The Texas Golf Insider

Golf Insider TEXAS

Spring 2019

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Eagle Pointe’s Restoration Making Great Even Better

Inside: Lake Charles, LA

A Culture Rich in Golf, Gambling & Food

Gaylord’s Golf Mecca A Great Summer Escape

Star Ranch, Hutto, Texas

Play All Day, Home of the All Inclusive

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With award-winning dining experiences, a booming craft beer scene and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, plus Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountains to the coast, you can take it all in.

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Contents 8

Cover Stories 6 WELCOME

HOW TO CONTACT US WITH GOLF NEWS AND STORIES

8 EAGLE POINTE ‘S RESTORATION MAKING GREAT EVEN BETTER

14 LAKE CHARLES, LA

GOLF, GAMING, FOOD & DRINKS

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex 22 SRIXON PRESTIGE TOUR STPGA JUNIOR GOLF IN FULL SWING

T G I

DIRECTORIES & MAP 19 GENERAL DIRECTORY 20 MAPS 21 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

CENTRAL TEXAS 24 STAR RANCH

13

TheTraditions Course at Cypresswood

HOME OF THE ALL INCLUSIVE

DIRECTORIES & MAP

29 GAYLORD GOLF MECCA

52 GENERAL DIRECTORY 54 MAPS 55 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

A GREAT SUMMER ESCAPE

38 FORESIGHT GOLF

PROVIDING WORLD CLASS GOLF IN TEXAS

DALLAS / FORT WORTH 59 GENERAL DIRECTORY

14 TEXAS

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The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Lake Charles, LA Gray Plantaion GC TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FROMTHE THE EDITOR EDITOR FROM

Letter From The Publisher Mike Ratchman - Publisher

Texas

GOLF INSIDER P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Editor: Ava Ratchman Contributing Writers: Steve Habel,Tom Bedell Gord Motgomery Contributing Photographers: Mark Lindsay, Steve Giles, Justin Becker, Connie Black Office Manager/Social Media: Marcede Pullen Production: Pat Gondert 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS Copyright ©2015 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information.

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I hope that by the time you pick up this issue the sun is shining and the cold, drizzling dreary days of this weird winter season have moved on. I don’t want to jinx anything but our Spring golfing season in Texas is the best in the country.

This edition features a list of long-time golf course favorites along with a few first time features as well.

I know we are just getting our season started here in Texas, but summer will be here before you know it.We’ll be praying for rain and relief from the heat. One way you can escape the heat is if you head north. Like, Michigan north.

OK, listen up sunbirds! Last year I was invited to tee it up at Treetops Resort in Gaylord Michigan and played some of the most outstanding golf courses I have ever played in my life. I left in July from Austin with an outside temperature of 102 degrees and landed in Traverse City, MI airport 4 hours later.Temperature 76 degrees.The rest of my 6-day visit was amazing.Tom Bedell wrote a great story about our visit in this issue so make sure you read it and make your plans.

In November I took another 5 days off to visit our neighbors in Louisiana and found out why south Texas has made Lake Charles their home away from home. Golf, Gambling, Food and Drinks. Repeat that three times.Then place your clubs in your truck and go get some of that southern hospitality. I had way too much fun.They are always running specials and in our Lake Charles Travel article, they are giving you several reasons why you should visit.

The list of long-time favorites and cover stories this Spring are Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Bellvieu,TX, just east of Houston and The Club at Star Ranch in Hutto,TX, just north of Austin.With all the courses you can play in both big cities, golfers prefer to travel to courses that give them a friendly atmosphere and playable course conditions. I highly recommend you put both courses on your must play list this year.

Enjoy your Spring golf and travels, Mike

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

7

Steve Habel

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

Tom Bedell

Award-winning writer Tom Bedell is the only member of both the Golf Writers Association of America and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. He has written extensively on both subjects in countless articles and in several books.

Gord Montgomery

Gord is a staff writer since 2007 with Inside Golf magazine/website in Western Canada, He’s a retired award-winning sports writer/ photographer of two weekly newspapers in Alberta. He is a member in good standing of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

TEXAS

Golf Insider

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

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8

FEATURE STORY

Eagle Pointe ‘s Restoration Making Great Even Better!

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

When it comes to unique and fun public golf courses in the Bay Area south of Houston, the challenge and overall experience golfers enjoy at Eagle Pointe Golf Club is hard to match, much less exceed.

As good as it is now at this venerable Rick Forester layout, things are about to take another step up, thanks to a planned set of improvements and renovations that will take Eagle Pointe to an even higher level.

Jeff Strong and his staff have identified a handful of issues at Eagle Pointe that need to be addressed and have solicited input from the noted golf course architecture team of Dana Fry and Jason Straka to make those renovations and restorations.

“We’ve asked for and are developing a master plan with Fry-Straka that, if approved by the Mont Belvieu city council, will touch basically every part of the golf course,” said Strong, Eagle Pointe’s general manager. “We want to work on the greens’ complexes, tee boxes, tree TheTexasGolfInsider.com

removal and trimming where needed, bunker renovation and reconstruction, irrigation and drainage– so, basically, everything.”

“We have a great golf course here and have been able to keep our conditions and playability top-notch through the years despite the challenges posed by our site and the impact of Mother Nature,” Strong added. “The bottom line is that this course is now 20 years old and it’s just time to tackle some of the issues we’ve been battling in a piecemeal or as-needed basis.”

If approved, as expected, by the city council, parts of Eagle Pointe could go

Whiskey Ranch Still House

FEATURE STORY

under the blade as soon as November 2020.

In the meantime, all the aspects about Eagle Pointe that make the course great are still in place.The course is perhaps the best bargain in the area because of its combination of price and an outstanding layout that’s always in excellent condition and – unlike most other coastal layout in the region – sports plenty of elevation change, with a rise and fall of about 40 feet throughout the routing.

Many who play Eagle Pointe G.C. say the course reminds them of tracks you would find in South Carolina, such as Myrtle Beach.

Eagle Pointe was recently ranked as the 21st best public golf course in Texas by the Dallas Morning News, an increase of 16 placings from the course’s previous standing on the list.

9

The unique terrain, along with treelined fairways, unique water hazards, undulating greens with smooth and speedy surfaces, have gained Eagle Pointe G.C. high marks among area golfers and make the course enjoyable and challenging for players of all skill levels.

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FEATURE STORY

Water is a consideration on most every hole at Eagle Pointe G.C. Cherry Point Gully weaves its way through the course, joining the Old River, which ultimately leads to Galveston Bay.The boundaries on several holes include a waterfall and several ponds strategically placed along the fairways.

This is a golf course that demands a player’s best execution on every shot, along with the conviction to think out of the box on occasion.

“Eagle Pointe has survived and thrived because it has always been a great course” Strong said. “We have stayed true to a great plan and stood the test of time with the challenges we’ve faced over the years. There is a very natural, open feeling here, both because of the mature pines that line our fairways and because you are not closed in by a dense housing development.”

Eagle Pointe’s four finishing holes are considered by many as the best closing stretch in the area.

No. 15 is a long, difficult par-3, playing at 213 from the back tees, because of the large bunkers that protect a two-tiered green.

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The 469-yard par-4 16th makes for the biggest test on the back nine.

If you happen to find the fairway, you must avoid hitting your second shot into the waterfall protecting the green on the left. The green is very fast and slopes left to right, so avoiding a three-putt from anywhere on this putting surface is difficult.

The 540-yard, dogleg-left par-5 17th gives a player a legitimate chance at birdie. Long hitters can go for the green in two but beware, the putting surface is protected by several large bunkers.

Then, the closing hole could be one of the best in the Houston area.

Carded at 429 yards, this par-4 has a narrow fairway that keeps players honest off the tee and is protected by ponds on each side that create an obstacle to overcome in order to attack the green.

Since 2014, Eagle Pointe has been a proud host of the Texas Senior Open and the Southern Texas PGA Foundation fundraiser benefitting local PGA Tour player Shawn Stefani’s Scholarship Fund.

FEATURE STORY

Membership at Eagle Pointe also offers one of the region’s best recreational facilities, featuring a 60,000-square foot state-of-the-art complex with the most modern fitness equipment and a plethora of sports amenities that any active person would enjoy.

There are two full basketball courts, a pair of racquetball courts, four outdoor lighted tennis courts, a heated indoor lap pool, child watch and outdoor play area and a half-mile nature and jogging trail.

The facility also sports a wave pool, indoor banquet and reception areas.

The Pointe Grill and Eagle Pointe Golf Club total more than 8,000-square-

11

feet of climate-controlled space for virtually every kind of event, including

corporate outings, before and after tournament gathering, weddings and receptions.

Eagle Pointe G.C. and its surrounding community is located about 35 minutes east from downtown Houston off I-10.

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COURSES

Public Course

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

MAP #17

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

9-Hole Par 3 Course -Walking- $10

COURSE FACTS

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

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

2800 Ted Dudley Drive Texas City, TX 77590

409-739-9622 bayougc.com

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Texas City

Bayou Golf Club A Little Piece of Heaven Near Houston Golfers can now experience the newly renovated Bayou Golf Course in Texas City. It features a new 13,000 sq. foot putting green and just recently opened the new 9-Hole Par 3 Course for walking, a great way to spend quality time with friends and family. The golf course redesign architect, Mike Nuzzo, increased the average size per green to 5,000 sq. ft., rebuilt sand traps and added new tee complexes. The 200-acre site on the bank of Moses Bayou boasts a championship layout with elevated greens and tee boxes. Amidst the blue skies and palm trees, with a tropic-like climate, Bayou Golf Course offers golfers year round play. Only 15 miles from Galveston, the convenient location, and spacious clubhouse makes Bayou Golf Course an ideal choice to host your next golf tournament.

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

COURSES

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST Public Course

MAP # 38

COURSE FACTS

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Spring

Cypresswood Golf Club

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 General Mgr: Jonathan Roberson PGA Dir of Agronomy Collins Bean Dir of Better Golf: Tirrel Baymon PGA

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Tradition Course: Black: 7220/74.7/136 Blue: 6638/71.8/130 White: Mens 6162/69.4/118 Ladies 6162/75.5/134 Silver: Mens 5441/66.1/116 Ladies 5441/71.7/125

COURSE AMENITIES

• Golf Academy • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Rewards Program • Online Specials • Tournaments Welcome

Public Course

MAP # 38

The Tradition Course

The Tradition Course features towering trees, no nearby homes, and no out-of-bounds for a Pinehurst-like experience, Foster’s tribute to the work of Donald Ross.

Added to the challenge are enormous bunkers, ravines, creeks and ponds, making this big-shouldered course a challenge for the golfer to be accurate or suffer the consequences.

21602 Cypresswood Drive Spring, TX 78222 281-821-6300 www.cypresswood.com Spring

Cypresswood Golf Club

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 General Mgr: Jonathan Roberson PGA Dir of Agronomy Collins Bean Dir of Better Golf: Tirrel Baymon PGA

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Cypress Course: Blue: 6906/73.0/134 Forest: 6168/69.8/122 Silver: 5624/67.6/111

COURSE AMENITIES • Golf Academy • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Rewards Program • Online Specials • Tournaments Welcome

The Cypress Course

The Cypress Course opened in 1988 as the original course and set the bar with a track that caters to shotmakers.The routing possesses a handful of doglegs and rolling fairways that force players to work off uneven lies and has more water to deal with – in fact, water comes into play on 16 holes. Golfers will face decisions plenty at the Cypress Course because of the abundance of elevation changes and holes that end in raised greens surrounded by difficult swales and bunkers.

21602 Cypresswood Drive Spring, TX 78222 281-821-6300 www.cypresswood.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

14

FEATURE STORY

LAKE CHARLES, LA

A Culture Rich in Both Golf and Food L’Auberge Casino Resort

By Gord Montgomery, ContributingWriter

Golf. Gamble. Gumbo.That could well some of the premier golf courses, not only be the mantra coming out of Southwest in the South, but in the United States.We Louisiana, and in particular Lake Charles, also have smaller municipal courses that the about all the fun and games offered to visi- public can take advantage of. And outside tors in this vibrant community. of gaming and golf, our next largest attracLake Charles, which is an easy hop tion would be the outdoors including the from the airports in both Houston and All American Road.We’ve got 26 miles of Dallas, or reachable via roadway within a beaches. Over 400 species of birds migrate day from just about anywhere in Texas, is a through here.We’re a top-10 birding destidestination that’s becoming hugely popular. nation in the United States.”

Why? Well to start with, there are six Swamp public-friendly golf courses, casinos and tours are all kinds of outdoor activities. big business In regard to the tourism activities here, as well that entice people to travel to Lake as giving Charles,Wilvisitors liam Precht, the chance Jack Daniels Bar & Grill to get up the Media Relations Manclose, but ager from the not too personal, with wildlife of all Lake Charles/ sorts. Included in this itinerary of activiSWLA CVB ties are Airboats & Alligators,Wetland (Convention Walkway and Pintail Wildlife Drive.

Crying Eagle Brewery & Visitors And then there’s the fuel for your Bureau) noted: “The community offers a tank, be it liquid or food. Lake Charles lot and tourism in our area is robust. Our serves up the best in beer at the Crying largest attraction is the casino gaming.

Eagle Brewery, a spot to relax and try any We’re the South’s premier gaming destina- of the 15 brews on tap at any given time. tion and that directly includes golf.We have There’s also the Bayou Rum/Louisiana TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

15

Gray Plantation Golf Course

Spirits Distillery, where homegrown sugar cane is the key ingredient at the largest privately owned rum distillery in the U.S. Both spots offer tours, as well as some tastetesting to help quench the biggest thirst.

As for food, one of the premier places to chow down is Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill in the L’Auberge Casino Resort. Here, the flavorful selections run the gamut from Gator Bites to the outstanding Gulf Oysters, the delectable Boudin Balls and then several mouth-watering choices for your main course choice.

Oh, and don’t overlook the award-winning Gumbo as well as the awesome, delicious lineup of desserts offered up every day.

Gray Plantation Golf Course But, we were here seeking birdies and our tour begins at the Gray Plantation Golf Course. Here you can hit the big stick to your heart’s content without running into too much trouble, but penalty areas are out there so you do need to take some caution when whaling away.

Set on the shores of the Calcasieu River, the course, a member of the Audubon

Golf Trail, offers some wide fairways but the marshes and waters of the area do come into play. This Rocky Roquemore design has been perfectly described as “A delicate mix of Southern charm and Cajun fire.”

Gray Plantation GC can play long, it stretches out to just under 7,000 yards and at sea level, that’s a hunk of real estate to cover over 18 holes. For more information on Gray Plantation Golf Club, go to www. grayplantation.com/golf-club National Golf Club of Louisiana As if there wasn’t enough water for you at the first stop,The National Golf Club of Louisiana tops that by teeing up water on

The National Golf Club of Louisiana

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FEATURE STORY

14 holes. But that’s about to change — soon all 18 will have liquid punishment as the owners not only upgrade their outdoor playpen but the clubhouse as well in an upscale area of Westlake, minutes from Lake Charles.

This David Bennett par 72 layout takes you through many on-course adventures with unique, and challenging risk/ reward holes. Here, hitting fairways is more a priority than hitting the ball deep, as the rough, and the penalty areas aren’t hard to find if you stray off the main thoroughfares.

A real challenge at National is No. 16, rated as the course’s top handicap hole and touted as possibly being “One of the toughest par 4’s in the state.” It’s 439-yards from the blue tees with water to the right off the tee as well as more wet stuff on both sides of the fairway from about 180 yards out to within 50 yards of the green.Then, there’s a massive bunker on the front right of the green making par on this test seem like a birdie.

For more, go to nationalgcla.com.

The Country Club at Golden Nugget This is the most expensive tee time in Lake Charles, but it’s worth every penny.This Todd Eckinrode layout serves up a great

The County Club at Golden Nugget

variety of holes including both long and short par 4’s, making for some great scoring opportunities.Two of those shorties are No. 10 at 290-yards and No. 13 at 285.

Those are balanced out though by No. 11, playing as a 418-yard par-4.

Not your typical hazard

Built right on the bayou, there are plenty of hazards scattered about the premises here, including over 15 acres of waste bunkers and the ever-present marsh areas. And be advised, this isn’t your typical resort style course.While the fairways are indeed wide, the deep, tangly grasses bordering the short grass can put a dent in your score in a hurry if you test them out. For more on this great facility go to goldennugget.com.

The County Club at Golden Nugget

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Contraband Bayou GC The Contraband Bayou GC, a Tom Fazio design where the front nine is stronger than

FEATURE STORY

17

The Contraband Bayou GC

the back, is another must-play in Lake Charles. That being said, please realize the home stretch does have some teeth.

In particular, the 15th, a massive and tight par-5 that will eat your lunch, not to mention several of your golf balls for dessert, if you let it get into your head.

The hole is 557-yards from the back tee but ‘only’ 487 off the middle deck. By the way, it’s OB left from tee to green and water guards the majority of the righthand side, so be ready for a challenge.

Measuring out at just under 7,000 yards overall, this is a course where playing from the correct tee is a must.

Without a lot of carry due to elevation, Contraband Bayou plays longer than stated and even at 6,100

yards, can be a bit of a beast. For more, go to llakecharles.com/hotel/amenities/ contraband-bayou-golf-club In condensing what the Lake Charles experience is all about, Precht noted, “Culture in Louisiana is different by the hour … and all those folks coming here will find a mixture of things to get a taste of the essence of the flavor of the area,” including all the activities teed up here, be it on the golf course, in the restaurants or in the wetlands. For more on this spirited, lively community, go to lakecharles.com.

The Contraband Bayou GC

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

Visit our website at www.nationalgcla.com • • • •

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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

Clear Creek GC

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000

River Point GC

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

Columbia Lakes

PUB

West Columbia

979-345-PUTT

River Terrace GC

PUB

Channelview

281-452-2183

M

Bayou GC

Chambers County GC

TYPE LOCATON

19

Columbus GC

M

Columbus

979-732-5575

Sharpstown GC

Country Club of Texas

SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

Sienna Plantation

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

281-304-8515

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

281-821-6300

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB

Mont Belvieu

Freeport GC

M

PHONE

Houston

713-988-2099

PUB

Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

Southwyck GC

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

Stephen F. Austin GC

SP

San Felipe

979-627-9212

281-385-6666

Swanson Golf Center

Pub

Houston

281-440-1308

Freeport

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

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New Ulm

Industry

109

1458

Magnolia

Montgomery

78

78

38

3

Pasadena

Deer Park

17

17

88

5 5

Mont Belvieu

5

20

72

6496/71.7/117

• • • • • 12

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

(281) 821-6300 P 36

72

6908/73.0/134 • • • • • 13

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 • • • • • 8

Quail Valley Golf Course (281) 403-5910 P 36 78 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City, TX 77459

71

6920/73.2/138

Tradition Golf Course 38 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77373

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7220/74.7/136 • • • • • 13

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

21

Yardage /Rating /Slope

COURSES

Par

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

www.bayougc.com

www.cypresswood.com

www.eaglepointeonline.com

• • • • • 5

www.golfquailvalley.com

www.cypresswood.com

(281) 821-6300 P 36

ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING Bayou Golf Course | Map #17 | Ad Pg 12

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

The Pointe Grille | Map #5 | Ad Pg 8

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

SHOPPING / SERVICES

Bash in the Box Boutique style Party Supplies

www.bashinthebox.com

Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 3 5395 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 713-627-2411 ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 65 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Map # 88 | Ad Pg 67 4310 Caduceus Pl., Galveston, TX 77550| www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299

GOLF ACADEMY/INSTRUCTION Eagle Pointe Player Development | Map # 5 | Ad Pg 8 Jeff Strong, PGA www.eaglepointeonline.com | 281-385-6666

STPGA Junior Golf | www.stpgajuniorgolf.com |Ad Pg 22 UIW-Professional Golf Mangement Program | Ad Pg 46-47 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX | email: graybeal@uiwtx.edu | 210-805-5839

www.bashinthebox.com

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FEATURE STORY

Spring Series full of tournaments leading to the Spring Championships Spring is in the air here in South Texas and before we know it Summer will be here. The Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Program Spring Series is in full swing and has numerous tournaments still on the schedule for junior golfers to participate in and earn points towards the invite-only Spring Championships.

The Spring Series will conclude on April 27-28, 2019 with the Little Linksters Spring Championship being held at The Club of Colony Creek in Victoria and the Junior Tour Spring Championship being hosted at Victoria Country Club.

The Srixon Prestige Tour schedule is full of highly competitive two-day events where juniors can earn exemptions into Legends Junior Tour events as well as AJGA Performance Stars and Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings. The highlight of the schedule is the NEW Match Play Championship on June 3-6 at The Clubs of Kingwood (Island Course). The event will start with juniors playing a 36-hole stroke play qualifier to determine the makeup of their respective division brackets.

Below you will find important STPGA Junior Golf dates, so mark your calendars!

Felisa Sajulga (Girls 15-18 Champion at Srixon Prestige Tour Winter Showdown)

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FEATURE STORY

23

Jack Usner (Boys 13-14 Champion at Srixon Prestige Tour Winter Showdown)

March 26, 2019: Little Linksters, Junior Links, and Junior Tour Summer Schedules are viewable.

April 16, 2019: Registration for Little Linksters, Junior Links, and Junior Tour Summer events and remaining Srixon Prestige Tour events opens.

Please remember it is never too late to register to become a STPGA Junior Golf Member. For more information and to register, visit www. stpgajuniorgolf.com.

In Section news, the STPGA is excited to continue its relationship with the PGA TOUR and hosting qualifying events for the Valero Texas Open. These Pre-Qualifying events are slated for Tuesday, March 26 at Falconhead Golf Club in Austin, Wednesday, March 27 at Woodforest Golf Club in Montgomery, and Thursday, March 28 at The Club at Comanche Trace in Kerrville.

The deadline to register for these events is 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, March 22.

NEW in 2019 is the addition of the Web.com Tour Dormie Network Classic.

The event will take place the week of April 22-28 at Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio. The Open Qualifier will be on Monday, April 22 at The Club of Comanche Trace and Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club. For more information, please visit www.stpga. com

Briggs Ranch Golf Club

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24

COVER STORY

Star Ranch Draws Golfers with Friendly Atmosphere, Conditions and Playability

By Kevin Duke, Contributing Writer

My playing partner, Armando Serano, took a lot of grief on the first tee at the Golf Club at Star Ranch.

I had traveled to the club in Hutto (just northeast of Austin) for the first time on a Chamber of Commerce day in January to play the course and find out why folks played there, with so many golf options in the Austin area and surrounds.

Joining us for the round were Ladies’ Club royalty at the course, president Jacque Ward, and membership chairwoman Cathy Richter.While they teed off from the forward tees, Serano began to tee his ball up from the blue tees.

He looked like a kid to me, 15 years my junior, and as it was my first time to see the course I really wasn’t interested in getting my butt kicked from the back tees.

“I’m not sure I want to play back here sir,” I said. After all, I just wanted to have some fun and not have to hit TheTexasGolfInsider.com

3-woods and hybrids into the the par4’s all day long. So he acquiesced – and we began to move up to the white tees on the first hole.

The guys teeing off behind us were his regular group, who apparently were aware he was playing with “some writer for a golf magazine.”

Immediately the catcalls began.

“Where are you going Armando,” they yelled down the hole. “Are you playing from the ladies’ tees today?” (I apologize ladies, as I know that is not the accepted vernacular now, but that’s a direct quote.)

While he sheepishly teed his ball up from one tee forward of where he usually played with them, I tried to help him save face. “It’s my fault, it’s my fault,” I yelled back to his group.

I don’t know if it helped him out with his boys or not, but off we went into the sunshine on an unseasonably warm January day – for a great day of golf in Central Texas.

COVER STORY

25

IMPROVEMENTS, PLAYABILITY Despite a packed golf course - and a little bit of a wait on several holes throughout the day - we played in just under four hours.

“The golf course is extremely playable,” Director of Golf Rob Fulford explained. “You don’t spend a lot of time looking for golf balls.”

The playability of the club was evident to me in a number of ways. I played with the same ball all day, and my misses were easily findable.The greens were smooth and fair, overseeded with a poa trivialis that was a bright emerald green – in contrast to the pure white sand of the recently renovated bunkers.

The club used the Billy Bunker System for the renovation, allowing for better drainage, and a heavier sand mix to keep the sand in the bunkers on windy days.

“Our previous bunkers were a maintenance nightmare,” Fulford said.

“Playability-wise they are much better.

We’ve had several big rains since the renovation, but the bunkers are holding up really well.”

I was in those bunkers twice in the day and the sand played perfectly, the

ball sitting up and allowing for easy explosions out.

Starting with the first forced carry on the course, over a creek on No. 14, the last five holes were particularly memorable – even if I did chunk into said creek for one of my two double bogeys on the day.

The signature hole, the 15th, is a short par-3 over a lake and waterfall that delayed us for a little while when I took a moment to take some photos.

Two uphill par-4s, No.’s 16 and 17, were tough and into the wind, while the par-5 18th was well-bunkered, uphill, yet reachable in two for longer hitters.

The greens were smooth and beautiful when we played, running about a nine on the stimpmeter, which was

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26

COVER STORY

plenty quick with the slopes on most of them.

“If they were any faster, you probably would have had a 4 ½-hour round instead of a 4- hour round,” Fulford laughed.

Star Ranch has steadily upgraded its practice facilities and added a beautiful event center and wedding venue over the last few years, among other improvements.

After hitting some balls on the new range, I had the choice of three different practice greens to hone in the stroke before we set out for our round.

Other reasons to go include a unique all-inclusive round of golf with cart, unlimited range balls, and breakfast and lunch buffet for one low price. Replays, as available, are offered for a discounted rate. Several types of

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memberships for those that choose to play Star Ranch regularly are available.

FEELS LIKE HOME I began with the recap of Serano catching grief from his usual group because it illustrates one of the main reasons why he plays at the club.

The club is made up of his people, his golf buddies - and has become his hang out.

“This place just feels like home to me,” Serano said. “It’s not a country club, so I see this course as an everyman’s course, kind of blue collar … people from all backgrounds play here.”

He has played with several different groups at the club, and has the perfect job at an Austin area hospital allowing him time to work on his game - three days on and four days off.

“It’s my stress relief, playing and walking the course,” Serano said. “I can’t just sit around on the couch all day.”

Not taking up golf until his late 20’s, when he finally caught the golf bug, he has been working with

COVER STORY

27

the club’s teaching pro Kirk Lohmann for five years and the now 40-year-old carries a 3-handicap.

“It’s nice when you have someone who can help you with your game,” Serano said.

“I enjoy it a lot more now.”

THE LADIES Along with Serano,Ward and Richter were the perfect playing partners for this article. Both have been playing at the club almost since the course opened and are very involved.

Ward has been the president of the Ladies’ Club for 17 years.

“Why in God’s name would you do that for so long?” I asked.

“Because I like out it here - and when I ask the nominating committee, nobody wants to take it over,” she laughed. “So I’m just suckered right back into it.”

“I might be a little bit of a control freak too.”

“Nobody will take it because she does such a good job,” Richter said.

Ward noted the playability of the course, a friendly staff, that the course was close to home and is always in good condition as her reasons for playing there.

“I’ve never played it when it wasn’t in great shape,” she said. “It’s very golfer friendly, as long as you stay out of the bunkers.”

The ladies usually have four groups or so for their weekly game, with players who come in from other clubs in and around Austin.The group also fields teams and travels for Austin Area Women’s Golf Association tournaments.

Richter is a stick, an 11-handicap who shot 81 when we played, making

two birdies on the day and missing a few more she might have made.

She began to play at Star Ranch a couple of years after Ward, and has continued for the camaraderie within the group.

“I play out here for the ladies,” she said. She also has other options, living in Avery Ranch, but enjoys the playability and consistent condition at the course, regularly hosting friends for rounds at the club.

“It’s not a place you’re embarrassed to bring your friends to,” she laughed.

For more information, call the Star Ranch pro shop at 512-252-4653, or visit the website at www.starranchgolf. com.

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28

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

For Reservations:

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

www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2019 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2019 Group Specials

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30

FEATURE STORY

All Roads to Northern Michigan Lead to

Gaylord’s Golf Mecca

By Tom Bedell, Contributing Writer

Before I’d even taken my first swing at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan about six years ago, I’d heard from three different people that three different courses were their favorites, one opting for Fazio’s Premier, another for the Rick Smith Signature and the third for the Tradition, because he liked to stroll on the resort’s only real walking course.

And when I did arrive, Director of Golf Kevin McKinley said “The Jones course [The Masterpiece] is my favorite,” so that was four. And everyone likes to have a shot at the Threetops par-3 course, so all bets are covered.

All golfing bets, in any case. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Treetops has a little something for everyone in terms of recreation, be it hiking, horseback riding, trail biking, skeet shooting, tennis, swimming and more, plus

winter sports in season.

Or in terms of Treetops Resort relaxation, enjoy a dip in the hot tubs, a visit to the spa or salon, and a selection of dining options.

And that’s only at Treetops. There’s plenty more golf to be had in Gaylord, which is a key reason it is the number one tourist draw in the area. Golfers playing just south of 200,000 rounds a year here pour roughly $18 million into the local economy, and that’s with a roughly six-month playing season.

So the association of local courses under the branding umbrella of the Gaylord Golf Mecca is honestly come by. Formed in 1987, with a roster of seven courses, the sobriquet

The Signature at Treetops TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

31

The Masterpiece at Treetops now encompasses 15 tracks and 20 hotel long the lead man for the Robert Trent Jones properties, all within a 45-minute drive in Sr. firm. He remembered Treetops as a mom nearby towns. and pop ski resort named Sylvan Knob when Last summer two foursomes of golf writauto parts mogul Harry Melling bought it in ers rolled into town, and we did our best to 1983. “We hit it off pretty well with Harry, see as many of the courses as possible. If we weren’t teeing it up, we were investigating the equally ingratiating food and drink offerings of this unique northern Michigan town and its crisp fall temperatures. The temperate climate should be particularly appealing to Texans, and may even prompt consideration of the many real estate offerings in the area.

Mike Ratchman and Judge Greg Wettman Gaylord often has more tourists in planning the next day’s rounds town than its 3,400 residents. In the 1930’s, city fathers decided to adopt an Alpine village motif to set it apart from other who was ready and willing to do things. I’m Michigan tourist spots, and the theme is sure you’ve heard the story that Jones was maintained today. looking over the property and said, ‘From this Golf course architect Roger Rulewich, elevation all you see are treetops,’ and that’s now running his own eponymous firm, was the name that stuck.”

Jones also inadvertently named the course after the work was finished. As the story goes, he was surveying the finished work from atop the well-elevated sixth tee, and said, “This is my masterpiece.”

According to Rulewich, Rick Smith first stuck his toe into course The Premier at Treetops TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

town visitors will arrive. Unfortunately, the course is no more.

Fortunately, if a course has to go, it’s gone for a good cause: it’s now the MI Local Hops hop farm.

Some of the hops are being used in The Tradition at Treetops design on the Masterpiece: “He suggested we swing a tee around to give us a new angle of play—I think it was on the third hole—and we decided it was not a bad idea.” Smith would go on to design three courses at Treetops and was for a time a co-owner.

Smith wasn’t the only one looking on, said Rulewich: “Gary Darling was our man in charge of the construction, and he would get calls from Tom Doak asking if he could wander around to see what was going on with construction and shaping. He started his design career at High Pointe around then.”

High Pointe, a course in Williamsburg near Traverse City, was Doak’s first solo design. We passed it on the way to Gaylord from the Traverse City airport, where most out-of-

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Tap 32, a favorite hangout in Gaylord Gaylord breweries like the revived Big Buck Brewery, or Snowbelt Brewery, right on Main St. A mere stumble away from Snowbelt is Tap 32, part of the Gaylord Craft Beer & Tap Trail, which is worth a trip in its own right and perfect should inclement weather keep one

Michawe Pines Course

FEATURE STORY

33

Black Lake Golf Club away from the golf course. (Tap 32, it should be noted, actually has “only” 24 taps; 32 is also the route number for Main St., M32.)

But golf is where the action is, the abundantly rolling fairways playing through

And aside from Treetops the associated courses have fascinating histories of their own.

The Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway, for example, is a beauty of a course that is the first in northern Michigan designed by RTJ’s son, Rees Jones, and one that belongs to the United Auto Workers.

The Indian River Golf Club is one of the few courses—if not the only one—that, to get to the range, requires a cart ride through an active cemetery. Well, as active as cemeteries get, anyway. Equally singular is The Loon at the three-course Loon Resort, as the sole Butch Harmon Signature Design track. The Gaylord Golf Club, though member-owned,

Indian River Golf Club Michigan stands of oak, maple, birch and pine, spiced with verdant wetlands and the geographic luck of a time zone that will keep players swinging deep into summer evenings.

The 15 Gaylord Golf Mecca courses add up to 261 holes by seven different designers, at all levels of challenges from the testing Signature Course at Treetops to the more player-friendly Michaywé Pines Course.

The Loon Resort

The Gaylord Golf Club is open to all. The Otsego Resort offers two uniquely-challenging PGA championship courses - The Classic, and The Tribute, designed by Rick Robbins and PGA Tour Professional, Gary Koch.

And so it goes, with the trump card being extraordinarily reasonable pricing at all courses, with stay and play packages always available. The best place to start exploring is the useful website, www. gaylordgolfmecca.com.

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Vaaler Creek Golf Club Escape to the Hill Country

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

For more information call 830-833-0706

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

COURSES

38

Open to The Public

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN MAP #66

TEE INFORMATION

Comfor t

The Buckhorn Golf Course

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA General Mgr: John Westly Superintendent: Ismael Toca Course Record: Tim Hobby, 61 Cooper New, 61

COURSE AMENITIES • • • • • •

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

Open to The Public

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country,The Buckhorn is one of Foresight’s most loved and lauded golf courses. Friendly and fun, yet not easy,The Buckhorn may be the most memorable course you’ll play and it’s always in exceptional condition,The Buckhorn exceeds every golfer’s expectation.

Generous fairways and large smooth greens make for a friendly bogey or par, but to make a birdie or better you need to land your ball on the correct section of the green.

36 FM 473 Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-5351 www.buckhorngolfcourse.com Kyle

MAP #98

Plum Creek Golf Course

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6913 / 73.0 / 136 Forest: 6387 /70.3 / 126 Blue: 6101 /69.3 / 123 Stone: 5447 /66.7 / 113 Copper: 4274 /65.2 / 101

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Roy Bechtol General Mgr: Ken Holubec, PGA Dir of Better Golf: Brian Marini Superintendent: Cortney Brown Course Record: Brian Marini, 63

Alistar Jones, 63

COURSE AMENITIES

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

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Under the management of Foresight Golf, over a million dollars was invested at Plum Creek Golf Course to create a truly state-ofthe-art practice facility, irrigation was added throughout the entire golf course to increase fairway corridors, and 18 new tees were built so that there are now five sets of tees per hole. All of this has drastically improved the playability of the golf course and has resulted in a much more enjoyable experience for golfers of every skill level.

Plum Creek is conveniently located just one mile off I-35, ten minutes north of San Marcos and fifteen minutes south of downtown Austin. Home of Texas State University’s golf teams.

4301 Benner Kyle, TX 78640 512-262-5555 www.plumcreekgolf.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN Open to The Public

MAP #64

TEE INFORMATION

COURSES

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San Antonio

The Republic Golf Club

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Art Schaupeter, ASGCA General Mgr: Shane Pearson Dir of Better Golf: KC Lim

COURSE AMENITIES • • • • • •

Email Specials Rewards Program Banquet Hall Beverage Cart Service Full Bar Practice Facilities

Open to The Public

Welcome to the #1 course in San Antonio! The course design is fantastic, fun to play, and is home to the best collection of par-5’s for risk/reward in the city. The Republic Golf Club offers exceptional golf conditions on all tees, fairways, and greens. The Republic Golf Club is home to the University of Incarnate Word’s Men’s and Women’s Cardinal Golf Teams and UIW’s HEB School of Business Professional Golf Management Program.

4226 S. E. Military Drive San Antonio, TX 78222 210-359-0000 www.republicgolfclub.com New Braunfels

MAP #65

The Bandit Golf Club

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6909 / 73.7 / 134 Forest: 6368 / 70.9 / 128 Blue: 5847 / 68.6 / 124 Stone: Mens: 5204 / 65.4 / 110 Ladies: 5204 / 70.2 / 121 Copper: Mens: 4408 / 62.7 / 105 Ladies: 4408 / 66.0 / 113

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Architect: Keith Foster General Mgr: Bill Durbin Dir of Better Golf: JC Casarez Superintendent: Michael Thomas Course Record: Mike Carnes, 62

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • • •

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

Located in charming New Braunfels, The Bandit Golf Club provides spectacular golf in the Texas Hill Country making The Bandit the ideal place to meet with friends to enjoy a great game of golf away from the big city. Elevated tee boxes and hilly terrain offer incredible views of challenging golf holes, as well as Long Creek and Lake McQueeny.The Bandit was awarded 2015 Best of Texas Golf Getaway.

Come Experience a Unique Stay & Play!

6019 FM 725 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-609-4665 www.banditgolfclub.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

40

Open to The Public

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN Corpus Christi MAP #96

Lozano Golf Center

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Black: 7027 / 74.3 / 123 Forest: 6612 / 72.5 / 119 Blue: 6085 / 69.8 / 114 Stone: 5388 / 71.0 / 117 Gold: 4524 / 66.2 / 107

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Finger, Dye, Spann Gen. Manager: Lawrence Vera Superintendent: Javier Martinez Head Pro: Jay Monte Dir of Better Golf: Mathew Charles

COURSE AMENITIES

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

Open to The Public

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

4401 Old Brownsville Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78405 361-826-8016 www.lozanogolfcenter.com Corpus Christi

MAP #97

Oso Beach Municipal GC

TEE INFORMATION

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

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

COURSE AMENITIES • • • • •

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

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Play where Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Jimmy Demaret played the “World Championship Four-Ball Match.”

Oso Beach is a player friendly course known for a fun layout, exceptional golf course conditions and ease to walk.The friendly staff will offer a warm welcome and make you feel at home.Voted Winter Texan Favorite, test your nerve on the signature 13th hole tee shot over water.

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

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42

FEATURE STORY

Golf is Great at San Antonio’s Three Military Base Courses

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

Golf is considered a recreational pursuit by folks in the military, a bit of an escape from the business of defending our country and making sure democracy is available to all and whatnot.

Those people deserve all the relaxation (and respect and appreciation) we can give them, and playing the Grand Game is part of that, with the three bases here in the Alamo City sporting courses as good as most you’ll find anywhere.

The great thing is that with a little advanced planning we can all play and enjoy

The Pro Shop at Randolph Oaks

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Gateway Golf Course at Lackland AFB

these three courses – the two tracks at the eponymously named Fort San Houston Golf Club, at Gateway Hills Golf Course at Lackland Air Force Base, and at Randolph Oaks Golf Course at Randolph Air Force Base.

The fact that each of the facilities offers a whole lot more than just golf is a big part of the Banquet & Wedding Room appeal. at Ft. Sam Houston They have pro shops stocked with the latest and greatest golf equipment and apparel, restaurants with outstanding food options at breakfast and dinner, (call ahead to reserve a spot for the steak dinner feast on Thursday at Gateway Hills) and have facilities that cater to recreation besides golf, including banquet and meeting spaces.

“Golf is just a part of the package at Gateway Hills,” said Steven Griffith, head golf professional of the course that’s set in southwest San Antonio. “We offer a little bit of something for everyone.Yes, golf is the main draw, but we also have

FEATURE STORY

horseshoe pits and places to play cornhole. Our facility is all about fun and recreation.”

Gateway Hills is set on rolling terrain, with a narrow and challenging tree-lined routing and surprising elevation changes, Fort Sam Houston is home to two 18-hole courses, Salado Del Rio and La Loma, with both courses using some of the holes

43

Salado Del Rio GC

course that features wide fairways and large, elevated greens.

Randolph Oaks GC has one of the region’s best practice facilities, with a lighted driving range that’s open until 10 each night, and a flip-the-switchto-light-anytime putting green.

“The thing that surprises so many La Loma Golf Course people that come out here for the first time, or even for a repeat visit after a while, is the outstanding course from famed golf course architect A.W. conditions and the attention to renovaTillnghast’s original routing. Both Fort tion and improvements that we’ve unSam Houston golf courses feature tight, dertaken,” said Kenneth Boyce, Randolph tree-lined fairways and greens that are Oaks GC’s head golf professional. “That medium in both size and speed.

“Our courses have never been better,” and the barbecue, which we smoke on said Doug Carlton, head golf professional site for lunch each Monday.” at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club. “The fact that we have two 18-hole tracks allows golfers the freedom to come out whenever they want and get out and get around pretty quickly.”

A foursome of America’s most renown golf course architects – Perry Maxwell, Press Maxwell, Joe Finger, and Ralph Plumber – had a hand in the design of Randolph Oaks, set in northeast San Antonio. It’s a long, almost dead-flat Raldolph Oaks Golf Course

To Play, Contact: Gateway Hills, Steven Griffith, steven.griffith.8@us.af.mil PH. 210-671-3466 Ft. Sam Houston, Douglas Carlton, douglas.carlton.1@us.af.mil PH.210-222-9386 Randolph Oaks, Kenneth Boyce, kenneth.boyce@us.af.mil PH. 210-652-4653 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Randolph Oaks Golf Course

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

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Gateway Hills Golf Course

FREE GREEN FEE when you sign up for pass

1800 Dimsted Pl, Lackland AFB, TX 78236 (210) 671-3466 - 18 Hole Golf Course, All Courses Use Gallus Golf App l�llll�llllllll�l�ll��l�ll�lll l�llllll llllllllll�l�l�llll�ll�ll�lll�l l�l�l Steven.Griffith.8@us.af.mil

Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

FREE GREEN FEE when you sign up for pass

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

Designed By: A.W. Tillinghast

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Three Championship Courses Open to the Public

301 Del Webb Blvd.

Georgetown, Texas 512-948-7560

151 Dove Hollow Trail Georgetown, Texas 512-948-7570

1433 Cool Spring Way Georgetown, Texas 512-948-7580

www.sctexas.org

Golfer’s are raving about our exceptional golf conditions and unforgettable golf experience.....

BOOK YOUR TEE TIME TODAY! www.LandaParkGolfCourse.com 830-420-0417

180 Golf Course Rd. | New Braunfels , TX

50

FEATURE STORY

The Rebirth of

Lago Vista Golf Club

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

Lago Vista Golf Club has always been one of the Central Texas’ hidden secrets for a wonderful and challenging round of golf, and now the experience is even better, thanks to a clubhouse renovation and expansion that has turned the facility into a true neighborhood gathering place, both for its culinary delights and its recreational offerings.

The course’s new restaurant, The Habanero Grill at Lago Vista, carries a casual,

Newly Remodeled Pro Shop

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

laid-back atmosphere with friendly service and a quality of food and menu offerings not

In-house Golf Simulator

usually seen at golf courses.

And while you’re eating, take a few swings and play a few holes on the golf The Habanero Grill course simulator that’s become a clubhouse favorite, especially if it’s a little cold or rainy outside Even the pro shop has become a draw, with a three-hole putting course routed in the space to hone your skills on the green.

Take the time to take another look at Lago Vista Golf Club – you’ll be glad you did.

The Golf Course Simulator

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #20

Twilight

Weekday $ 37 $32 $27 Weekend $43 $38 $33

Twilight rates apply after 2pm

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Leon Howard General Manager: Chris Godwin Superintendent: Diego Navarro Course Record: Chris Shive, 62

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Gold: 6544 / 72.6 / 134 Blue: 6170 / 70.8 / 129 White: 5807 / 69.0 / 124 Red: 5187 / 69.8 / 117 Silver: 5187 / 65.7 / 119

COURSE AMENITIES

• • • • •

Practice Facilities Golf Instructions Fully Stocked Pro Shop Online Specials Full Service Bar & Grill

Junior golfers play for free with paying adult

COURSES

51

Lago Vista

Lago Vista Golf Course Located in the Beautiful Texas Hill Country Lago Vista Golf Course was built in the early 1970’s

by Leon Howard. It originally opened as a 9 hole facility and expanded to 18 holes shortly thereafter. Lago Vista Golf Course operated as a private county club until the mid 1990’s before opening to the public. The course experienced several ownership changes up until 2008 when it was purchased by the city of Lago Vista. To this day Lago Vista Golf Course is owned and operated by the city of Lago Vista. The course serves not only as a community amenity but as a tourist destination to golfers of all skill levels who wish to experience her hill country beauty and serenity.

Today, all golfers are welcome to enjoy the undulating fairways, epic lake views, and abundant wildlife at Lago Vista Golf Course.

The course features four sets of tees to provide a fun challenge for all ability levels and a practice facility with a spectacular view of Lake Travis.

4616 Rimrock Drive Lago Vista, TX 78645

512-267-1170

www.lagovistagc.com

(7 days a week, anytime)

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

52

DIRECTORY SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSE TYPE PHONE COURSE TYPE PHONE AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Falconhead 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 BURNET: Delaware Springs Golf Course Public CANYON LAKE: Lakeside Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf Club Semi-Private COMFORT: Buckhorn Golf Course Public CONCAN: Club at ConCan Resort DEVINE: Devine Golf Course Public FLORESVILLE: River Bend Golf Club Public FREDERICKSBURG: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Public GEORGETOWN: Cowan Creek Golf Club Semi-Private Legacy Hill Golf Club Semi-Private White Wing Golf Club Semi-Private HORSESHOE BAY: Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort Apple Rock Resort Ram Rock Resort Slick Rock Resort HUTTO: Golf Club at Star Ranch Semi-Private KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Public KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Public

(512) 248-2442 (512) 402-1558 (512) 288-4297 (512) 978-2330 (512) 974-4653 (512) 477-6963 (512) 974-8333 (512) 223-6677 (800) 646-5407 (512) 629-4585 (512) 308-9653 (512) 321-1181 (830) 833-0706 (830) 537-4197 (512) 756-8471 (830) 899-3301 (830) 931-3100 (830) 606-7351 (830) 995-5351 (830) 232-4471 (830) 665-9943 (830) 216-2800 (830) 997-4010 (512) 948-7580 (512) 948-7560 (512) 948-7570 (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

LLANO: Llano Golf Club Public MANOR: Shadow Glen Semi-Private MARBLE FALLS: 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: Quail Creek Country 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: Alamo Golf Club Public 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 Public Mission Del Lago Golf Course Public Northern Hills Public Olmos Basin Golf Course Public Randolf Oaks Golf Course Public Riverside Golf Course Public Salado Del Rio Public San Pedro Range & Par 3 Public Silverhorn Public The Palmer Course Public The Quarry Golf Club Semi-private The Republic Golf Course Public TPC San Antonio Resort Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private Willow Springs Golf Course Public UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Ctr Public UTOPIA: Utopia Golf Course Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

(325) 247-5100 (512) 278-1304 (830) 693-3300 (830) 609-4665 (830) 221-4340 (830) 281-3486 (512) 251-9000 (512) 388-2874 (512) 252-GOLF (512) 651-9850 (254) 947-5698 (512) 353-1665 (325) 372-3212 (830) 401-2490 (512) 264-1489 (830) 904-4653 (830) 885-5168 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 671-3466 (210) 504-2550 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 655-4148 (210) 826-4041 (210) 652-4570 (210) 533-8371 (210) 222-9386 (210) 349-5113 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 824-4500 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

53

THE COAST COURSE TYPE PHONE Alice Municipal Golf Course Public Brownsville Golf Center Public Buccaneer Bay Public GC Public Colony Creek Country Club Semi-Private Corpus Christi Country Club Private Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Public Edinburg Municipal Golf Course Public El Campo County Club Private Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Public Ganado Golf and Country Club Public Goliad Country Recreation Assoc. Public Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Public Harlingen Country Club Private L.E. Ramey Golf Course Public 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 (361) 991-2811 (956) 428-7758 (956) 381-1244 (409) 543-6592 (956) 542-9861 (361) 771-2424 (361) 645-2144 (361) 749-1974 (956) 412-4110 (361) 592-1101 (361) 826-8016 (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) 968-5331 (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 Municiapal GC

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

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

PLAY THEM ALL

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

Laredo

Utopia

Castroville

1604

46

1604

75

29 725

73

Spring Brand

3 46 64 26 8 85

473

87 87

2

20

1431

65

65

98

51

52 54

Kyle

620

Marble Falls Leander

3

130 84

55 53 50

7

1825

37

Robstown

io

99

127

ConCan

16

Comfort

66

Kingsland

2342

7

n

Refugio

96 97Portland 44 286

83 358

Corpus Christi

77

Sinton

sto ou To H

Harper

10

n to

88

Port Aransas

lf

An

Gu

an

ico ex

S To

of M

5

54

Cowan Creek Golf Club (512) 948-7580 P 18

7 1433 Cool Spring Way, Georgetown, TX 78633

72

7050/68.8/118

•

• • 48

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

(210) 671-3466 P 18

72

6917/73.1/125

•

• • 44

(512) 288-4297 M 18

72

6909/74.6/141 • • • • • 53

(512) 978-2330 M 9

2633/32.6/112 •

• • 53

(512) 974-4653 M 18

72

6914/73.8/124 • •

• • 53

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

72

6774/72.5/124 • • • • • 44

Lago Vista Golf Course (512) 267-1170 M 18 2 0 4616 Rimrock Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645

72

6579/70.0/118 • • • • • 51

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

71

6205/68.9/112 • • • • • 49

Legacy Hills Golf Course (512) 948-7560 P 18

7 301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78633

72

7088/68.8/118 • •

(512) 477-6963 M 18

71

6001/69.2/124 • • • • • 53

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

72

7027/73.9/123 • •

• • 40

(512) 974-8333 M 18

72

7023/73.0/124 • •

• • 53

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

72

6550/72/125

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

70

6223/69.9/119 • • • • • 40

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

71

6913/73.0/136 • • • • • 38

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

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

72

7172/74.5/125 •

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

Type Hole

Yardage /Rating /Slope

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

55

Par

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

www.cowancreek.com

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.co

Grey Rock Golf Course

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

Hancock Golf Course

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

Jimmy Clay Golf Course

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

www.ftsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

www.lagovistagc.com

www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

• • 48

www.legacyhillsgolf.com

Lions Municipal Golf Course

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

www.lozanogolfcenter.com

Morris Williams Golf Course

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

• • • • • 57

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

www.osobeachgolf.com

www.plumcreekgolf.com

• • 44

www.myjbsa-fss-mwr.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

6819/72.2/125

• • • • • 53

Salado Del Rio Golf Course (210) 222-9386 P 18 72 6819/70.8/124 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209 www.

• • • • • 44

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

71 7030/71.0/117

• • • • 28

The Bandit Golf Club 65 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, TX 78130

(830) 609-4665 SP 18 www.

71

6909/73.7/134 • • • • • 39

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

71

6648/72.0/126 • • • • • 38

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

72

6211/72/125

The Republic Golf Club (210) 359-0000 P 18

64 4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78222

72 7007/74.3/128

• • • • • 39

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

72 6864/73.0/140

• • • • 36

White Wing Golf Club (512) 948-7570 P 18 7 151 Dove Hollow Trail, Georgetown, TX 78633 www.

71 6650/69.6/127

•

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

Roy Kizer Golf Course 50 5400 Jimmy Clay Dr., Austin, TX 78744 austintexas.gov

Type Hole

71

Map Number

Yardage /Rating /Slope

COURSES SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Par

56

(512) 974-4653 M 18 www.

ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

www.starranchgolf.com

banditgolfclub.com

www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

• • • • • 45

www.themaxlaredo.com

www.republicgolfclub.com

www.vcgc.golf

• • 48

whitewinggolf.com

North Texas Courses SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING

Alabama Road Trip | Ad Page 2 www.alabama.travel/golf |

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 68 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Laredo CVB | Map #99 | Ad Page 45 501 San Agustin | Laredo, TX 78040 www.visitlaredo.com | 800-361-3360 Rockin J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 37 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.RoncoTX.com | 830-833-0706 The Bandit Golf Club | | Map #65 |Ad Page 39 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.banditgolfclub.com | 830-609-4665 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 36 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS UIW-Professional Golf Mangement Program | Ad Pg 46-47 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX | Map #46 email: graybeal@uiwtx.edu | 210-805-5839 Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map #87 | Ad Page 36 Golf Lessons with Adam Grosch & Edwin Dickens | 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

REAL ESTATE Lee DeForke Jr., Real Estate Services | Map #88 |Ad Pg 67 4310 Caduceus Pl., Galveston, TX 77550| www.leedeforkejr.com | 409-739-1299 Rockin J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 37 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.RincoTX.com | 830-833-2266 Sun City Texas | Map# 7 | Ad Page 48 1501 Sun City Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78633 | www.delwebb.com/Sun-City-Texas/New-Homes | 877-627-9700

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN DIRECTORY

SHOPPING/SERVICES Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 3 1050 N,.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 210-822-4060 Edwin Watts | Map # 83 | Ad Page 3 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 361-852-0358 Edwin Watts | Map # 10| Ad Page 3 410 West SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 903-561-8851 Edwin Watts | Map # 5 | Ad Page 3 5805 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 817-731-4441

Northcliffe Golf Club

ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 65 1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com G A media | Ad Pages 41 115 East Travis St. Ste 625, San Antonio,TX | www.GAmediaPro.com | 210-393-8092 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

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

Come see the Improvements!

$25.00 Coupon

Includes Cart 18 Holes coupon required

Go With Someone Who Has Been There ...

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

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

For more information go to:

www.theartofgolftravel.com

5301 Country Club Dr. Cibolo, TX 78108 (830)606-7351

57

58

FEATURE STORY

Wanna Bet? Golf Side Games

By Adam Grosch

In the last couple of issues I’ve covered a few games for 3-somes like Captain, Baseball and The Dude and a couple of games for 4-somes/5-somes like Wolf, Vegas and The Longest Yard.

In this issue I’m going to cover a game that has a ton of variations. I’ve heard a lot of people refer to it as Animals, but I grew up knowing it as The Dumb Games (which seems like a much more fitting title).

Over the years the number of “animals” has continued to grow within the group from my hometown, which has required us to have an official list of all the active animals to settle arguments. Essentially there are good animals that get you a point and bad animals that cost you a point and you pay out the difference between your totals and everyone else’s at the end of the round. There will typically be a player or two with negative points.

Here are a few of the good animals: (or some fun, dumb games) Rabbit—two consecutive low net scores TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Sandy—up and down from a bunker for par or better Froggie—up and down from a water hazard for par or better Pole—a one putt from further away than the length of the flag pole Fence—three poles on the same nine Rambler—being on the putting surface in less than regulation (must make birdie or better) Greenie—closest to the pin on a par 3 (must make par or better) Here are a few of the bad animals: Tortoise—two consecutive worst net scores Snake—the last person to 3-putt on each side (multiple people can own this by 3-putting the same hole) Den—three 3-putts on the same nine Basket—a 4-putt Flautist—a 5-putt McEnroe—hitting across the green surface and then hitting it back across again and still not on the surface Klingon—a putt where the ball comes to rest hanging over the hole’s edge Federation—three Klingons on the same nine Lipersie—a putt which is deflected by the hole’s lip without falling Colony—three Lipersies on the same nine

DALLAS | FORT WORTH DIRECTORY ARLINGTON: Chester W. Ditto Golf Course Lake Arlington Golf Course Texas Rangers Golf Club Tierra Verde Golf Club AZLE: Cross Timbers Golf Course BROWNWOOD: The Hideout Golf Club

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

DESOTO: Thorntree Country Club

Public

EULESS: Texas Star Golf Course

Semi-Private

FAIRVIEW: Heritage Ranch Golf Course

Public

FERRIS: Old Brickyard Golf Course

Public

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

FRISCO: (817) 275-5941 Frisco Lakes Golf Club (817) 451-6101 Trails of Frisco Golf Club (817) 275-5941 GARLAND: (817) 478-8500 Duck Creek Golf Course Firewheel Golf Park (817) 444-4940 GRAND PRAIRIE: Grand Oaks Golf Club (325) 784-4653 Prairie Lakes Golf Club Riverside Golf Club (817) 447-4444 Sunset Golf Course (817) 426-2400 Tangle Ridge Golf Club

59

Public Public

(972) 292-3089 (972) 668-4653

Public Public

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

Semi-Private Public Semi-Private Pubic Public

(972) 264-6161 (972) 237-4156 (817) 640-7800 (214) 331-8057 (972) 299-6837

HASLET: (972) 416-2131 Willow Springs Golf Course Semi-Private (800) 369-4137 IRVING: Cottonwood Valley Golf Course Public (972) 456-3200 TPC Las Conlinas Course Public (972) 771-4003 Twin Wells Golf Course Municipal (214) 670-7615 (214) 670-8784 LANCASTER: (214) 670-6322 Country View Golf Course Public (972) 248-8448 (214) 670-7506 LIPAN: Semi-Private (214) 670-1402 Sugar Tree Golf Course

(817) 439-4653 (972) 717-2525 (972) 717-2525 (972) 438-4340 (972) 227-0995 (817) 341-1111

(214) 333-3595 MUENSTER: (214) 646-3570 Turtle Hill Golf Club

Public

(940) 759-4896

PLANO: (972) 296-2146 Pecan Hollow Golf Course Ridgeview Ranch GC (817) 685-7888 The Club at Los Rios The Course at Watters Creek

Public Public Public Public

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

Public

(972) 234-1416

Public Public

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

Canyon West Golf Course Oeste Ranch Golf Course

Public Public

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

WYLIE: Woodbridge Golf Course

Public

(972) 429-5100

(800) 579-3089 RICHARDSON: Sherrill Park #1 (972) 842-8700 WAXAHACHIE: (817) 738-8402 (800) 723-6725 (817) 457-4616 (817) 249-1845 (817) 624-1771 (817) 246-5012 (817) 535-7241 (817) 497-2582 (817) 249-9996

Country View Golf Course Waxahachie Country Club WEATHERFORD:

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

60

FEATURE STORY

Full Speed Ahead on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

By Tom Bedell, Contributing Writer

The Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

They sure know how to do sunsets in southern Alabama.

With backdrops overlooking Mobile Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, the key ingredients of sun, sand and water make the early evening views literate showstoppers, as visitors and residents alike halt activities to soak it all in, often with camera in hand.

So it was with a group of golf writers who had converged on Mobile in early June, dazzled in mid-appetizer by a sunset streaming into Dauphin’s, a heady restaurant with a 34-story view of the city and its famous bay and skyline. Fittingly, as we were due to play some courses on the Robert Trent Jones Trail, Dauphin’s aerie is in a building owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the same entity behind the Trail’s 26 courses.

Dauphin’s also looked out to the RSA Battle House Tower, the largest building in the state, named after the 1852 Battle House Hotel that was spectacularly revived in 2007.The hotel is one of eight hostelries that are part of the RTJ Trail Resort Collection, an aggregation that only makes the entire Trail enterprise even more alluring.

61

But if red sky at night is supposed to be the next day’s sailor’s delight, something went askew, and we were rained out of our appointed rounds at the Magnolia Grove outpost of the Trail in Mobile. No problem—after spending a lot of time playing cards in the sumptuous clubhouse we pulled up stakes and headed for the Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear, some say the grandest of the Resort Collection.

Dating back to 1847, the hotel was undergoing its own $32 million renovation last summer, and when all was said and done it joined the Marriott’s Autograph Collection and was re-branded as the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. The renovations extended to the two courses at the Lakewood Club, the Azalea

Sunset at Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

62

FEATURE STORY

Dogwood Course at Lakewood Club

and the Dogwood. The only private club on the RTJ Trail, Lakewood alternates the two 18s daily, setting one aside for members. That was altered somewhat as the Dogwood underwent renovations prior to its summer reopening, while the Azalea will undergo its changes this year.

Azalea Course at Lakewood Club

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To hear tales about the construction of the RTJ Trail it helps to sit next to the gregarious Niall Fraser at dinner, which I was lucky enough to do one evening at Sunset Point in Fairhope, where there was another great sunset to be sure, and good craft beers from the Fairhope Brewing Co. Fraser was on the ground with designer Roger Rulewich when what seemed like the fantastic dream of the RTJ Trail actually began to take shape. He knows where the bodies are buried.

But the dynamic Fraser is now the director of golf at Lakewood. “Making golf fun is the key,� he said. To that end, the next day he showed us the Experience, an expansive practice facility with its own well-stocked open-air range house, a relaxed dress code, and about every aspect of practice one could hope for, from greens, bunkers, sidehill lies, targets to practice low shots and so on.

The target practice came in handy, as the Azalea course is aptly named with countless Azalea bushes to fire around while staying under the hanging branches of 200-year-old live oaks that frame the routing. The high point is the fourteenth hole, a par-5 playing to an island green surrounded by a four-acre lake.

FEATURE STORY

Forty-five minutes south is Gulf Shores, Alabama’s pure beach country, part of the 36-mile peninsula separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. We put up for two nights at the family-friendly Spectrum Resorts Beach Club, four high-rise Gulf-front condominium towers and a smattering of lakeside cottages spread over 86 acres, helping to house some of the 6.5 million visitors who descend on the area each summer.

So, on a smaller scale, does the Kiva Beach Club, with the considerable amenity of the Kiva Dunes golf course.

I played here in 2002 and met 1976 U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, who discussed his 1995 design. Pate also admitted that he had played nine that day and then took out his fishing pole to throw a line in a few of the many lakes scattered around the course.

Then and now, Kiva Dunes is a real beauty with its seaside links feel, from the huge bunkers and sandy waste areas, to the heaving fairway mounding, gnarled oaks from constant winds, expansive fairways and huge greens with a lot of movement—the eighteenth green is 14,000 square feet.

Kiva is poised on a spit of land injected between the Gulf and Mobile

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Bay, along the Fort Morgan Road. Fort Morgan is where Admiral Farragut was fired upon during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, uttering his subsequently-famous comment, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

While a similar attitude was sensible in approaching the course during my last visit, subsequent renovations to the course have softened it a bit over the years. According to director of golf and

Kiva Dunes

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FEATURE STORY

Kiva Dunes

general manager Mark Stillings, a good 20 to 30 minutes were also shaved off the average playing time.

Earl Stone was a Mobile resident, and a regional golf architectural legend. He passed away a few years ago, but left ample testaments to his skills behind. One is the Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores, where his attributes are on display for 27 holes—numerous elevation changes, rolling fairways and wetlands, but with some player-friendly funneling fashioned into the contouring.

The three separate nines spread over 800 acres adjacent to the Bon Secour

The Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club

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Wildlife Preserve, so don’t be surprised if you run into bobcats, gators or loggerhead turtles during the round. There are also 30 lakes on the property, and indeed the Lakes nine confronts water on every hole.

We eschewed the somewhat tougher Marsh nine in favor of the Cypress/ Lakes combo, which was handful enough, and unendingly scenic.

The Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club

As luck would have it, our group also made a stop at the Big Beach Brewing Co. in Gulf Shores, the state’s southernmost brewery. With further luck it turned out to be Firkin Day, meaning they tap a special small batch brew and serve it till it runs out.

That particular evening it was a rich and creamy 8.2% ABV Imperial Milk Stout called Bushwacker and we stayed until it did, indeed, run out, at just about sundown.

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2019 Texas Tournament Schedule MARCH 27 - 31

World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club, Austin,TX • Purse: $10,250,000 Defending Champion: Bubba Watson

APRIL 4 - 7

Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, TX • Purse: $7,500,000 Defending Champion: Andrew Landry

MAY 9 - 12

AT&T Byron Nelson Trinity Forest Golf Club, Dallas, TX • Purse: $7,900,000 Defending Champion: Aaron Wise

MAY 23 - 26

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial CC, Fort Worth, TX • Purse: $7,300,000 Defending Champion: Justin Rose

For more information about tournament schedule go to www.PGATOUR.com

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With award-winning dining experiences, a booming craft beer scene and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, plus Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountains to the coast, you can take it all in.

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950 Bonita, Bayou Vista, Texas. This Palapa paradise sits on 2 lots with boat house, party deck and fishing pier. Great water views and lots of room for the family.

6323 Delany Estate. This gorgeous home sits on 7.1 Acres. This home has 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths. Inside Pool and lots of land to have horses. Bayou along home.

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This new construction on the west end of Galveston is just about ready. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with beach and bay views. Easy access to the beach with sunsets and sunrises.

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort, Gulf Shores

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