are the backbone of the game we all love.

RG: I’ll tell you a funny story, after I won this award, the PGA sent out this photographer. I think he drove out here from Atlanta.

When he got here, he said, I’m really surprised by all of this. I’m used to shooting elite private clubs and this isn’t what I’m used to.

Well, I told him, what you see is what you get here.This is what we have. He said, ‘I don’t have many places to shoot’. I mean, what’s with this guy? This is our operation here and we’ve been successful. I’ve had people work for me here for 20 or 30 years.

I’m really proud to carry the banner for municipal and public course pros who contribute to the game in many ways and always look to help out.That’s what we all try to do with golf.

TGI:What are some of the things you are proudest of in your tenure here?

63

RG: I wanted to give back to the Associate’s Tour, which provides opportunities for assistant pros and others to play golf and make some money. I want to help with the winter tour for those pros who come south in the winter time so they have a place to play. It’s all about giving back to the game which has been so good for us.

TGI:What do you see as the future of Texas Golf?

RG: I’m so excited about the new PGA Frisco project, it’s going to be great in every way.The new Northern Texas PGA headquarters will be there and it will be second to none. Executive Director Mark Harrison deserves all the credit for getting this done.

The future is incredibly bright.

TGI:What about the future for Ronny Glanton?

RG: I love it here and I want to stay here another 10 years and make it 50 years at Sherrill Park.That would be tremendous. I still have a drive and a love for this job every day.

TGI:Thanks for the time and congratulations RG:You’re welcome.

Jon Morgan and Ronny Glanton

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

64

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

Squawvalleygc.com

254-897-7956

History * Heart * Hospitality

Hole 12

Hole 3

Glenroseexpo.org 254-897-4509

Somervell.co 254-897-3750

Mont Belvieu, TX

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

18

Twilight

Mon-Thur $49 $36* Friday $49 $41 Weekend $63 $41 Holiday $63 $41 *Twilight begins at 2 pm - Mar13-Nov 6 All rates include cart fee and holidays untill 10:59 am **Rates Subject to Change

STATISTICS Par: 71 Black Blue White Red

Yards Rating 7077 73.2 6502 70.9 5927 68.0 5213 67.4

Slope 128 121 116 113

PERSONNEL

Architect......................... Rick Forester General Manager............. Scott Olsen Course Record.........Justin McKay, 62

AMENITIES

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

A

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

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

Exceptional location to host your event

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

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

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

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

City of Mont Belvieu

Two-Man Best Ball @ Eagle Pointe Golf Club

2021

JUNE 25&26

Registration opens April 1, 2021

Tournament entry includes: Thursday practice round, tournament rounds, breakfast, meals after play, award gift certificate for winners.

Round 1 – One best ball of two Round 2 – Aggregate score of both balls

Tournament entry fee is $330 Per Team Optional team day money.

Tournament Sponsor – City of Mont Belvieu Flights are determined by team handicaps. Each team plays scratch within the flight. Maximum individual handicap index is 14.0. Championship flight is subject to amount of entries, each other flight is expected to consist of 12-14 teams. Tournament field is limited to the first 60 paid teams. Tee time start each day.Tees – Championship and the first flight play the black tee markers, approximately 7,100 yards. All other flights play the blue tee markers, approximately 6,500 yards. Eligibility – Amateurs with an active GHIN handicap index. Handicap indexes as of June 20, 2021.Non-Amateurs must play the championship flight, may not have played as a professional since January 1, 2020 and may not have “status” as a professional on any recognized golf tour.

Contact: Scott Olsen, PGA Head Golf Professional Eagle Pointe Golf Club solsen@montbelvieu.net 281-385-6666

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

DIRECTORY

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

832-381-1000

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

Cape Royale GC

PUB

Coldspring

936-653-2388

Rayburn Country

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

M

Anahuac

409-267-8235

Red Wolf GC

PUB

Huffman

281-324-1841

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000

River Point GC

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

Columbus GC

M

Columbus

979-732-5575

River Terrace GC

PUB

Channelview

281-452-2183

Country Club of Texas

SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

Sharpstown GC

M

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

281-304-8515

Sienna Plantation

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Freeport

Bayou GC

Chambers County GC Clear Creek GC

Freeport GC

M

TYPE LOCATON

69

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

979-233-8311

Texaco GC

PUB

Houston

713-453-7501 979-845-1723

Gleannloch Pines

PUB

Spring

281-225-1200

The Course at Texas A&M PUB

College Station

Greatwood GC

PUB

Deer Park

Sugar Land

281-343-9999

The Battleground at Deer Park PUB

M

Houston

713-928-4260

The Golf Club of Houston PUB/PV Humble

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

409-842-3220

The Village GC

PUB

Panorama Village

936-856-5531

Hermann Park GC

PUB

Houston

713-526-0077

The Wilderness

PUB

Lake Jackson

979-297-4653

Heron Lakes GC

PUB

Gus Wortham GC

281-478-4653 281-459-7800

Houston

281-807-0207

Timber Creek GC

PUB

Friendswood

281-993-1140

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Tour 18 Houston

PUB

Humble

281-540-1818

Houston National GC

PUB

Houston

281-304-1400

Waller CC

PUB

Waller

936-931-3335

Idylwild GC

PUB

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

Wedgewood GC

PUB

Conroe

936-441-4653

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

La Torretta

PUB

R

Montgomery

936-448-3022

Wildcat GC

PUB

Houston

713-413-3400

Legendary Oaks GC

PUB

Hempstead

979-826-4001

WindRose GC

PUB

Spring

281-370-8900

Longwood GC

PUB

Cypress

281-373-4100

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

Melrose GC

PUB

Houston

281-847-1214

Find it all in the Texas Golf Insider

Golf

Dining

Accommodations

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

109

New Ulm

Industry

109

25 25 25

1458

28

29

Magnolia

53

Montgomery

29

66

3

53

Pasadena

41

Deer Park

38

17

2

17

5 5

5

5 Mont Belvieu

2

88

70

72

6496/71.7/117

• • • • • 26

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

71

7077/72.2/128 • • • • • 66

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

Type Hole

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

Map Number

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

71

Yardage /Rating /Slope

COURSES

Par

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

www.bayougc.com

www.eaglepointeonline.com

ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING Bayou Golf Course | Map #17 | Ad Pg 26

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

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Alabama | www.golfalabama.org |

The Pointe Grille | Map #5 | Ad Pg 66

12450 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77523 www.eaglepointeonline.com | 281-385-6668

SHOPPING / SERVICES Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 20-25 5395 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 713-627-2411 EpoxyMaster | Ad Page 56 www.epoxymaster.com | 888-376-9954 “Golf After Hours” On Air ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 74 Facebook Live | Thurdays 7-8 pm |

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 Plus Trip Surprises!

About Art

Go With Someone Who Has Been There ...

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

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION Eagle Pointe Player Development | Map # 5 | Ad Pg 66 Jeff Strong, PGA www.eaglepointeonline.com | 281-385-6666

TOURNAMENTS Two Man Best Ball - June 25 & 26, 2021 | Ad Page 68 Eagle Pointe Golf Club solsen@montbelvieu.net | 281-385-6666 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map #87 | Ad Page 13 Golf Lessons with Adam Grosch & Edwin Dickens | 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

Call: 972-989-2310 or Email: art@theartofgolftravel.com

For more information go to:

www.theartofgolftravel.com

72

FEATURE STORY

It’s no secret that The Hideout Golf Club & Resort is fine in every way

By Art Stricklin, Contributing Writer

As they say in these parts, Director of Golf Mick Jones wasn’t born here, but got here as soon as he could.When he arrived in June from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, he couldn’t believe how nice and green the Hideout Golf Club and Resort just outside Brownwood was.

“On my first visit, I couldn’t believe how manicured and nice everything was here.The name is the Hideout, so maybe some people don’t know we have a good course here, but all credit to Superintendent Mike Lowry and his staff for how nice this is here.”

The 1,400 acre resort and country club is located roughly halfway between Fort Worth and San Angelo, Southwest of the DFW Metro area, just 40 miles from the geographic center of Texas making it acces-

sible to a wide variety of state golfers and travelers.

“The staff is friendly, there are a lot of great people here and you have a resort, a golf course, wide open spaces, great stay and play packages and cabins to hang out in while you are here.”

Not to mention you can purchase a homesite, play unlimited golf and when you’re finished with the on-course action, head over to the resort pool, maybe the RV Park or the nearby 7,500 acre Lake Brownwood for fishing, boating and all manner of water sports.

You may be at the Hideout, but you will have plenty to occupy as much time as you want to spend while you are here.

“We feel we’re in a true growth mode right now with the golf and the course,” said Jones, who has plenty of experience in the golf business before he came here. “We have a championship golf course which is only going to get better and being this close to so much a part of Texas we have an incredible opportunity to showcase what we have.

FEATURE STORY

The par 72 course was designed by Arizona architect Bill Johnston who did classic San Antonio golf designs at The Dominion and Tapatio Springs and took advantage of the rolling terrain here with scattered trees and hillside views.

Each of the holes was individually named by Johnston and course owners with descriptive terms such as Lone Tree, Double Trouble, Bender, Make or Break, Sidehill and Classic. Each title refers to the individual hole’s characteristics and it’s not hard to see where the trouble lies.

While the course offers plenty of challenge, it is also plenty of fun, another Johnson trademark which has made the course a popular spot for weekend visitors along with full-time residents and second home members.

The lodging includes 6 Lodge Rooms, 17 Cabins, 3 Ranch Houses and 10 Bungalow-style RVs available for rental.

While there are open RV pads available for a longer stay, guests can actually rent an RV on site with a larger group for a true outdoor adventure.

During the recent Pandemic, the Hideout was able to stay open because of its fairly remote location, the wide open spaces inside the resort and the fact the

73

lodges are placed a safe distance away from each other.

The pro shop not only has golf gear for your on-course challenges, but the large selection of kids golf apparel includes US Kids club, PGA Junior League and kids clothes for all ages.

“We are doing whatever it takes to grow the game,” said Jones. “At the Hideout, we have members, resort guests, homeowners, it’s really the best of all worlds here. It’s one of the nicest and most manicured courses I have seen anywhere.”

For more information on making the Hideout an open secret for a weekend, a week or much longer, you can go to www. thehideouttexas.com, call 325-784-8000 or e-mail mick.jones@thehideouttexas.com.

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