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TEXAS

Summer/Fall 2016

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Rockwind Community Links Municipal Golf Done The Right Way

Inside: Golf Club of Texas The Friendliest Golf Course in Texas

Golf, Gambling & Travel Best of New Mexico & Louisiana

Explore Jersey Village Stay Play Shop Live

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Sandia Resort & Casino, New Mexico Photo by Bo LeHew

Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls and Complimentary Hot Breakfast & Lunch Buffets

For Reservations:

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Contents 8

Cover Story The Golf Club of Texas

The Friendliest Golf Club in Texas. 6 WELCOME

How to contact us with Golf News and stories.

15 FE ATURE COVER STORY

New Mexico’s appealing combinations include Golf, Gambling and More!

Golf Club of Texas, San Antonio

T G I

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

41 SW LOUISIANA Let the Good, Golf & Gambling times roll.

50 ESCONDIDO GOLF & LAKE CLUB

Sandi Resort & Casino

Ranks #1 in South Texas.

REGIONS

MAP & DIRECTORIES

GREATER HOUSTON & TEXAS COAST

54 GENERAL DIRECTORY 56 MAP 57 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

66 70 78 80 81

SEALY, INCREDIBLE GOLF AND MORE NORTHERN MICHIGAN-COOL GETAWAY GENERAL DIRECTORY MAPS ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

TEXAS

Golden Nugget Resort at Lake Charles TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

FROM THE FROM THEPUBLISHER EDITOR

Welcome to The Texas Golf Insider Magazine 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: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay, Carlton Wade, Larry Pearlstone, Steve Giles, The Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Bo LeHew Office Manager: Marcede Pullen CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 700,000 readers including DIGITAL MAGAZINE. 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS

Hello Summer! Good bye rain! Can you believe it’s summer and the golf courses are this green? Weird right! I never thought I would hear myself say bring on the heat but, “Bring On The Heat!” and let’s play golf. As you thumb through the pages in this edition of the Golf Insider, take advantage of some of the great places to travel to this summer, like New Mexico and Louisiana for golf and gambling. Or how about if you happen to visit Houston, putting Jersey Meadow at Jersey Village on your list to play? Now if you’re making your way to San Antonio, you have to play the Golf Club of Texas as they have just completed a 7-million dollar renovation.You won’t be disappointed. For over 20 years the Texas Golf Insider has been one of the most picked-up guides to golf in Texas, reporting on local, regional and state-wide news, golf course reviews and special events. For nearly 12 years you have tuned in to our weekly radio show every Saturday morning on ESPN Radio based out of San Antonio. Starting this Fall, we are excited to announce the Texas Golf Insider will launch the first Visual Golf Radio Show in Texas. Our radio show will turn our listeners into TV viewers, creating a visual show that will allow us to promote Texas Golf to Texans and the rest of the world. This vision of radio is quite future-oriented and has shown us that it is possible to create compelling television from a radio studio. Look for updates and a launch date on our website www. texasgolfinsider.com.We hope you will tune in. As always, The Texas Golf Insider Magazine and Radio Show will keep you more informed with all the latest golf news in Texas. For all you travelers, don’t forget to download the Texas Golf Insider App with nearly 800 golf courses, practice facilities, restaurants and hotels to serve you. Enjoy your summer.

DISTRIBUTION Throughout Central Texas, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Greater Houston at Golf Courses, Welcome Centers, Golf Shows, Golf Retail Stores and more.

Mike Ratchman Publisher

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. Scan to your smart phone

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melanie Grafe

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

Art Stricklin

One of the foremost experts on golf history and travel in Texas, Stricklin has written a total of seven books and has personally played at a majority of the stateâ€™s 800 golf courses.

Steve Habel

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

Golf Insider The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

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COVER STORY

By Steve Habel/Senior Contributing Writer

The ultimate compliment about a golf course might be that it provides a better, and slightly different, experience every time it’s played. Such accolades have become the norm for The Golf Club of Texas, especially as the course continues to mature and reveal its new nuances from a total renovation that was completed in August of 2015. That renovation of the southwest San Antonio course included the grassing of every playing surface, including the greens, with different strains of Zoysia turf, the premier grass cultivated for golf course playability and maintenance and the grass usually found only on the most exclusive private clubs around the world. The changes have been lauded by the likes of Golf Digest magazine, which recently profiled David Douget, one of the course’s owners and a developer of specialized strains of Zoysia, for making the Roy Bechtol-designed Golf Club of Texas the first all-Zoysia course in the United States. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

But the Golf Club of Texas’ outside-the-box thinking is in action on more than just the golf course. It’s management has instigated innovative marketing initiatives, including using Facebook and Twitter, to drive golfers and non-golfers alike to the facility. Its amenities include an expansive two-ended practice area (the distant end is utilized by the St. Mary’s University golf teams) with two putting greens to hone golfers’ short games, a private teaching area and a wonderful restaurant and bar that serve varied culinary delights and affordable after-golf libations. “We like to consider ourselves the friendliest course in Texas,” said Ruffin Moore, the director of club operations for the Outlaw Golf Group, owners and operators of the Golf Club of Texas. “We have affordable memberships available for every level of golfer and promote specials for golf and for our restaurant every day via social media.

COVER STORY

“Once you’ve played here or eaten in our restaurant, we will get you back,” Moore explains. “We smoke our own barbeque, use only fresh ingredients, have numerous healthy options and have been told we have the best breakfast taco in golf.” The Golf Club of Texas is also the official golf course of the San Antonio Missions, the Alamo City’s Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.The partnership allows cross marketing between the two entities that includes email blasts and the placing of The Golf Club of Texas’ logo, and information on tickets purchased for games hosted by the Missions, as well as a presence on the team’s scoreboard. GCT is also the home course of the First Tee of San Antonio. It continually promotes the growth of the game by hosting numerous weekly clinics for juniors, ladies and golfers of all skill levels. Additionally, the course hosts numerous junior, high school and collegiate events as well as Snag Golf.

All the off-the-course programs would likely fall on deaf ears if not for the top-shelf golf experiences and challenges the golf course provides on a round-to-round basis.

The Golf Club of Texas was originally designed by Bechtol, the Austin-based golf course architect

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COVER STORY

and master planner, as a Lee Trevino signature course and has always been a favorite haunt for golfers looking for a combination of playability and challenge. It opened in 1999, but closed in 2013 after the ongoing Texas drought negatively affected course conditions. In 2014, the facility was purchased by the Outlaw Golf Group and Bechtol was retained to return the course to its original glory and make key changes where needed. “The changes we have made only enhance what was there in the past and addressed maintenance and conditioning issues that affected the course in the past few years,” Bechtol said. “I love the way the course plays and the feeling that you are constantly surrounded by golf and nature. I couldn’t be happier about the way the renovation has come out.” The Golf Club of Texas is located on 1,900 acres at the steps of the Hill Country and incorporates the rugged South Texas landscape where it meets a lush, sprawling flood plain. Four-holes wide and following a meandering creek, the Golf Club of Texas provides a core golfing experience at its best. Indigenous plants are juxtaposed against flawless fairways and greens. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

“You stand on the deck of the clubhouse here and see nothing but golf across the wide plain to the south,” Bechtol said. “There’s the feeling here that golf was the most important aspect of the site.” The Golf Club of Texas’ renovation, which stripped the course down to the dirt, cost more than $7 million as Bechtol reworked the course’s putting surfaces, bunkers and tee boxes. He added movement and more bunkers to its fairways, making a track that was always good even better. The front-and back-nines were flipped to create a more dynamic finish and new water features were constructed. Irrigation has also been updated, even as Bechtol’s revision has reduced the amount of turf that needs to be watered by more than 20 percent. “It’s great to see this course spring back to life,” Bechtol added. “We have made design changes and construction to make the Golf Club of Texas more fun to play and, most importantly, responsive to the wise and judicious use of water and as a reduction in maintenance costs.” The course plays at 7,121 yards from its back set of four tees and features a beguiling mix of long and short holes. Seven of the course’s par-4s are carded at 414 yards or longer and all four of the par-5s can be reached with two good shots by proficient players. All four of the par-3s weigh in at 186 yards or more. The real calling card for the renovation was the grassing with Zoysia, the versatile, drought-resistant and hearty turf, which makes every

COVER STORY

lie in the fairway seem like it’s on a tee. Zoysia also repels pitch marks on putting surfaces while allowing the greens to remain receptive to approach shots. The transformation is so compelling that Outlaw Golf and Bladerunner Farms, which supplied the Zoysia for the Golf Club of Texas, held a seminar about the advantages of using the turf during February’s Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.That seminar was attended by 255 registered participants from 25 different states and 20 countries, including those from both cold(Scotland, Sweden, South Korea and Japan) and warm-weather (Israel, Bali, Jamaica,Thailand and Mexico) climates. “Zoysia allowed me to add slopes and mounding to the overall routing in places that other turf wouldn’t allow,” Bechtol said. “The ability to completely sod this course, 91 acres in all including 10 for the practice area, rather than sprig the turf and water

it to make it grow and spread, let me vary the fairway lines and meander where the grass went, which helps with the overall look and the edges.” The Golf Club of Texas’ Missions Grill has become a regular gathering spot for both golfers and residents of the quickly growing neighborhood near the facility.Theme nights offer specials on steak, barbeque and burgers. It’s common to see the restaurant packed even in the middle of the afternoon as golfers stay for an early dinner and a few cold adult beverages after their rounds. The changes and innovations have brought back those golfers who have enjoyed The Golf Club of Texas in the past and have already won over new players, especially players anxious to test the Zoysia and those looking for a regular place to play. Zoysia is a game changer, and at The Golf Club of Texas, it makes the great golf course even better.

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Vaaler Creek

Escape to the

For more information on Stay & Play Packages, Tournaments &Weddings call 830-833-0706 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Golf Club Hill Country

228 Jeff Vaughn Blanco, TX 78606

830-833-0706 www.vcgc.golf RATES

Mon-Thur $55 Fri-Sun $65 *Twilight begins at 3:00 pm

TWILIGHT $45 $55

STATISTICS Par: 72 Gold Blue White Red

Yards 6864 6299 5692 4577

Rating 73.0 70.6 68.6 64.1

Slope 140 129 121 111

PERSONNEL Architect: Director of Golf: Superintendent:

Michael Lowry Adam Grosh, PGA Todd Leist, GCSAA

AMENITIES t Online Tee Times t Stay & Play Packages t Golf Instruction t Practice Facilities t Fully-Stocked Pro Shop t Golf Carts have GPS

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â€˜

COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Lago Vista G o l f

C o u r s e s

-BHP 7JTUB t Lago Vista Golf Course is a par 72 18-hole championship golf course that offers over 6500 yards of fun and challenging play. The course originally opened as a 9-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, under the guidance of course designer Leon Howard, the course was renovated and expanded to 18 holes, and operated as a private country club until the mid 1990â€™s. Today, all golfers are welcome to enjoy the undulating fairways, epic lake views, and abundant wildlife at Lago Vista Golf Course.

)JHIMBOE -BLFT t Highland Lakes Golf Course, designed by Leon and Charles Howard and built in 1978, has been newly acquired and improved by the City of Lago Vista. The multilevel, sloping tifdwarf greens provide a demanding, yet uniquely challenging golf experience. Originally known in the 1970â€™s and 1980â€™s as World of Resorts Country Club, Highland Lakes Golf Course is generally considered the more challenging of the two courses.

Ask About our 36 hole special!

For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call

512.267.1170 or go to www.lagovistagc.com

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FEATURE STORY

Sandia Resort & Casino ggolf olf that’s that’s big-shouldered big-shouldered aand nd ffun un

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

Big is the operative word when one speaks about the Sandia Resort & Casino just north of Albuquerque. Whether it’s the expansive hotel and gaming area that looms over the property’s golf course, the jumbosized clubhouse or the setting that stretches to the end of the horizon and the base of Sandia Peak to the northeast, it’s a place for big fun and big memories to be made. The open and inviting golf course that routed architect Scott Miller through the high-desert landscape is a blast to tackle, featuring many elevated tee shots and rolling fairways that push the wayward shot back into play. In the years since Sandia Golf Club was developed by the Pueblo of Sandia, the track has become a constant in the industry rankings of Best Casino courses and has been a fixture on the list of top courses you can play in the Land of Enchantment. It debuted in June 2005 and immediately was named to Golf Magazine’s list of “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play.” TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Even though it’s carded at 7,752 yards from its back set of four tees and is the longest course in New Mexico, it’s no gamble to have fun if one tees it up from the correct set of tee boxes. “I love Sandia because you can come here to visit and never have to leave because there is a little bit of everything on the property,” said Matt Molloy , Sandia’s long time director of golf. “Through the years and with the stewardship of the Pueblo, things have only gotten better. And the golf is just fun.” Sandia GC encompasses strategically placed hazards, challenging green complexes and panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande River, the Corrales Bosque and the greater Albuquerque area. Recently renovated fairway bunkers – there are 48 on the course – come into play from all tee complexes, and each hole gives the illusion of offering far less landing area than is actually available.

FEATURE STORY

The layout at Sandia is quite different from many contemporary targetstyle golf courses. Miller and the Pueblo felt it was important to create a track where players were given adequate area to play golf, placing a premium or reward for a well-executed shot instead of an indifferently executed one. The result is a golf course that will be relatively easy to play but difficult to score on. “While I think the everyday golfer will find the course very enjoyable and relatively easy to play, Sandia offers a challenging test of golf for even the best players in the world,” Miller said. At Sandia GC, canted fairways keep stray tee balls in play and when balls do find the scrub, it’s usually clear enough for a recovery shot. So it’s “bombs away” with the driver, and success with your longest club will lead to low scores here. But man or woman cannot live by golf alone. Sandia’s world-class resort features 228 luxurious, oversized guest rooms including more than 30 suites. Every guest room and suite offer views of the Albuquerque skyline or the rugged wildness of the Sandia Mountains. The resort includes over 55,000-square feet of “state of the art” entertainment, meeting and convention space that can accommodate groups up to 3,000, a 12,000-square foot Green Reed Spa that opened in 2015, and a 4,000 seat

amphitheater. There are a plethora of dining options, including a 410-seat signature buffet, a 24 hour restaurant, and Bien Shur, a rooftop gourmet restaurant with an indoor/ outdoor entertainment lounge sporting wonderful views. Sandia Casino features a full array of Las Vegas gaming options with over 2,500 slot machines, the largest poker room in New Mexico, as well as craps and blackjack tables. This is truly a one stop vacation for everyone, from buddy trips to couple getaways. Don’t be intimidated by Sandia GC’s length – it’s a friendly and fun track with lots of opportunity to attack and few places that will balloon your score. Believe me, having fun here is the closest thing to a sure thing than you’ll find anywhere. www.sandiagolf.com www.sandiacasino.com

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FEATURE STORY

New Mexico’s appealing combinations include golf and gambling By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

Many people come to New Mexico to get away from it all, to embrace the feeling of oneness with the environment or to take advantage of the chance to seek their own path. I go to New Mexico for the combination of hot and cool, the duality of the mountains and the desert, the freedom to roam away from people and then the opportunity find someone to socialize with when I need companionship, the pairing of the native and the new and, of course, the golf and the gambling. I’ve been to nearly every corner of the Land of Enchantment, as New Mexico is called, playing golf from Las Cruces to Angel Fire, from the bustling metropolis of Albuquerque to the guarded corner of the White Sands Missile Range – just over a mountain pass from the site of the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and from the flatlands of Hobbs to the moonscapes of La Mesilla.

Background Mountains on Street in Ruidoso

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Along the way, I’ve spent time in opulent homes and hotels and lodges, eaten a ton of New Mexico’s version of Mexican food (red or green?), glided across the desert in a hot-air balloon,

rode a cardboard-box sled down dunes of nearly-unimaginably white sand, gambled in both casinos and at horse tracks and had at least a dozen times when I played 36 holes of golf at two different courses on the same day.

FEATURE STORY

I’ve even golfed and skied in the same ranges from 4,900 feet in downtown town on the same day twice – in two dif- to 6,700 feet in the foothills, so playing ferent locales.And I’ve barely scratched golf in this region is comparable to the surface of what New Mexico has to playing in Denver. offer. Any discussion about golf in AlbuThe newest golf destination is querque must begin with the ChampiHobbs, about an hour from Midland, onship Golf Course at the University Texas and just across the border. Golf of New Mexico. Once rated the top in the area has taken a significant step course in the state, the course is a fine forward with last year’s opening of and demanding venue thanks to a comRockwind Community Links, a fine bination of length and tough routing, Andy Staples design that has the course all amplified by ever-blowing winds. as the centerpiece of the city’s largest The track opened in 1967 and original and most diverse architect Robert municipal park. “Red” Lawrence Rockwind utilized naturally is just down hilly terrain to crethe street from ate wide, rolling the Black Gold and tilted fairways Casino and with many elevation Racetrack and the changes. pairing of the two Southwest of attractions make town, across the a trip to Hobbs a street from the burfun one. geoning Hard Rock All my escaHotel and Casino (of pades in this place which it is an amenihave been pushed ty), the Bill Phillips16th Hole - Rockwind Community Links forward by golf, fashioned Isleta Eagle and the offerings Golf Course offers for the grand game here are varied and three nine-hole sides that can be played plentiful. Let’s take a look at a few, with in 18-hole combinations on the Pueblo the caveat that there are others that are of Isleta's vast high-desert reservation. as grand that we will have to examine Opened in 1996 and named after the next time we meet. their primary topographic feature Lakes, Arroyo and Mesa – the courses Finding great golf is easy in run along the Rio Grande and feature Central region typical desert conditions with extraorAlbuquerque is the largest city in dinary panoramic views from the tees. New Mexico, established in 1706 at the The greens are mid-sized with contour western slopes of the Sandia Mountains and the fairways are undulating, creatwithin the northern, upper edges of the ing challenging uneven lies with natural Chihuahuan Desert.The elevation here roughs on the borders. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

Some 15 miles north of make the course stand apart from the Albuquerque on rolling desert at the region's other high-desert venues. base of the Sandia Mountains, the Opened for play with 18 holes in sacred land of the Santa Ana Pueblo April 2000 and later expanded to 27 is home to two striking, and very holes in 2005, Paa-Ko Ridge features different, golf courses, each noted for multiple mountain views and strong their beauty and challenge. shot values. The course also sports The courses - Twin Warriors Golf many big, bold features, undulatClub and ing putting Santa Ana surfaces and Golf Club plenty of - are set on risk-reward acreage suropportunirounded by ties. Golf the grandeur Digest ranks Twin Warriors Golf Club of the Jemez it No. 20 Mountains on its list to the west, the Sangre de Cristos to of America's 100 “Greatest Public the north and the Sandia Mountains Courses” and as the top course in immediately east, and are woven New Mexico. through sand, cactus, scrub brush and rock. With 45 holes of golf, the Southeast region brings mountains two venues which serve as amenities into play of the tribal-owned Hyatt Regency Three hours south of Albuquerque Tamaya Resort, offer players plenty of in New Mexico’s Southeast region, variety and tests. three courses have for years set the bar Another must-play in the Central for excellent daily-fee golf. region is the Ken Dye-designed PaaBegin a trip to the area in Ruidoso, Ko-Ridge, which is carved through a in the shadow of 12,000-foot Sierra forest of pinon and juniper evergreens Blanca, for a round at the Links at with some specimen ponderosa pines Sierra Blanca. Champion’s Tour player near the landing areas and greens to Jim Colbert and golf architect Jeff Brauer tore up the tarmac of the old Sierra Blanca Regional Airport to build the course and removed the old hangars and buildings. They used smart land management to form the signature high, rolling mounds throughout the layout. Players are amazed the architects brought no dirt onto or off of the property as towering artificial mounds pop up everywhere. Paa-Ko-Ridge Golf Club TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

A stalwart of the region around Ruidoso is the golf course at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, an upscale casino property owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache.The track was designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 1976 and features an island fairway, landing areas lined by trees, fast-break-

Sunrise Hiking Outside Ruidoso

ing greens and superb vistas. Players here contend with the challenge of teeing up at an elevation of 7,200 feet in land bordering the massive Lincoln National Forest.

Head further into the Sacramento Mountains and one will eventually find the town of Cloudcroft and the famous Lodge at Cloudcroft. A mainstay of the property is a nine-hole golf course situated at 9,200 feet above sea level, the fifth-highest layout in the United States. It was built near a previous track established in 1899, and is the oldest course in New Mexico. Carved out of a pine forest with rolling greens, this course is pure fun and an absolute ego builder. Routed on a former cabbage patch in Chautauqua Canyon, the Lodge course starts the blood rushing on the first hole, a 251-yard par-4 that descends 200 feet straight downhill. Golf in the Land of Enchantment is satisfying and surprising, and New Mexico, which is a snap to get to from all points north, south, east and west, has to be considered one of the United Statesâ€™ most underrated places to tee it up.

The Lodge at Cloudcroft

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REVIEW

Hobbs’ Rockwind Community Links is municipal golf done the right way

By Steve Habel

Most people, even true Texans, might have a hard time locating Hobbs, New Mexico on a map without a bit of ruminating and chin-scratching. But for golfers and those that have a real interest in learning how to establish and grow the game in today’s set of challenges, one need look no further than this city of some 45,000 citizens on the Texas/New Mexico border and an hour and a half northwest of Midland. Mid-May’s 2015 opening of the city-owned and operated Rockwind Community Links was more than just the debut of a totally new golf course on the bones of one that was old and outdated – it’s also one of the few new courses coming on line anywhere in the United States. This course is nothing less than a template of how the game of golf, under the correct stewardship, can be used as both an asset to a town’s residents and as a draw for tourism. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Photos by Tony Roberts Photography

“We’re investing in quality of life, and we’re telling the world we want people to come and live and prosper here,” Hobbs mayor Sam Cobb said. “We believe Rockwind will be the focus of our community and we’re investing heavily in golf for our youth.” Built on the site of the former Ocotillo Park Golf Course, Rockwind Community Links was designed by Scottsdale-based architect Andy Staples. Staples’ work has produced a 27-hole golf facility that includes a 7,102-yard regulation 18hole track and a nine-hole beginners’ course, nicknamed “Li’l Rock,” with holes ranging in length from 35 to 185 yards.The main course offers five sets of tees. To date, Rockwind Community Links has earned the following accolades: 2015 Golf Digest Top Ten New Courses in North America, 2016 Golfweek’s Best CoursesYou Can Play, and 2015 Golf Inc.Top Five New Golf Developments in the World.

COURSES

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Buy One Round of Golf Get One Free

Includes Cart

Not valid with other discounts coupon required, expires 9-30-2016 Public Course

RATES

MAP #29

Twilight

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

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: George Hoffman Golf Pro: Tommy Sikes Superintendent: Ward Kirk

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

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

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Spring Branch

Texas Golf Insider

The Club at Rebecca Creek Enjoy Yourself To The Fullest At The Club Located along the rolling countryside of Spring Branch, The Club at Rebecca Creek awaits the avid golfer who seeks a peaceful, but challenging experience. The views of the Texas Hill Country leaves most players speechless. In 2013, new ownership made a commitment to the community, promising the best product possible. That commitment has been met, and continues to thrive each day. The Club at Rebecca Creek is now a “must play” destination, boasting a 2014 golf cart fleet, beautiful tree lined fairways, tour inspired greens, and the friendliest staff in Texas. Come out and enjoy a round to remember! In addition to our wonderful golf course, we are also excited about our remodeled clubhouse and swimming pool. After your round, take a dip in the pool, or grab a seat in the clubhouse, and watch the golf tournament, or any other sporting event on one of our (5) TVs. Both areas make for great parties or special events! The Club at Rebecca Creek offers a fantastic golf course, along with the after play extras. Come join us and experience a day to talk about! 10101 Rebecca Creek Rd. Spring Branch, TX 78070

830-885-5168

www.rebeccacreek.com

COURSES

Public Course

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

MAP #29

RATES Monday-Friday $32 Seniors and Military $26 Saturday, Sunday and $38 Holidays Twilight at noon everyday (Green Fee, Cart & Tax Included)

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Director of Golf: Dave Roberts Superintendent: James Fillpot

TEE INFORMATION Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6550 / 71.0 / 125 White: 6080 / 65.5 / 119 Gold: 5339 / 66.4 / 118 Red: 4815 / 64.0 / 113

DIRECTIONS From I-35 north, take Exit 178 and turn right onto Country Club Drive. The entrance to the course is on the right side of the street.

Cibolo

Northcliffe Golf Club Home of the Noon Twilight Rate - Mon-Fri Just $24 Northcliffe Golf Club is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained golf courses in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area. The par 72 course is enjoyable for the average golfer, yet a challenge to the low-handicap players. Our rates are hands-down some of the most competitive around as we offer a great value to locals and visiting players alike. Northcliffe Golf Club is the home of “Twilight at Noon Seven Days A Week” Originally designed in 1979 by Joe Finger, the links-style design features generous fairways and leaves the golfer several options to play each hole. Northcliffe also has the unique design of 5 par-5’s and 5 par-3’s that wind through the course with no major elevation changes. Now open at Northcliffe Golf Club is the new “America’s first drift fry restaurant” Shifu’s 41 and a 1000 sq.ft. deck surrounding the pro shop. With a friendly informal atmosphere and customer service that is dedicated to making your golf experience exciting and enjoyable, Northcliffe is easily one of the “best kept secrets” around. We invite you to come relax, take it easy, and have a great round. 5301 Country Club Blvd. Cibolo, TX 77546

830-606-7351

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

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REVIEW

New Amenities Augment the Golf Experience at Delaware Springs GC By Steve Habel

There’s never been any question about the quality of the routing and the great conditions at Delaware Springs Golf Course here in this hamlet saddled by the Highland Lakes about an hour northwest of Austin. The golf experience has long been one of the best in the Hill Country, a combination of challenge and playability. Now, with the addition of several offthe-course amenities, the facility has taken a step forward as a freshened locale for bigger tournaments, meetings and weddings. Over the past year, the facility has expanded its famous 19th-hole eatery by about 30 percent, giving golfers and other patrons some elbow room to stretch out and enjoy some of the best cheeseburgers in the region. There’s a new 2,400-square foot pavilion to house after-tournament parties, get-togethers, civic meetings and weddings, creating a whole new clientele for the successful golf course. “The upgrades to our clubhouse have been an improvement we’ve wanted to make for a while, and they’ve been well received,” said Doug Fipps, Delaware Springs’ long-time director of golf. “We are always working to make things a TheTexasGolfInsider.com

little better and a little more fun, and the golfers that play here always tell me that they’ve had a good time, both on the course and after the round.” Delaware Springs GC – nestled into the rolling hills and oak trees on oft-windswept ground just south of town – opened for play in 1992. Like fine wine, the course has improved with age, thanks to Fipps’ stewardship of the facility and the City of Burnet’s dedication to conditioning maintenance and the needed tweak every so often. Part of its appeal is that it’s just a really fun golf course with an understated routing that’s not about punishing players with deep rough or forced carries or overly punitive greens complexes. There is not a lot of mounding at Delaware Springs GC and eight of the track’s holes have no bunkers. During the round golfers will encounter lush fairways, large greens that often slope severely and numerous chances to bump and run shots to the putting surfaces. A day at Delaware Springs is public golf at its best: a great course run by friendly people followed by a great nofrills meal.The experience never disappoints, and always leaves players with a smile and a desire for a quick return trip.

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

RATES

MAP #41

Twilight

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Bunker Hill General Manager: Doug Fipps Superintendent: Jason Kelly Course Record: Kyle Jerome,62

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

COURSE AMENITIES t t t t t

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COURSES

Burnet

Delaware Springs Golf Course One of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”

ated four out of five stars on Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” list, Delaware Springs Golf Course is a Hill Country classic cradled by a variety of native trees and accented by charming scenery. The beautiful 6,891-yard par-72 track unfolds onto gently rolling hills and offers golfers scenic vistas at every turn, making it as picturesque as it is challenging. The aesthetic value is just one reason why Delaware Springs has become a Hill Country favorite. Visitors are often impressed by the attitude of the golf course staff, a friendly and courteous crew that makes strangers feel right at home. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, the facility features a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar and dining room overlooking the 18th green. To enjoy Hill Country golf at its finest, come visit Delaware Springs Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of Burnet. Course designers Dave Akland and Dan Procter named each hole after a local feature, such as “Mountain View” and “Roon the Bend” because of its sharp dogleg right. Few homes line the holes.

600 Delaware Springs Blvd. Burnet, TX 78611

512-756-8471

www.delawaresprings.com

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INSTRUCTION

OVERCOMING NERVOUSNESS ON THE GOLF COURSE

Nervousness and golf go together like a dog and fleas...they don’t always get along but the link between the two are a fact of life. Whether you play the game recreationally or in competition, you are likely to get nervous at some point, for some reason. Nervousness even affects the best players in the world, men and women alike. If you fall into this category, don’t feel bad...you are not alone. Furthermore, don’t let this fact of life get you down. None other than Tom Watson was a player who had a hard time closing and winning tournaments when he first came out on the PGA Tour. He went on to win 8 major championships. We all know about Greg Norman’s struggles with pressure during his career. He won two majors...that’s more than Fred Couples for those of you keeping track. Tour players are like you and me, they’re human. Yes, they get nervous too. The difference is they know how to perform when they’re nervous. Let’s look at 4 very effective ways to overcome this invisible enemy. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

EMBRACE YOUR NERVOUSNESS The first step in playing nervous is to embrace your nervousness. What I mean by this is, go ahead and admit you’re nervous. YOU know when you’re nervous and most likely so do your playing partners/competitors. Begin by replacing the word “nervous” with “anxious”. It just sounds better and has a more positive ring to it. Fighting it will only make you more nervous and sap your energy. Look at playing golf while being nervous as a challenge. Now all of a sudden, your mind frame has changed from “defensive” to “offensive”. BREATH AND SLOW DOWN Consistent breathing is one of the best techniques to overcoming nervousness. Take long, slow, deep breaths and slow down. This not only helps slow your heart rate, but has a calming effect mentally. Along with calming you down, it helps more oxygen reach your brain which in turn helps you think better. Nervous people tend to speed up and eventually you find yourself just trying to get the next shot over with. Don’t slow down so much that you interfere with pace of play, but slow your walk a little between shots. It will help calm your nerves so you can perform to your capabilities. VISUALIZE SUCCESS Visualization plays a major role in the game of golf. In many things that are “mental” like golf, you should have a good, positive picture of what you want before you perform. A good pre-shot

INSTRUCTION

routine will help you see in your mind what you want to do while also helping you get in a comfortable rhythm. There is not one tour player who doesn’t have a pre-shot routine. Furthermore, a pre-shot routine is something ANYONE can do well. Anyone can have a pre-shot routine that’s as good as the best players in the world. Practice it so it comes naturally when you’re playing. It will become your “comfort zone”. FOCUS ON THE PROCESS NOT THE RESULTS One of the major causes of nervousness is concentrating too much on the results instead of the process. Don’t worry about your score, concentrate on the next shot. The saying, “one shot at a time” is an old cliche but it is probably the most relevant saying in golf. Like building a house, you wouldn’t focus on the windows or the roof before your slab is poured. The same principle applies here. In order to shoot the score you would be happy with, you must FIRST hit the shots that will get you to that score. You are building something when you play golf, and each shot is a block in that building. Augie Garrido, the baseball coach at The University of Texas tells his players to play nine, one inning games

during a game. Win each inning and you’ll win the game. If you instead start worrying about winning the game, you put pressure on yourself that decreases the level of your performance. Golf is no different. Key on each shot, one at a time, and in the end you are more likely to see the results you want. These are just 4 techniques you can use to help you play better when you are nervous. You may have some other ways to calm your nerves when you play and that’s great. Get in close with nervousness and take it on like hand to hand combat. Success sits on throne, it doesn’t collapse like a folding chair. “Top 25 Golf School in the US” by GOLF Magazine

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FEATURE STORY

Plenty of new

to augment the established at Jersey Meadow

By Steve Habel, Senior Editor

There are instant and tried-andtrue indications of success at a golf course – a crowded parking lot, a full tee sheet and the smiles and positive comments of the players as they walk off the 18th green. At Jersey Meadow Golf Course in the Houston suburb of Jersey Village, those facets are enjoyed on a daily basis. But its operators aren’t resting on their laurels – besides being a fantastic and affordable golf course, Jersey Meadow is continuing to improve in all aspects of its golf experience. In the late 1950’s, a parcel of land of a 1,236-acre ranch owned by Clark W. Henry was set aside for the site’s original golf course. In 1984 golf architect Carlton Gipson redesigned the track and Gipson’s course was tweaked in the 1990’s by Jay Riviere, helping to make it the

outstanding test of golf it is today. In the summer of 2004, the greens were resodded with Champion Bermuda and the clubhouse and driving range were renovated and updated. Jersey Meadows GC is municipal golf at its finest and a course that provides as much challenge as the golfer is willing to take on. It’s easy to be deceived into thinking that – at just 6,671 yards from its back tees – Jersey Meadow GC will be a walk in the park. That idea can be dispelled by a serious look at the scorecard; playing the par-71 course all the way back brings a 73.3 rating and a stout slope of 136, numbers that rank in the top 25 percent of all courses in the United States. It’s routing is nestled among mature live oak groves and forces game management as well as a lot of moxie to conquer. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

The course offers a pleasant round of golf in the traditional sense. There’s a good mix of long and short par-4s at Jersey Meadow GC to help keep the player’s focus and interest. Five of the two-shotters (including the 444-yard second hole and the better-get-itright-or-pay 434-yard 10th) are more than 415 yards from the back tees. That difficulty is balanced by the fact that all three of the par-5 holes on the course (the 473-yard No. 1, the 519-yard seventh and the 513-yard 13th) can be reached in two shots and can relinquish birdies if played with a little moxie. Jersey Meadow GC’s par 3s are never a bargain – at 165 yards, the sixth is the shortest, but its long and narrow green is well protected, so it is no easy par. The closing hole at Jersey Meadow GC is one of its toughest.The 399yard par-4 plays straight toward the clubhouse on the horizon and has forced-carries over water on both the tee shot and on the approach. A 240yard carry is needed from the back tees to traverse a wide creek slicing across the fairway. A pond fronts the putting surface about 65 yards short of the elevated green, which is the most shallow on the course and sandwiched with bunkers on either side. There are new faces in control at Jersey Meadow, with Danny Atchison in charge of course conditioning as its head superintendent and industry veteran Matt Jones as the new golf professional. Atchison and Jones both bring decades of experience in the golf business and have already made many positive improvements to the course and its operations. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

There are plans to keep Jersey Meadow Golf Course moving toward its goal of being one of the top municipal golf courses in the Houston area.The facility’s new teaching and practice programs have been augmented and improved and now offer many different teaching clinics, club fittings and private lessons for all caliber of golfers. There is now a designated area at the course’s range away from the normal range activities to offer more privacy. The course’s golf shop sports a new look with a more diverse inventory. One can special order anything from shirts, caps, shorts and shoes to clubs and accessories, with pricing set to beat or match the big-box competitors. The routing and playing conditions at Jersey Meadow GC have always been solid , but with more than a dozen reconstructed bunkers and additional curbing surrounding all

tees and greens, the overall cosmetics of the golf course are changing, too. Also, there are future plans to level some existing tees as well as adding some new teeing grounds to stretch the yardage to more than 6,800 yards. “The clubhouse has begun some new cosmetic improvements as well,” Jones said. “We are making Jersey Meadow great, not just good!” Jersey Meadow GC, which is located just northwest of Houston near where Highway 290 and Beltway 8 intersect, has the largest senior golf association in the Houston area with more than 525 members. The facility also is the home of active men’s and women’s golf associations with weekly and bi-weekly tournaments and play days. The

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FEATURE STORY

course also welcomes public play and all interested groups for tournaments and fundraisers. For frequent customers, Jersey Meadow GC offers a STAR membership that gives great discounts on all green fees, range and merchandise for only 80.00 a year. Players get a free round of golf when they enroll in the program. “We also have a fantastic food and beverage facility that has been operating here for over 10 years, so we can offer very competitive ‘turnkey’ pricing for our tournaments,” Jones said. “If you live in the Houston area and have not played Jersey Meadow, please give us a try. If you’re visiting you must play here. Good price, Good course, Good service, Good location!” The town has a public swimming pool and public park with playground facilities. There is also a small lake owned and maintained by the Jersey Village homeowners’ association with fishing available to residents and guests who have homes on the shores of the lake. Jersey Village is also home to Sam TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Houston Race Park, one of the nation’s top horse racing venues for both live racing and simulcast options from around the world. With the city limits, Houston Premier Outlets offers 145 stores and a little bit of something for everyone, while Traders Village features great shopping with a busy schedule of events at its market area. Jersey Village hosts festivals and celebrations year around, including chili and barbeque cook-offs, automobile swap meets and custom car shows, the Bayou Cajun Festival, the Halloween Boo Bash and the Native American Pow Wow. Many of Houston’s top attractions are within an easy drive down Highway 290, with the Hermann Park Zoo, the Theater District, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center all just a short conversation away. Fun for all ages, Jersey Village is the ultimate stay, play, shop and live experience.

FEATURE STORY

Letting the good, and golf, times roll in SW Louisiana By Steve Habel, Senior Contributor

L’Auberge du Lac & Golden Nugget Resorts Photo Courtesy of www.lindseyjanies.com

There’s almost a palpable sense of a weight being lifted off your shoulders as you enter the state of Louisiana from Texas on the way to Lake Charles, which is now the gaming, golf and fun corner of the Pelican State. If you’re driving in, you’ll start seeing signs touting the casinos and area attractions an hour before you get to the Texas-Louisiana border. Southwest Louisiana is where you can “let the good times roll,” a saying that conveys the “joie de vivre” (or “joy of living”) attitude that pervades south Louisiana. By the time you travel that final 30 miles or so, you’re almost rabid to check into one of the area’s opulent, friendly and Coutesy of Texas-centric

resorts, change into a swimsuit or golf shirt and shorts and head for the nearest pool to relax with a libation, to the course to test your game or the blackjack table to double down on split aces. The gaming industry has taken a strong hold in greater Lake Charles, which is less than a two-hour drive from Houston, the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Many of the area’s casinos have distinctive themes that make Texans feel like they own the place or at least should after a great day at the tables. The golf courses built in Lake Charles and environs since gaming was reintroduced in 1991 have the feel of the layouts in the Lone Star State’s coastal areas, adding to the

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB

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FEATURE STORY

familiarity factor for visitors from the west. But because this is southwest Louisiana, there’s a distinct take on just about everything. Call it a Cajun flair if you want; golf in SWLA is just a little more intense.The spotlight on golf in this Gray Plantation Club of 2015 area intensified in the Golf summer when the new course at the Country Club at the Golden Nugget came online. Its opening gives the Lake Charles and its close environs five great options for golf, making playing the game in SW Louisiana anything but a gamble. CASINOS BOLSTER GOLF The region’s golf presence announced itself in 1976 with the debut of Mallard Cove Golf Course, set just southwest of the main runway at Chennault International Airport and about four miles south of the city’s main business sector. Designed originally by Jim Wall (a former associate of Robert Trent Jones) on a decided flat piece of land, Mallard Cove now boasts a championship layout with water entering play on 12 holes. Renovated in 2001 by Kevin Tucker, the course measures 6,977 yards from tips and plays to a par of 72 on a routing that also involves 25 large bunkers and stands of cypress, oak and pines. Because of the risk-reward factor on five holes (four on the home half) players can make it as easy or hard as they want. The first course to open after the gaming boom was Gray Plantation, the centerpiece of an upscale, gated community located just south of Lake Charles along the Calcasieu Waterway. Opened in 1999 and renovated in

Gray Plantation Golf Club Photo: Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB

2005 after it suffered damage from Hurricane Rita, Gray Plantation is now a beautifully landscaped 7,200-yard semiprivate layout that challenges pros and entertains amateurs of all skills. The course was designed by William “Rocky” Roquemore, who allowed the natural beauty of Louisiana’s Bayou Country to shine and led Golf Magazine to describe it as “a delicate mix of Southern charm and Cajun fire.” Water, both from the adjacent Calcasieu and the course’s 60 acres of manmade lakes, adds to the difficulty while contributing to the aesthetics. The wet stuff enters play on 11 of the course’s 18 holes. Besides all the aqueous hazards there are 94 bunkers, but few forced carries off the tee. Most of the trouble can be avoided with conservative play as Roquemore put an emphasis on tough par-3s, creating two with island-like greens. Contraband Bayou Golf Club was the next course to come on line, opening in late May 2005.The Tom Fazio-designed 7,077-yard, par-71 track, set across the street from the massive L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort and built atop 227 acres that were once underwater and part of the TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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Calcasieu Waterway, presented many obstacles in its design and construction, the toughest of which was building a golf course in swamp-like terrain. More than 400,000 cubic yards of dirt were moved during construction of the only public course by Fazio in the Pelican State.There are plenty of favorable bounces incorporated into the par-3s (none over 200 yards), long par-4s (two play more than 450), short par-4s (three less than 375 yards) and a monster par-5 (the 611-yard opener). Also involved are eight lakes and a handful of alligators (don’t get too close). About five miles as the crow flies north of Contraband Bayou and a 15-minute drive around Lake Charles and back into the woods is the National Golf Club of Louisiana, a big-shouldered Dave Bennett design. Opened in August 2009, the layout is the centerpiece of a new 600-plus-acre masterplanned neighborhood in Westlake, a town just above Lake Charles. Bennett’s 6,946-yard layout features 14 lakes, 80 bunkers and some of the area’s largest and toughest greens.

Stately Louisiana pines and dramatic vistas are highlights. National’s fairways are generously wide, but gentle slopes and rolling fairways can be unforgiving, so be precise with your tee shots. The National Golf Club of Louisiana went through more than 10 years of planning and there’s a lot to like about

The National Golf Club

what Bennett fashioned.What makes the National really worth the trip are its two-shotters, the best of which are the 433-yard third, the 433-yard 10th (despite being the same length, they dogleg in opposite directions), the 457-yard 16th (the No. 1 handicap hole) and the finisher - a 415-yard dogleg-left with water on the right and a green pinched on each side by sand. There have been plenty of accolades heaped on the new Country Club at the Golden Nugget, an 18-hole, par-72 golf track designed by the award-winning team of Todd Eckenrode and Origins Golf Design. The course is right on the bayou in the shadow of the massive, new Golden Nugget Casino Resort, providing a spectacular backdrop for guests seeking a getaway within their getaway. Contraband Bayou Golf at sunset Its fairways here are Photo Courtesy of www.lindseyjanies.com

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FEATURE STORY

extraordinarily wide and the course’s one after the round. It is a 137-yard tesputting surfaces are huge and very, very ter with an island green that can be hard and fast, as one would expect used to settle ties or just to have a little from new greens.There is a great more fun. variety of long and short holes, with the last four holes along the river and in site PLENTY TO DO IN SWLA of the massive bridge that winds over When one thinks of southwest the bayou. Louisiana, linked pairs of images may The course is not overly long or come to mind: saints and hurricanes; hard and has five sets of tees that Cajun and Creole; swamps and bayous; accommodate high handicappers and accordions and washboard percussion; scratch golfers, alike. And like Contra- relaxation on the back porch and band Bayou, Golden Nugget is designed raucous festivals; boudin and gumbo; for resort play but fishing and hunting; doesn’t cut any gaming and golf. corners to get you Lake Charles also back to the tables offers historical sites, quicker – it would be a luxury hotels and destination course accommodations, a even if the casino subtropical climate and didn’t hover over it. warm Southern Thirty minutes to hospitality. the northeast of Lake The Creole Nature Charles is the Coushatta Trail, a 186-mile Casino Resort, home of stretch of roadway that Koasati Pines Golf starts in Sulphur and Course and one of the ends in Lake Charles, is largest casinos in a haven for alligators Coutesy of Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB and birds and wildLouisiana. The course is a flowers. International Kevin Foster design with more than 50 bird-watchers consider the trail, known acres of looking-glass lakes and a routing as “Louisiana’s Outback,” a prime surrounded by stately pines and huge destination. live oaks. It can be a real bear to play, The area’s namesake lake is a especially because of its taxing length (at fisherman’s paradise, with calm, warm 7,617 yards, it is the longest course in waters and a direct route to the Gulf of the Pelican State). But with six different Mexico. sets of tees, you need only bite off as Lake Charles has earned its nickmuch as you think you can chew, while name the “Festival Capital of Louisiana” keeping in mind the quality and pleasure for hosting more than 75 fairs and you are having while you are at it. festivals annually. Check out www. Koasati Pines even has a real 19th visitlakecharles.org for dates of hole, not just the place to grab a cold upcoming events. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

f you’re a golfer and a gambler, you’ll enjoy playing Koasati Pines I at Coushatta, part of Coushatta Casino

levels. See for yourself why Koasati Pines is listed as one of Golf Digest’s 2012-13 Top 10 Courses in Louisiana. Resort owned by the Coushatta Tribe THAT’S NOT ALL . . .THERE’S MORE! of Louisiana.The fairways on this specAfter your day on the links, enjoy a tacular 7,617 yard course, one of the delicious dinner in Big Sky Steakhouse longest golf courses in Louisiana, wind through natural wetlands and over rolling or any of the casino’s fine terrain studded with stately pines and restaurants. huge live oaks. Then it’s on to Designed with a fresh perspective to exciting gaming submerge you in a relaxing, yet chalin the 100,000 lenging, golf experience with its novel square foot 19th “gambling” hole where tiebreakcasino with over ers and wagers can be resolved, playing 2800 of the Koasati Pines will make it your new newest and hotfavorite! test slots, more than 70 table LOUISIANA’S #1 CASINO GOLF games includCOURSE ing Blackjack, Course designer Kevin Tucker snuck Craps, live Poker, live Bingo and off-track in multiple approaches to several holes, but you’ll be riding on GPS-enabled carts betting, too! that track yardage and offer course tips to THE GRANDER GRAND HOTEL help you plan each shot. Six sets of tees Coushatta’s flagship hotel has been let golfers tailor the course to their skill completely renovated into an upscale adult-exclusive property for guests ages 21 and up, offering a relaxing retreat with exquisitely appointed rooms and lobby area connected to the gaming floor. ONLY A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Drive 1 1/2 hours from Beaumont and only 45 minutes from Lake Charles … and you’ve reached a destination that’s designed to delight, where worldclass gaming and luxurious accommodations await you. Plan your family’s “gaming getaway” today! TheTexasGolfInsider.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

Good times. Real memories. Truly Texas. Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country on 220 unique acres, breathe in the fresh country air, get inspired by big skies, or simply perfect your golf swing. At Tapatio Springs, we’re all about fun and making memories to last a lifetime.Whether it’s for a long weekend or just for the night, a visit to Tapatio Springs always means big-hearted service, awe–inspiring views, and the experiences you’ve been craving with the ones who matter most. At the Resort, make a splash in the outdoor pool, sign up for golf lessons, and special family programming over holiday weekends. Just off property, saddle up and ride for an authentic Ranch experience, shop for souvenirs in the neighboring town of Boerne, or venture out on a Big Tree Tour to find the largest tree in Texas. One main reason to come to Tapatio Springs Resort is to play golf on 18 of the best holes in Texas. Water features come into play on many of the holes and elevation changes with challenging doglegs will test your skill. The layout can be formidable but very scenic with rolling hills, towering trees, waterfalls, and tranquil ponds. After a visit to Tapatio Springs, you will realize a truly Texan way to make real memories. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

Escondido Golf Moving to the top in

By Art Stricklin

Superstar architect Tom Fazio has always done some of his best work in Texas, but now the only Fazio design not in a major metropolitan part of the state, Escondido Golf and Lake Club, is gaining some statewide attention of its own Escondido, which will host the 2016 Texas Golf Association state senior amateur championship this fall, was ranked as the No. 1 course in South and Central Texas, sixth

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overall in the state out of over 800 courses in May by the prestigious Dallas Morning News rankings. It was the highest ever ranking for the course and confirmed the vision that the club members had when they recently purchased the course themselves with longtime Texas golf veteran pro Glenn Lee as general manager and CEO. â€œWeâ€™re not where we want to be as the No. 1 course in the state, but

FEATURE STORY

& Lake Club

Country Club Rankings

we’re certainly headed in the right direction with our combination of splendid Hill Country luxury and great Fazio design,” Lee said. “We feel it’s an unbeatable combination for those who want a part of a private lakeside golf preserve in a scenic enclave. It’s easy to get to, hard to forget.” The combination of architect Tom Fazio and the Texas Hill Country, plus Lake LBJ in this most scenic part of the state has always proven to be golfing magic and the most recent proof is the statewide recognition Escondido, opened in 1996 in scenic and lake-filled Horseshoe Bay, is the latest bit of Fazio mastery in this region, 50 miles west of Austin, and has been steadily improving in statewide ranking, course conditions and prestigious events. The par 71 layout plays at 7,165 yards from the back tees, but can be

played from a variety of tee locations. Much of the year the course, which winds gracefully through the adjoining community, is covered with wildflowers and dozens of hardwoods along with plenty of natural, spring fed lakes. It starts off gracefully with a pair of mainly straight par 4 holes, but gradually brings all kinds of shots and all kinds of challenge. Fazio is a master of not repeating hole types and not allowing cart paths or off course homes to intrude into the golfers’ vantage points, There isn’t any hole which wows you with thundering waterfalls or awe-inspiring drops from tee to green, but that’s not the point at Escondido. It’s laidback, friendly, welcoming and scenic with an occasional bite to it. “It’s a good place to relax, have fun with your friends, tell some stories TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

and play some golf,” said former longtime Texas Tech head football coach Spike Dykes who is a member. “That’s what I think golf should be about.” After nine holes of golfing challenges, players stop at the unique smokehouse next to the par 3 10th hole where native meats are grilled on a large outdoor grill and then served as a quick snack to hungry golfers at the turn. A quick spin by the popular snack house here will make the notion of a quick hotdog or candy bar seem downright old fashioned. On the 10th you have to thread your ball through a thicket of trees TheTexasGolfInsider.com

on either side of the fairway to a pear shaped green. The par 5 11th requires you to hit a driver over water from the back tees to a wide fairway which narrows as you get closer to the green with more trees coming into play. Among the most memorable holes are the Fazio closing stretches with the par 3 15th hole, where a large lake takes up the entire left side of the fairway and curls dangerously all along the left side of the green. The par 4 16th hole has its fairway bending right to left with a large stream running down the right side and then cutting through the fairway heading to left,

FEATURE STORY

which means your approach to the green will be over water at some point. The par 3 17th is one of the shortest holes on the course at 167 yards from the back tees, but there is a steep ravine and more water in front of the green with the ground dropping off sharply behind the green. The finishing challenge comes on the par 5 18th hole with water all the way down the left side and trees on both sides of the fairway, and a green where putts break toward the water. When golf is finished there is a full service lakeside club with boats for rent, along with swimming and sunning areas, a kids playground and of course plenty to eat and drink. “We never want to be in a position where we have to have tee times or people have to call way in advance to get on the course,” Lee added.

“We want it to be great golf where people can enjoy themselves.” What makes Escondido so unique and desirable is that architect Tom Fazio , a master in his field, was able to take a scenic and masterful field in the Texas Hill Country to produce a stunning 18-hole portrait. He weaves the course along natural back nine ponds, a river that runs the length of the 18th hole, rolling fields and hidden streams. “Add the words Fazio, Hill Country, laid back Texas golf luxury and you see why this place is so special,” Lee said. “A bit of golfing paradise hidden away for anyone to find.” Hill Country Luxury never looked so good. For more information on Escondido Golf and Lake Club and its national membership go to www.escondidotexas.com or call 830.598.7800

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE

TYPE

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

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

TYPE

LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal LLANO: Llano Golf Club Municipal MANOR: Shadow Glen Semi-Private MARBLE FALLS: Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bandit Golf Course Public Landa Park Golf Course Municipal PLEASANTON: Pleasanton Country Club Semi-Private PFLUGERVILLE: Blackhawk Golf Club Public ROUND ROCK: Forest Creek Golf Club Public The Golf Club of Star Ranch Semi-Private TeraVista Golf Club Semi-Private SALADO: Mill Creek Inn & Country Club Semi-Private SAN MARCOS: Quail Creek Country Club Semi-Private SAN SABA: San Saba River GC Municipal SEGUIN: Golf Club of Seguin Semi-Private Starcke Park Golf Course Municipal SPICEWOOD: Pedernales Golf Course Public SPRING BRANCH: River Crossing Club Private The Club at Rebecca Creek Semi-Private SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal Gateway Hills Golf Course Military Golf Club of Texas Public Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort La Cantera Golf Club Public La Loma Grande Public Mission Del Lago Golf Course Municipal Northern Hills Municipal Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal Randolf Oaks Golf Course Military Riverside Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio Public San Pedro Range & Par 3 Public Silverhorn Public The Palmer Course Public The Republic Golf Course Public TPC San Antonio Resort Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private Willow Springs Golf Course Municipal UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Public UTOPIA: Utopia Golf Course Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

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

THE PERFECT DRIVE

THE COAST COURSE

TYPE

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

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

PHONE (361) 664-7033 (956) 541-2582 (361) 790-7513 (361) 576-0018 (361) 991-2811 (956) 428-7758 (956) 381-1244 (409) 543-6592 (956) 542-9861 (361) 771-2424 (361) 645-2144 (361) 749-1974 (956) 412-4110 (361) 592-1101 (361) 826-8017 (361) 826-8010 (361) 643-2798 (361) 949-8056 (956) 687-9591 (361) 749-4653 (979) 244-2955 (956) 943-5678 (361) 573-3712 (956) 702-2320 (956) 973-1811 (956) 365-3100 (956) 968-5331 (956) 546-5331

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

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

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

127

ConCan

15 15

Utopia

49 7

27 1604

Castroville

Comfort

1604

29 725

87 87 Spring Brand

3 12 9 10 6 13

473

1431

Kyle

620

Marble Falls 41 Leander

130 1825

Robstown

Refugio

Portland

83286 358

Corpus Christi

Sinton

To Ho us to n

Harper

2342

Kingsland

Port Aransas

ico ex

io on nt

A an

ulf o

S To

Brackenridge Park Golf Course

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

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Par

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

Type Hole

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

(210) 226-5612

t t t t *

(210) 695-5050

t t

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

t t t t t

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

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

Cedar Creek Golf Course

t t *

www.delawaresprings.com

Flying L Guest Ranch 49 566 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX 78003

(800) 292-5134

t t t t t

(512) 382-6529

t t t t t

www.flyingl.com

Highland Lakes Golf Course

20 20552 Highland Lake Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645 www.lagovistagc.com/highland-lakes.html

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

(713) 896-0900

1 t t t t t

www.jerseymeadow.com

Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course (830) 997-4010 53 341 Golfers Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

(512) 267-1170

(830) 221-4340

t t t t t

www.golffredericksburg.com

Lago Vista Golf Course

t t t t t

20 4616 Rimrock Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645 www.lagovistagc.com

Landa Park Golf Course

t t t t t

73 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

Mission Del Lago Golf Course

(210) 627-2522

t t

(830) 606-7351

t t *

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

Northcliffe Golf Club

t t t t t

29 5301 Country Club Blvd., Cibolo, TX 77546 www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

Northern Hills Golf Course

(210) 655-4148 1

t t t t t *

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

Olmos Basin Golf Course

(210) 826-4041

t t

t t *

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

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

t t t t t

www.olympiahillsgolf.com

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

(210) 533-8371 1

t t *

www.alamocitygolftrail.com

San Pedro Range & Par 3

(210) 349-5113

t t t *

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

* Insert TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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

Par

(512) 252-4653

(844) 207-8248

(830) 232-4471

(830) 885-7351

(210) 504-2550

(956) 726-2000

(830) 833-0706

t t t t

(210) 226-6721

t t t t *

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

Star Ranch Golf Club 3

Yardage /Rating /Slope

COURSES SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Type Hole

Map Number

t t t t

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

Tapatio Springs 90 1 Resort Way, Boerne, TX 78006

t t t t t

www.tapatioresort.com

The Club at Concan 15 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838

t t t t t

www.clubatconcan.com

The Club at Rebecca Creek

t t t t t

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

The Golf Club of Texas

t t t t t

27 13600 Briggs Ranch, San Antonio, TX 782 45 www.golfclubtexas.com

The Max

t t t t t

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

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

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

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 12 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

Sandia Resort & Casino | Ad Page 16-17 Albuquerque, New Mexico www.sandiagolf.com | 505-796-7500

4UPLFT *OTVSBODF | Map | Ad Page 60 33014 Tamina Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354 | www.stokesins.com | (877) 259-5533

Tapatio Springs | Map# 90 | Ad Pg 49 1 Resort Way, Boerne, TX 78006 | www.tapatioresort.com | 844-207-8248

The Academy of Golf Dynamics | Map # 25 | Ad Pg 32 Club Estates Parkway, Austin, TX | www.golfdynamics.com | 800-879-2008

The Club at ConCan | Map# 15 | Ad Page 59 520 Mountain Valley, Concan, TX 78838 | www.clubatconcan.com | 830-232-4471

The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 7 Wolf Ranch Shopping Center, Georgetown, TX | www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GOLF RULES & TIPS

For this edition, letâ€™s test your overall rules knowledge. Answers and explanations will be at the bottom of the page. A. Which one of the items below can you remove (without penalty) from a bunker or water hazard, when your ball is in the same hazard? r DPLF DBO r UFF HMPWF r DBOEZ XSBQQFS r CJMM r TDPSFDBSE B. Which one of the items below can you remove (without penalty) from a bunker or water hazard, when your ball is in the same hazard? r QJOF DPOF r IBMG FBUFO BQQMF r MFBG r QJOF OFFEMFT r EJWPU r QFDBO

True or False " QMBZFS NVTU TUBOE XJUIJO UIF UFFJOH HSPVOE UP QMBZ IJT UFF TIPU " CBMM JT EFFNFE MPTU BT TPPO BT UIF QMBZFS IBT ESPQQFE BOPUIFS CBMM VOEFS UIF SVMFT " QMBZFS NBZ OPU SFNPWF B CMBEF PG HSBTT BEIFSJOH UP IJT CBMM "O JTMBOE PG HSBTT JO UIF NJEEMF PG B CVOLFS JT OPU QBSU PG UIF CVOLFS %VSJOH B TUSPLF QMBZ DPNQFUJUJPO B QMBZFS UFMMT IJT GFMMPX DPNQFUJUPS UIBU IF JT PWFS TXJOHJOH )F JODVST B TUSPLF QFOBMUZ " CBMM JT PVU PG CPVOET XIFO BOZ QBSU PG JU MJFT PVU PG CPVOET Answers: 1. False B QMBZFS NBZ TUBOE PVUTJEF QSPWJEFE IJT CBMM JT XJUIJO UIF UFFJOH HSPVOE 2. True 8IFO B QMBZFS ESPQT B CBMM BU UIF TQPU PG UIF QSFWJPVT TUSPLF XJUI UIF JOUFOU UP QMBZ UIF CBMM VOEFS TUSPLF BOE EJTUBODF UIF PSJHJOBM CBMM JT MPTU 3. True "OZUIJOH BEIFSJOH UP UIF CBMM JT OPU B MPPTF JNQFEJNFOU True (SBTT DPWFSFE HSPVOE CPSEFSJOH PS XJUIJO B CVOLFS JT OPU QBSU PG UIF CVOLFS True "EWJDF JT BOZ TVHHFTUJPO UIBU DPVME JOÃ«VFODF B QMBZFS JO EFUFSNJOJOH IJT QMBZ UIF DIPJDF PG DMVC PS UIF NFUIPE PG NBLJOH B TUSPLF 6.

False - " CBMM JT POMZ PVU PG CPVOET XIFO BMM PG JU MJFT PVU PG CPVOET

Answers: A. :PV DBO SFNPWF BMM PG UIFN XJUIPVU QFOBMUZ "MM PG UIFTF JUFNT BSF NPWBCMF PCTUSVDUJPOT 5IF XBZ * SFNFNCFS UIJT SVMF JT NPWBCMF PCTUSVDUJPOT DBO CF SFNPWFE BOZXIFSF JO UIF VOJWFSTF %PFTO U HFU NPSF BCTPMVUF UIBO UIBU B. /POF PG UIFN DBO CF SFNPWFE XJUIPVU QFOBMUZ "MM BSF MPPTF JNQFEJNFOUT " EJWPU NBZ CF SFNPWFE JG JU XBT EFQPTJUFE JO UIF IB[BSE BGUFS ZPVS CBMM XBT BU SFTU K Stokes has been a rules official since Kevin 22011 and is on the Texas Golf Associationâ€™s R Rules Committee and the USGA Mid-Am CCommittee. Kevin also volunteers for the SSouthern Texas PGA.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

4UPLFT *OTVSBODF PÄ„FST B DPNQMFUF MJOF PG RVBMJUZ DPWFSBHFT GPS IPNF BVUP CVTJOFTT BOE CPOET 0VS DVTUPNFS TFSWJDF JT TFDPOE UP OPOF $POUBDU ,FWJO BU LFWJO!TUPLFTJOT DPN PS DBMM 877-259-5533.

Houston Area Golf Courses

Timber Creek Golf Course TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COVER STORY

Timber Creek ….

One of the Top Course Layouts that Legendary Golf Architect Jay Riviere added his fingerprint to. By Steve Habel One of the great surprises in golf is when you discover a 27-hole golf facility that has three varying and challenging nines that fit seamlessly into each other rather than having one course that is an obvious afterthought. We found such a rare jewel at Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood, just a 10 minute jaunt from the intersection of IH45 and the Sam Houston Tollway southeast of Houston.Timber Creek Golf Club, designed by the legendary Jay Riviere and opened for play in 2001, will remind golfers of the rolling hills and woods of South Carolina. The three excellent nine-hole tracks – named Creekside,Timber Trails and Pines – were carved out of oak and pine forests and routed across 316-acres of land unique to the Houston area. More than a million cubic yards of dirt were brought into the site the help fashion its rolling look and several rock outcroppings visible during the round will make the golfer swear he is anywhere but southeast Texas. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Riviere’s work here offers a little bit of everything, and the golfer can bite off as much of a challenge as he or she can handle thanks to four sets of tee boxes. A creek winds through the property, requiring 13 bridges to traverse the site and giving a clue to the demands on tap.Timber Creek’s Creekside nine asks for focus and accuracy, playing at just 3135 from its back tees. Game management is the key as the player must deal with water on eight holes, some doglegs and 28 bunkers. The Pines nine, carded at 3,418 yards from the tips, is more open and has fewer forced carries. Among its holes are the longest par-5s at Timber Creek GC – the 567-yard third and the 550-yard ninth. The Pines has 35 bunkers and is made more playable by mounding along the edges of the fairways.Timber Trails is the longest (at 3,575 yards from the back tees) and the most testing of Timber Creek’s three nines, with demanding carries and narrow fairways lined by trees. It has the toughest collection of par-4s on the

COVER STORY

property; all play at least 412 yards from the tips, beginning with the 482-yard first hole, which is likely the toughest hole on the course.The most demanding combination is Pines/Timber Trails, which is rated at 73.4 and carries a slope of 135 from the tips. Riviere designed Timber Creek GC to be without tricks and visually transparent, as from each tee box the player can see both the optimal landing area and the trouble that lingers if a shot is not properly executed.The course demands the golfer to bring both solid play and a little imagination to the round, and that’s what makes the experience here fun and memorable.

Timber Creek’s putting surfaces run true and fast and – in another Riviere trademark – are tough because of their subtle breaks rather than slopes and segments. Timber Creek offers golfers a lighted driving range among its excellent practice facilities and a 6,500-square foot clubhouse with a well-supplied pro shop and a cozy restaurant and bar to wind down and settle up after the round. The facility’s 200-seat open-air pavilion is

equipped with a grill and is perfect for tournaments, private parties or providing a good scenic view for some post-round beverages. The golf here is grand, as reflected by Timber Creek’s standing as one of the top 10 facilities in the Greater Houston area. It’s a place where you can play again and again and always get a different experience. Golf Academy David Pilsner, PGA Member and Director of Golf Instruction is dedicated to helping you improve your Houston golf game.Whether you are a beginner, a recreational player, or a highly skilled player,Timber Creek has a program designed to fit your needs.They offer private lessons for all player types and also offer a wide variety of group lessons. If you have a group of friends, clients, or coworkers you would like to do a workshop with, just give them a call and they will customize a lesson offering that will fit your needs. Summer junior golf camps are going on now, please call Timber Creek at 281-993-1140 to check their camp schedule.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

Public Course

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Friendswood MAP #36

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

COURSE FACTS Number of Holes: 27 Architect: Jay Riviere

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

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

4554 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546

281-993-1140

timbercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Timber Creek Golf Club A splendid layout 20 miles from downtown Houston Beneath the towering Oaks and sturdy Pines that permeate Timber Creek Golf Club, golfers are enjoying the game like never before. â€œPeople who play here frequently call this their club and have a sense of belonging,â€? general manager Mike Griswold said. â€œThey donâ€™t pay dues to get that.â€? The courseâ€™s culture is equaled if not surpassed by the design of Jay Riviere, who incorporated dense woodlands, winding creeks and rock outcroppings. â€œOur course isnâ€™t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,â€? Griswold said. With its classic Clubhouse Pub atmosphere and an eclectic menu that appeals to virtually every taste, the Legends Grill at Timber Creek is the place to meet. The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can custom design a program for beginners, recreational players or highly skilled players who are in need of a tune-up. The Academy also offers Custom Club Fitting, the latest in high-end club-fitting technology. Bring your group to Timber Creek for an outing or a tournament that provides a country club experience at a public course price. From its outstanding course conditions to its food and beverage facilities, from its fully-stocked golf shop to its legendary service, Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood rivals any private club in Texas. Timber Creek Golf Clubâ€ŚWhere You Belong.

This will Catch Your Eye With so many promotional items available we can feel overwhelmed when selecting the perfect gift for your tournament goodie bag, personal gift or stocking stuffer. Keeping the golfer in mind that your gift will not just be another dust collector we have found a unique ball mark repair tool that comes with a story. Houston based company owner, Gerald Kekule, started Whale Tail Golf in honor of his late father, Larry Kekule. It was through his ingenuity in the Koa wood business of Hawaii that started as his roots and affinity to the wood working world. The ball mark repair tools are handcrafted from select woods from Texas to across the world. Whale Tail Golf has thirteen types of wood available, including Texas, Hawaii, Brazil, South America and Australia. This tool fits perfectly in your hand with a stainless steel fork and very light weight. People are saying, “I never travel without it.” Plus the price is very reasonable and it’s easy to start your collection. To view their additional products like the magnetized ball marker, ball mark boogie board and ball mark poker chip, plus apparel visit www.whaletailgolf.com or call (832) 488-6865 to order your unique gift. Ask about their special tournament drawstring bag that comes with the wood ball mark repair tool and ball marker.

While many come for the golf, Sealy & Historic Austin County also offer a myriad of other activities including Historic downtown shopping districts with cafes, coffee shops, antiques,

FEATURE STORY

Northern Michigan offers Texans By Art Stricklin

Golfers looking for a break from the stifling South Texas summer heat, would be in good company and good sense to head North to the spectacular, if short-season, golf of cool Northern Michigan. From Boyne, home to Boyne Highlands, to the unique par 3 course at Treetops and the beautiful 27 hole TheTexasGolfInsider.com

facility at Bay Harbour, there are enough varied and economical courses here to keep you playing for most of the summer. The season for the 30-plus public access courses runs from roughly late April to Mid-October, but the summer temperatures stay in the 70-80 degree range with zero to low humidity. Boyne Highlands - Arthur Hills Course, Hole 17

FEATURE STORY

a Cool, Golf-Filled Summer Break

The variety of legendary course designers (Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Arnold Palmer and Arthur Hills) should be enough to entice any vacationing golf lover for an initial or return visit. The area is bookended by two of its largest cities, Gaylord and Traverse City, home of the major regional air-

port, with connections from Chicago and Detroit, Dallas, St. Louis and Houston. The region extends as far north to totally car-free Mackinac Island with Saunt Ste. Marie, Canada less than an hour away.The Great Lakes of Michigan and Huron lie on either side of the Northern Michigan landscape. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

Boyne Highlands - The Moor Course, Hole 16

Boyne Highlands, near the tiny town of the same name, is one of the oldest, largest and most traditional of the resorts in the area.The par 72 Heather course, designed by Jones, was the first major course in the area when it opened in the early 1970â€™s and remains a classic measuring at 6,991 yards from the back tees.The par 4 18th has a huge lake in front of the green that has drowned plenty of promising rounds. The Donald Ross memorial is another memorable course, laid out as a tribute to one of golfâ€™s great architects, a Scotsman who came to America to work and never left.

Bay Harbor - The Links

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The Moor Course at Boyne Highlands can be played on Golf Boards which was never invented or imagined when Ross designed his first course. The Arthur Hills layout is a very solid and playable design by one of the most capable architects. One of the most scenic and spectacular courses in the area is Bay Harbor, a brilliant 27-hole Arthur Hills design on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, near the city of the same name. Opened in 1998 with a nationally televised match between Phil Mickelson and Tom Lehman, the course has three distinct par 36 layouts, the Links, Quarry and Preserve. All three have outstanding views of the water, the surrounding dense forest or the natural rock quarry Hills discovered and cleared away for all golfers to enjoy. Bay Harbor offers homesites and memberships, but thankfully, still has

FEATURE STORY

room for Like many public play on great things in the courses, golf, when it which have opened in the been ranked early 1990s, as high as No. the Par 3 was 8 in the nation lightly received for resort and Treetops layouts. pros had to beg The Inn at players to try Bay Harbour it. Now itâ€™s one is a comfortof the most Bay Harbor - The Quarry, Hole 6 ing resting heavily booked place with courses there, views and fine food to fortify yourself with tee times taken well in advance. before your next round here. In fact, so good is the golf in this With water on almost every hole relatively compact area that you might and very small and narrow greens, this run out of warm days to play before you might be one of the toughest courses run out of good courses to play for the in the area, so a warm-up might be in first or second time. order. When the temperatures head toIf a warm-up is needed, then you ward triple figures this summer, golfers can do no better than to play the Rick should think about heading north for Smith designed Par 3 course known as great golfing variety in a chilled, green Threetops, which was showcased on grass buffet which never seems to end. national TV at the Par 3 Shootout. For more information go to : Boyne Anybody can play the challenging, Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, but nifty par 3 course, with holes rang- Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne ing from 219 to 113 yards, in less than Falls, and the Inn at Bay Harbor in Bay an hour for less than $100, a bargain no Harbor.Â golf visitor to the Treetops Resort near Gaylord should miss as a fun diversion or a good warm-up. Texan Lee Trevino made the richest par 3 in golf history when he aced the 6th hole for $1 million dollars in 2003, then followed up with the validator on the next hole to head back home with the quickest million the famed Bay Harbor - The Quarry, Hole 8 golf hustler ever made. TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

Public Course

RATES

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

MAP # 5

Twilight

Mon-Thur $45 $32* Friday $47 $40 Weekend $60 $40 Holiday $60 $40 *Twilight begins at 2 pm - Mar13-Nov 6 All rates include cart fee Range balls included on weekends & holidays untill 10:59 am

STATISTICS Par: 71 Black Blue White Red

Yards Rating 7077 73.2 6502 70.9 5927 68.0 5213 67.4

Slope 128 121 116 113

PERSONNEL Architect ........................ Rick Forester General Manager ............. Jeff Strong Course Record ........Justin McKay, 62

AMENITIES

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

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

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M ONT B ELVIEU

Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex

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 courseâ€™s distinguishable characteristics are its rolling fairways, stunningly tall pines, dramatic elevation changes and an abundance of water.With no homes on 17 of the 18 holes, golf is what you get at Eagle Pointe. The trademark of Eagle Pointe is its steeply tilted, undulating greens that will challenge even the most expert players. Strategically speaking, itâ€™s important to place your approach shots below the hole at Eagle Pointe because of the quickness of the putting surfaces. The facility also offers a state-of-the art fitness center and a new 8,000-square-foot indoor pavilion that would be the perfect place for corporate outings, weddings or charity events. Plan your special event in the new climate controlled pavilion

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

MAP #17

RATES Monday-Friday Seniors (62+) M-Th Saturday-Sunday and Holidays Seniors (62+) Wknd

$32 $27 $38

COURSES

Texas City

Bayou Golf Club

$35

(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 t 4OBDL #BS t %SJWJOH 3BOHF t 'BNJMZ 1JUDI 1VUU $PVSTF t /FX TR GU 1VUUJOH (SFFO t 'VMMZ 4UPDLFE 1SP 4IPQ t $BMM GPS %BJMZ 4QFDJBMT

2800 Ted Dudley Drive Texas City, TX 77590

409-739-9622 bayougc.com

Golfers can now experience the newly renovated Bayou Golf Course in Texas City, new 13,000 sq. foot putting green and just recently opened 9-Hole Par 3 Course for walking. Itâ€™s 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 200acre 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 tropical-like climate, Bayou Golf Course offers golfers year round play. Located only 15 miles from Galveston, the location and spacious clubhouse makes Bayou Golf Course an ideal choice to host your next golf tournament.

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Texas Junior Cup The Texas Junior Cup is an annual competitive event with the Northern and Southern Texas PGA Sections. This fiercely contested rivalry between two sister sections is marked by close matches, dramatic shots, uncompromising sportsmanship, and new friendships. Each team consists of 12 junior golfers (six boys and six girls) who are 12 years old and younger. In this Ryder Cup style event, juniors play three 9 hole matches in three different style formats. The 2016 5th Annual Texas Junior Cup Matches will be held November 5 - 6, 2016.The golf course has not yet been selected. Kids Fore Cause The Southern Texas PGA Foundation partnered with Texas Children’s Hospital in 2014 to introduce a fundraising opportunity for junior golfers only.The 2015 program benefited the

STPGA Foundation, with a portion of proceeds supporting Triumph Over Kid Cancer and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, in addition to Texas Children’s Hospital. Each participating junior selected which of these three charities they wanted 30% of their donations to benefit. Last summer, 67 of you participated and raised $42,926! Can we top that this year? One winner will be drawn from all participants to fly to Phoenix, Arizona to the PING Golf factory, receive the VIP Tour Player club fitting experience and a new set of irons and wedges.

TIMBER CREEK GC (281) 993-1140

Golf Academy at Timber Creek Half Hour Jr Golf Lesson $35 | One Hour Jr Golf Lesson $65 timbercreekgolfclub.com/player_development

EAGLE POINTE GOLF COURSE (281) 385-6666 June 9-11, 22-24 July 7-9, 21-23 August 4-6 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Cost: $125.00 / Ages 6-18 www.golfeaglepointe.com/instruction

BAYOU GOLF COURSE (409) 739-9622

For more information on scheduling a golf lesson please call the Pro Shop www.bayougc.com

JERSEY MEADOW GC (713) 896-0900

Ages 6 - 12: 9 am - 11am Cost: $115 June 6-9 June 27-30 July 18-21 August 8-11 Ages 13 - 17: 1 pm - 3 pm Cost: $115 June 27 – 30

QUAIL VALLEY (832) 457-5119 Richard Brown’s School of Golf Ages 7-14: 8am-9am $100 July 26-29 Junior Golf Academy New Enrollment in August and March www.richardbrownschoolofgolf.com

Journeyman Jim Herman completes his journey to first PGA TOUR victory Jim Herman met the challenge.The 54-hole co-leader of the Shell Houston Open didn’t go away on Sunday in pursuit of his first win on the PGA Tour. In a final round in which a number of world-ranked players were packed near the top of the leaderboard, it was Herman who came out on top, shooting a 4-under-par 68 for a long-waited win on tour. Propelled by chipping in for birdie from off the 16th green to take the lead, Herman, at 15-under over four days at the Golf Club of Houston, won by a stroke over No. 7 Henrik Stenson, who just missed a birdie attempt on the 18th hole. Playing in the final group just behind Stenson’s twosome, Herman parred the final hole to secure the win. Herman’s earnings of $1,224,000 on Sunday is more money than he’s earned in any year. “I always knew I had the talent to be here,” said Herman, who has spent five years on the PGATour after four years on theWeb.comTour. “It’s hard to win out here.You never know if you’re going to win.” With the victory, the 38-year-old Herman earned the final spot into the Masters, which starts on Thursday. “This is unreal,” said Herman, who was 9-under for the weekend. “I’m looking forward to Augusta. There’s so many great players out here.You can play well and still lose.” Herman took the lead for good with his chip-in birdie on

the 16th hole. After pulling a 6-iron on the par-3, Herman’s ball found the rough. His second shot popped up on the fringe, then rolled a little right, finding the hole. Hoping for a par, Herman was pleased with the go-ahead birdie. “To go in, I was pretty excited on that one,” Herman said. “It’s great to execute when you need to.” Herman, who went from ranked 191st in the FedExCup rankings to 18th with the win, fended off a number of challengers in addition to Stenson, who hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since 2013, and third-place finisher Dustin Johnson, No. 9 in the world, who finished 2 shots back at 13-under for third place after a final-round 69. Jordan Spieth made an early charge, making five birdies in a six-hole stretch to get within a shot of the lead. But Spieth couldn’t continue the roll, shooting 70, and at 8-under, was in a five-way tie for 13th that included Phil Mickelson, who shot a final-round 69. Stenson, who led the field in birdies with 22, also shot a 68 on Sunday. “I just got beat by someone who played a shot better,” Stenson said. “I put as much pressure as I could on the leader coming in.” With rounds of 69-69-67-68 for a 273, Herman posted four rounds in the 60s for only the fourth time in his career. Herman’s previous-best finish on the PGA Tour was a share of fourth place at the 2015 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. TheTexasGolfInsider.com