The sixth hole at the renovated Tapatio Springs.
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Tapatio BOERNE, Texas -- One of South Texas’ original resort layouts is getting a multi-million dollar makeover from one of Oklahoma’s leading golf architects, as Tapatio Springs in Boerne is getting ready for a new stage in the competitive golf market. First opened in 1983, Tapatio Springs has long been a hidden gem for vacationing golfers, tucked in the scenic San Antonioarea hill country just a couple of miles off Interstate 10. Early San Antonio golf pioneer developers Jack Parker and Clyde Smith brought in Utah golf designer Billy Johnson to build one of two courses he designed in Texas (the other is the nearby Dominion Country Club). The result was a very playable and enjoyable par-72 course located on 150 tree-lined and water-crossed acres. Over the years, the course endured some hard times with water issues and eventually the course was sold to a group which included country singer George Strait. They decided to spend the money to renovate the course and called on Tripp Davis, who has done outstanding work in Texas, Oklahoma and all over North America. “Growing up in the region, I knew a little something about the course, which was one of the original courses which started the golf boom here and knew we had a chance to make it great again,” Davis said. “At one time, this was one of the (top) places to go in Texas, but it hit on hard times and languished for a decade. Now, with the changes we are doing, it’s very well positioned in the market. By the time next summer gets here, it will be in fantastic shape.” Unlike a brand new course as Davis did at Old American in The Colony just north of Dallas or a total restoration as he is doing at Dallas’ Northwood Club, the site of the 1953 U.S. Open, much less invasive work is being done at Tapatio Springs. Davis estimates that 95 percent of the tees have been regrassed and restored and 95 percent of the bunkers will be re-done, but no holes will be rerouted. “We took out 10 bunkers, and added eight bunkers and moved 10 more, but didn’t really change any of the holes,” Davis said. “It still looks really good.” Along with Tif 419 Bermuda on the tee surfaces with Tif Grand Bermuda on the shaded areas, Davis and his team refurbished the waterways, ponds and streams, and added crushed stone cart paths. At the Tapatio golf practice area, which is located next to the parking lot and behind the first tee, all the target greens are being rebuilt and a new short game green is being added. There is an improved