Texas Golf Insider Summer 2013

Golf Insider TEXAS

San Antonio | Hill Country | Austin

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas

Lajitas Golf Resort at Big Bend “Golf in the Wild, Wild West” Plus Texas Summer Resorts

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Summer 2013

Golf Insider TEXAS

Taking a New Look at the Great Game Of Golf.....TEXAS STYLE

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Contents 8

Cover Story

Lajitas - Texas’ most remote golf resort is lauded for its quality Wadkins-designed course .

6 WELCOME How to contact us, plus download the Texas Golf Insider magazine to your iPhone using a special QR code tag FROM THE PUBLISHER Visit TheTexasGolfInsider.com to keep up with local news and events

26 FEATURE STORY

Jersey Meadow - Its become a place of Fun and Good Times

34 SUMMER RESORTS

Cover:

The Lajitas Golf Resort at Big Bend has been ranked No. 4 “Best Place to Play in Texas” by the Dallas Morning News

Follow Us

Texas resorts are offering packages to allow golfers to bring their summer game

39 HILL COUNTRY GOLF

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Golfers traveling the highways via an RV can find dozens of places to hook up

REGIONS

MAP & DIRECTORIES

GREATER HOUSTON & TEXAS COAST

54 GENERAL DIRECTORY 56 MAPS 57 ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

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64 76 78 79 80

SEALY, INCREDIBLE GOLF & MORE STPGA OFFERS TEAM GOLF FOR JUNIORS MAPS COURSE DIRECTORY GENERAL DIRECTORY

Golf Insider TEXAS

The Official Guide to Golf in Texas TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FROMTHE THEEDITOR EDITOR FROM

Welcome to the All New Texas Golf Insider Magazine Texas

GOLF INSIDER P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher Central Texas Area Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com Melanie Grafe Houston Regional Publisher: Office: 979-732-1909 melanie@thetexasgolfinsider.com Contributing Writers: Art Stricklin, Steve Habel, Ava Blair Contributing Photographers: Gary Perkins, Mark Lindsay Web Project Manager: Marcede Pullen CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 750,000 readers.

Issue 2 of 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS DISTRIBUTION Throughout Central Texas, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Greater Houston at Golf Courses, Welcome Centers, Golf Shows, Golf Retail Stores and more.

Copyright ©2013 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information.

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Welcome to the All New Texas Golf Insider Most of you know we have been promoting golf in South Texas for nearly 20 years. Melanie Grafe’s efforts were focused in the Houston market, and Mike Ratchman’s in Central Texas and the Texas Coast. When we decided to redesign the magazine we gave a lot of thought to our readers-local and visiting golfers-and how to give them a road map to the best golf experience in South Texas.

We also wanted to introduce newcomers to the style that embodies the feeling of belonging to a community that defines and unites us across the great state of Texas.

Our unique bit of Golf Paradise. We’ve included some great features and golf tips, redefined the maps and directories and expand our advertiser’s listings to include special amenities. So you as a reader will have as much information in your hands when making your decision where to play or stay.

Our website has a talented group of writers and high energy designers. Blogs are posted daily, and golfers can connect via mobile website to book tee times on-line.

Our Feature Cover Story is the beautiful Lajitas Golf Resort tucked away in the Big Bend region of Texas. Our special features include Jersey Meadow, Texas Summer Resorts to travel to and finding the Spirit in The Texas Hill Country.

Have a Great Summer, Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher

Melanie Grafe Regional Houston Publisher

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Art Stricklin

One of the foremost experts on golf history and travel in Texas, Stricklin has written a total of seven books and has personally played at a majority of the state’s 800 golf courses. Stricklin graduated from Baylor in 1983 and then spent more than a decade working for newspapers throughout Texas, including three years as the golf writer for the San Antonio Express-News.

Steve Habel

Steve Habel is a national correspondent for Cybergolf, managing editor for Texas CEO Magazine and works as a contributing editor for Horns Illustrated magazine, a publication focusing on University of Texas sports.

Habel also writes two golf blogs and works as the media coordinator for Hall of Fame player and golf architect Tom Kite, architect Jeff Brauer and the City of Arlington’s golf division. Habel is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America as well as the Texas Golf Writers Association.

Ava Blair

Ava brings a ladies touch to the Golf Insider and will share her travel and leisure experiences as she travels throughout the state of Texas.

We know you’re going to enjoy reading her adventures as she makes her stops at some of the Best Golf Getaways in the Lone Star State.

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COVER STORY

The more people know the more they like it.

By Steve Habel, Special to the Texas Golf Insider

Texas’ most remote golf resort is lauded for its quality Wadkins-designed course.

The Big Bend Region of Texas, located on the border with Mexico on the southwest corner of the Lone Star State about 250 miles as the crow flies from Midland, is about as remote a place as there is in America.

It is a madly beautiful natural region, with a complex and an enthralling history.

More than one million acres of public land, including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, lie here in the prominent northward bend in the Rio Grande as it passes through the gap between the Chisos Mountains in Texas and the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico.

It’s also the site for one of the most secluded – and, recently, most decorated – golf resorts anywhere in the world: the Lajitas Golf Resort and its awe-inspiring TheTexasGolfInsider.com

course, the Lanny Wadkins-designed Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course.

Golfweek magazine recently declared that Black Jack’s Crossing is the “Best New Course in Texas.” And since opening in 2012, the course also has been lauded as the No. 4 “Best Place to Play in Texas” by the Dallas Morning News and the No. 7 “Best Course to Play in Texas,” also by Golfweek.

There is a reason the sprawling 27,000-acre resort and its course are so isolated. The landscape in the Big Bend is glaring and severe and not for the faint of heart or the thin-skinned. Here in the few places flat enough to pitch a tent, build an adobe house or eventually a grand resort, the land rolls away on both sides of the Rio Grande, and it takes a different attitude to exist, more less thrive.

about Lajitas,

Comanche once meandered through these passes that separate the Chisos and Davis Mountains.

It’s a place where General “Black” Jack Pershing forded the river in search of the infamous Pancho Villa, who led raids across the Rio Grande.The old LajitasTrading Post dating back to the 1800s on the site has been converted to a Longhorn museum and the golf course’s pro shop.

The Lajitas Resort has a storied past, as well, with past lives as a Wild West cowboy styled hotel and an insulated getaway for the uber-rich before the economy clanged to a virtual standstill in 2008.Well-known Texas businessmen Kelcy Warren and John McReynolds now own Lajitas Resort, which is operated by WSB Resorts and Clubs, LLC, and all involved have taken a refreshing new direction, opening the property to visitors from far and wide.

COVER STORY

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Black Jack’s Crossing was designed

by Wadkins, winner of the 1977 PGA Championship, eight-time member of the United States Ryder Cup team (as well as captain of the team in 1995) and inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Wadkins worked with well-respected architect Paul Cowley, who was senior design associate for Love Golf Design and is helping build Tiger Woods’ new course in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Black Jack’s Crossing takes advantage of both the natural beauty and rugged surroundings of the rugged Texas Badlands 400 miles west of San Antonio. Playing through the Rio Grande River plateau and presenting awe-inspiring views of the Big Bend Mountains, the course winds through hills and canyons, over cliffs and high-plains TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COVER STORY

desert, and challenges golfers with elevated tees, steeply sloping lies, and strategically located bunkers.

A choice of four tees allows the course to stretch as long as 7,413 yards (at sea level!) and down to 5,442. Par is 72. There’s also a complete practice facility with putting green and chipping area. A nine-hole executive course will open soon.

Expertly maintained, the Platinum Paspalum grass is always lush, so the vibrant green hues of the fairways and putting surfaces glisten in stark contrast to the black buttes and mesas in the distance. The course is nothing less than an oasis in the Texas Desert.

A rocky good time

Wadkins’ golf course calls out to anyone with enough nerve to tackle its rocky elevation changes, its numerous carries over desert washes and a set of holes that require the best golf game a player can muster.

The track combines the historical features of the region, its demanding TheTexasGolfInsider.com

terrain and the exquisite setting among the Big Bend National and State Parks.

After a devastating flood wiped out a previous Lajitas design that was set on the river’s bank in 2008, Wadkins was chosen from an “A” list of architects to fashion the new course on land in the mountain valleys and foothills, away from the chance of repeat disaster.

This is a place where mountains, buttes, mesas and other rock formations (lajitas means flat stones) will wow players of all abilities. The routing takes advantage of the

COVER STORY

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dramatic drops from tee to fairways and and foothills. Five holes bring the river back vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. into view, and each seems to offer another There are no less than seven elevated tee interesting and unique geological formation boxes and on a clear day you feel as if you or a different color into the spectrum. can see the edge of the world in almost every The 466-yard par-4 opening hole, direction. The tee shots are exhilarating – which may be the flattest hole on the several drop as much as 180 feet from tee to course, is nonetheless one of the track’s green. most difficult, moving past a set of “Kelcy (Warren) and I went hiking in the area around Lajitas, and we were knocked out by some of the views we saw from the mountains,” Wadkins said. “We had enough land to do two courses because there was so much to work with, but it was just a matter of getting all the holes to fit together for a spectacular sight that gets better as you go from hole to hole.”

Wadkins was given plenty leeway to fashion the land as he felt best to get the look and feel he wanted. “I like to see what’s in front of me off the tee and not have to guess where I am,” he said. “With the great view corridors at Lajitas, that wasn’t a problem.

Wadkins was here, in early 2009, standing on the steps of the resort’s Thirsty Goat saloon, when he got the word of his election into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The fairways at Black Jack’s Crossing are generous but sometimes seem small Lajita’s Historical Lobby was the sight where the infamous due to the elevation changes Poncho Villa was captured and killed and the multiple forced carries. The greens are medium in size but challenging and fast with great bunkers to a well-protected putting undulation. surface. And the 212-yard par-3 second The first three holes of Black Jack’s is no pushover, with a tee shot over the Crossing play in the Rio Grande valley and desert and between bunkers and the back then the routing climbs into the mountains to front-sloping green.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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COVER STORY

The meat of Black Jack’s Crossing begins on the fourth tee box, as the golfer encounters the first of the track’s series of mountain holes. No. 4 is a booming 613-yard par-5 with a forced carry off the tee to a dogleg right across an arroyo to an oblong green fronted by a dry creek.

The 166-yard par-3 fifth requires a precise shot across a deep ravine to a putting surface guarded by two steep and deep bunkers in front, a rocky ledge in back and a deep arroyo around the front and right side – its desert target golf at its best.

The tee shot on the 444-yard par-4 seventh is elevated to a narrow landing area over a deep arroyo. The green and its surrounds are at an angle left of the fairway, and must again be played over the arroyo. Not only is the green downhill and guarded by TheTexasGolfInsider.com

two steep and deep bunkers, but it’s heavily contoured, making putting a challenge.

The 649-yard par-5 eighth is played from another elevated tee (is that California in the distance?) past a huge rocky hill on the port side. The hill also comes into play on the approach, which must be played left to right, and a rock-filled bunker 70 yards short of the green provides another hazard to be avoided.

No. 12 – at just 357 yards – is the shortest two-shotter at Black Jack’s Crossing but is one of its toughest because of the need for precision to avoid its bunkers and because the putting surface slants dramatically from back to front. The 13th is another dramatic par-3 (167 yards) with a two-club drop to a small green with huge bunkers fore and aft.

COVER STORY

Black Jack’s Crossing finishes with a bang, sporting the 577-yard par-5 16th (a right-to-left challenge to an uphill green), the 188-yard 17th (whose putting surface seems to float atop the desert landscape) and the reachable-intwo par-5 closer.

No two holes are same at Black Jack’s Crossing. Players need to manage huge elevation changes, forced carries, strategically placed bunkers, narrow fairways, water, deep arroyos, rolling fairways and uneven lies, tough approach shots, doglegs and blind shots.

The Destination isWorthThe Journey

Lajitas is not exactly around the corner from anywhere but getting there is half the fun. To make a trip like this worthwhile, the golf course and other amenities have to be special – and they are.

Lajitas is a revived ghost town converted into a resort community alongside the Rio Grande which drips with Old West charm blended with modern-day amenities.

Most of the resort is centered around or adjoining the resort square which includes the Badlands Hotel, Boardwalk Suites, Candellilla Cafe, shops, the bakery, meeting rooms, the Agave Spa, Thirsty Goat Saloon, Flat Rock Theater Company, an open air amphitheater for movies and live concerts.

Four unique buildings offer several lodging choices and a range of prices.

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The resort offers 103 distinct and unique rooms featuring the cowboy chic of the Cavalry Post or Officers Quarters to the modern new Boardwalk Suites or to the Cowboy bordello interiors of the Badlands Hotel.

“Lajitas and the golf course are memorable because I don’t think there’s another site like this anywhere in the state,” Wadkins said.

Plan on spending a few days because you will want to play this course twice and there are lots of other fun things to do like: hiking in Big Bend National park, mountain biking, rafting and canoeing the Rio Grande, ATV and Jeep tours, horseback riding, hunting and shooting and more.

More information can be attained at www.LajitasGolfResort.com. Rates for guests of the Lajitas Resort include a golf cart with GPS, use of the practice range and bottled water.

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It was a week to remember for the players, corporate sponsors, volunteers, patrons and certainly for our newest champion, Martin Laird.

With a high-caliber player field marching into Sunday, the gallery was excited to see PGA TOUR stars battle it out for one of the heaviest trophies on the PGA TOUR. Rory McIlroy fought on the heels of Martin Laird until the last putt dropped. But it was Laird that won and earned his third career PGA TOUR victory at the age of 30 years, 3 months and nine days in his 134th career start on TOUR. He previously won the 2009 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and

2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

With his win, Laird moved inside the top-20 in the FedExCup standings to No. 18.

“I know how good Rory is, but it doesn’t matter if it’s Rory or Jim (Furyk) or Billy (Horschel), if someone’s behind me making birdies like they were, I know I’ve got to keep making birdies” Laird said. “ That was a pretty strong leaderboard at the top there. I tried to stay aggressive all day. I played my best golf when I play aggressive, and I just tried to play that way all the way through the 18th hole today and not change my game plan and it paid off.”

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ARKANSAS

Being active in the Village is easy with over 200 different clubs, like the Boomers Rock Club, Kayaking Club, Yacht Club, Trails Running Club and Cycling Club. Affordable and fun, Hot Springs Village offers a full range of lifestyle amenities that includes: a farmers market, veteran’s memorial, medical services, low taxes, numerous churches and diverse dining options.

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FEATURE STORY

Jersey Meadow City Close, Country Quiet & Links Value Anywhere!

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FEATURE STORY

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Golf Club

To the ever-expanding buffet of Southeast Texas golf, seemingly growing every month by size, quality, quantity and location, there remains a dependable, popular, familiar, yet innovative golf option.

One that has lived by the reliable and accurate motto, “City Close, Country Quiet” for years, Jersey Meadow Golf Club is a fine par 71 tract operated by the City of Jersey Village. It has been a popular green grass attraction since opening for business in 1956 and charming thousands of local residents, Houston visitors and out-of-town guests. It

offers a superb collection of good food at the in-house Back Yard Grill, good golf and great nearby attractions when your day’s golfing battle is done.

It’s become the perfect collection of fun, good times, solid golf, and nearby attractions making it an excellent value for the money.

With all of that involved, what’s not to like?

In short, nothing.

Laidback charm What has made Jersey Meadow so popular, the leading pick of the local golfing buffet if TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

you will, is the easy going charm of the course and the surroundings.

The value per golfing dollar is easily seen by anyone playing the course for the first time, but the more time you spend at Jersey Meadow the more you’ll see the laidback nature of the course and the people working there.

But don’t think for a moment that laid back means easy or easily conquered. Part of the true genius of Jersey Meadow, completely redesigned by Texas architect Carlton Gipson in 1991, is that the course can be played in an exciting variety of ways.

It can be a fun, casual outing with friends or family for a first time golfer or someone just returning to the game. It can also set up as a tough, exacting test, punishing any mistakes while rewarding good shots. The course can test every club and every shot making skill in your bag.

“It’s tough enough, but not impossibly tough,” said golf professional Lynn Parker.

With the reward being that you’ve enjoyed the day with close friends or family or that you TheTexasGolfInsider.com

have survived Jersey Meadow at its finest and fullest challenge.

Post-round adventures Of course, when the round is done and you’re finished celebrating or commiserating at the Back Yard Grill, your Jersey Meadow and Jersey Village adventure is far from finished. As the course motto would suggest, once you leave the country quiet of the golf course and its pastoral surroundings, the city close is there with all of its enticing options.

FEATURE STORY

There are loads of great shopping nearby, including the massive Houston Premier Outlets and The Galleria, perfect for replenishing your golf supplies or purchasing gifts for those who didn’t get to make the trip along with loads of great restaurants and an outstanding assortment of hotels for those who want to make it an overnight or weekend visit.

There is even the nearby Sam Houston Race Park where the sport of kings offers competition of a different, four-legged variety, and golfers have another chance to win, lose or draw like they did earlier in the day at Jersey Meadow.

Of course, no fall Friday round would be complete without seeking out the high school Friday Night Lights at several local Jersey Village high schools in the heart of Texas High School football country.

Easy to find & play Jersey Village is located just outside of the City of Houston city limits and while it enjoys all the benefits of being close to the country’s fourth largest city, it has its own charm and less frenzied atmosphere that makes golfers and visitors want to stop, linger, explore, play and repeat.

Of course, all the fun and challenge has to be easy to get to and once again the city owned and operated course has that covered as well. Jersey Meadow is conveniently located near the intersection of Sam Houston Beltway 8, going either north or southbound or Highway 290 going either east or west.

The course itself is located just off highway 290 on a beautiful tree-lined piece of West Houston property with dozens of mature oak trees which lining the entire facility.

Mission Statement Accomplished The mission statement for the complex is it provides a fiscally responsible resource

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that maximizes recreational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for all Jersey Village residents and the golfing public.

“Our aim is to provide a great golf value & an enjoyable experience for all who visit our course,” Parker said.

That’s quickly apparent as soon as you leave the spacious clubhouse and head out to the first tee.

Wooded, Watery Challenge Right off the bat, you can tell getting off the tee is a key part of solving the Jersey Meadow puzzle. The first two holes, the par 5 first and par 4 second, are missing water, but are lined tee to green

with trees and require accuracy off the tee if you are going to have any success for the approach shot.

“It’s a tough driving hole,” Parker said.

“If you’re not driving it well, it will be a challenge.”

The par 4 third has a pond which comes into play on the right side with plenty of water available all over Jersey Meadow. In fact, water comes into play on all but three of the remaining holes which reminds you to play carefully especially off the tee and around the green if you TheTexasGolfInsider.com

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FEATURE STORY

want to start the next hole with the same ball you used in the past.

Among the biggest watery trouble spots are the par 5 13th hole and par 4 14th with water all along the left side, the par 3 17th with water forming a semicircle behind the green and the par 4 18th with a large pond in the landing area and more water in front of the green.

It’s a worthy finish to a worthy challenge at more than worthy value prices.

If all the water and tree trouble makes you want to practice or just polish your game, Jersey Meadow has you covered there as well.

There is a large driving range just left of the first tee with plenty of places to practice including practice bunkers for long or short shots. There is also a practice green between the first and 10th green with ample opportunity to practice on the Champion Bermuda greens which were installed here in 2004.

Value for play & memberships True to its value added nature, the course offers the premier Star Membership program.

It allows you a variety of benefits for an $80 annual fee including a free round of golf and a variety of other discounts for green fees and clubhouse merchandise.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

There is also a very active men’s golf association, women’s golf association and senior’s golf association for plenty of tournament competition and chances to build lasting friendships and partnerships.

To keep up with the changing times, a recurring Jersey Meadow theme you can make on line tee times at www.jerseymeadow. com or even download a new mobile course application for you smart phone.

Add outstanding value, convenience, plenty of pre- and post-round non-golf options, service, practice facilities and a true city service you can actually enjoy rather than just endure and you have the complete package of Jersey Village’s Jersey Meadow golf course.

The golfing buffet may continue to expand in Houston and Southeast Texas, but this is one ole time favorite which never disappoints.

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COURSES Public Golf Club

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN San Antonio MAP #85

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6857 / 72.6 / 126 White: 6527 / 71.2 / 123 Gold: 5620 / 66.9 / 109 Red: 4989 / 68.6 / 113

Fort Sam Houston Golf Club Salado Del Rio

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Kevin Tucker Director of Golf: Joseph Mendez Superintendent: Tim Blanchard

COURSE AMENITIES

• Banquet Room seats 300 • Practice Area • Full Service Pro Shop • Grill • League Play Available • Tournaments Welcomed

Public Golf Club

Salado Del Rio was lengthened to more than 6,500 yards, and thanks to additional mounding, renovated bunkering and an improved drainage system, it will be far more enjoyable to play more days of the year.

Salado Del Rio is a scenic course with its tree-lined fairways, additional mounding around the greens and forced carries over hazards. Some you can play out of, some you can’t. The stretch of holes from the fourth through the eighth is particularly breathtaking as they play along and across Salado Creek, offering more pronounced doglegs and dramatic elevation changes.

1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd San Antonio, TX 78209-6443 210-222-9386 www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

San Antonio MAP #85

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6819 / 73.0 / 126 White: 6412 / 70.2 / 119 Gold: 5552 / 67.0 / 112 Red: 5235 / 70.4 / 117

Fort Sam Houston Golf Club La Loma Grande

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architect: Kevin Tucker Director of Golf: Joseph Mendez Superintendent: Tim Blanchard

COURSE AMENITIES

• Banquet Room seats 300 • Practice Area • Full Service Pro Shop • Grill • League Play Available • Tournaments Welcomed

The La Loma Grande Course, originally developed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast, was built by the soldiers themselves in the early 1930s. It is the only military golf course to host a PGA Tour event — two Texas Opens that were won by hall of famers Arnold Palmer and Gene Littler. Now it has been returned to the dream of Tillinghast’s original design. La Loma Grande has always been the flatter of the two layouts, but most regular players also consider it the more difficult course with its pushed-up greens, particularly on the back nine, and its diabolical bunkering and mounding around the greens.

1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd | San Antonio, TX 78209-6443 210-222-9386 | www.ftsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Advertisements do not express or imply endorsement by any part of the Federal Government, and media involved are neither paid for nor sponsored by any part of the Federal Government

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SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

Public Course

MAP #29

RATES

Monday-Friday $ 30 Seniors and Military $24.50 Saturday and Sunday $ 39.50 (Tax Included)

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Director of Golf: Dave Roberts Superindendent: 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.

COURSES

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Cibolo

Northcliffe Golf Club Home of the Noon Twilight Rate - Mon-Fri Just $22 Northcliffe’s beleaguered existence has set the stage for one of the best golf values in the San Antonio area. Originally designed in 1979 by Joe .Finger to be the centerpiece of a housing community, the houses didn’t sell and the course fell on hard financial times. In 1992 a group bought the facility and began the long process of improvement.

Those improvements have continued in recent years and the course now has an improved reputation among the golfing public. The new irrigation system, in particular, keeps the course in excellent condition.

Now the fairways are plush and putts roll true.

Finger’s links-style design features generous fairways and the prominent use of water, along with dry creek beds that snake through the course. The front nine is basically wide open and straight, with the exception of the bending par 5s. The back is more enjoyable with long par 3s, one of which requires a carry over water, and short par 5s that make for solid birdie opportunities. If you’re spraying it, the dry creek beds will cause problems. Another notable hole on the back is No. 15, which rides downhill along I-35.

Other notes: Finger built an extra hole as a good-faith effort to build an additional nine holes once home sales improved. The homes never sold, however, and this 19th hole remains today. For food and drink, only the basics are offered.

5301 Country Club Blvd.

Cibolo, TX 77546

830-606-7351

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

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REVIEW

Texas-sized Summer

By Art Stricklin

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort

With the Texas PGA Tour having come to an exciting end for another year and the summer travel season in full swing, Lone Star travelers and guests have a unique opportunity to play and stay where the world’s great golfers played and stayed this spring.

Three of the four Texas PGA Tour event are played on public courses, Redstone Golf Club in Houston, site of the Shell Houston Open,TPC-San Antonio host of the Valero Texas Open along with the TPC-Las Colinas layout at the fabulous Four Seasons Resort, home of the HP Byron Nelson Championship outside of Dallas.

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You can make it four if you include The Woodlands Resort, which hosted the Inspirity Championship Champions Tour event. Only at Colonial Country Club will you need a friend or contract to draw a tee time at the coveted layout.

For Texas travelers it’s getting to play the very same courses that Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlory and Hunter Mahan teed it up at this spring in their quest for professional golf glory is a very unique experience.

“It’s like playing catch at Yankee Stadium or touch football at the Rose Bowl, you just don’t get that very often,” said Paul Earnest, Director of Golf at the Four Seasons Resort.

REVIEW

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Resort Fun

Most of Texas PGA Tour resorts are offering packages to allow golfers to bring their amateur summer to where the professionals patrolled in the spring.

Starting May 31, 2013, travelers who book the Big Chill package at Four Seasons Las Colinas will receive a special “mercury rate” – the days recorded Fahrenheit high temperature – the second night of their stay.

Available for weekend arrivals through August 25, 2013, the package is offered on two-night minimum stays with the first night priced at the best available rate.

Last year’s promotion yielded mercury rates as low as USD 76.00 for a few lucky travelers.

The highest mercury rate among all three properties was USD 106.00.

“There are many ways to stay cool in Texas this summer, and I’m happy that we can share ‘cooler’ room rates with our guests throughout those hot months,” says Luis Argote ,general manager at Four Seasons Resort Dallas.

“Summer is exciting here in Dallas, with a calendar packed full of fun family activities and events on property.You can take a dip in our air-conditioned family resort pool, the coolest pool in Texas.”

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36

REVIEW

Four Seasons Las Colinas Golf at available at the TPC-Las Colinas layout with 18 newly renovated holes which has been conquered by former tournament winners Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Phile Mickelson San Antonio has long led the state in tourism draw with the scenic river walk, Sea World and Fiesta Texas drawing visitors south, but the Westin LaCantera Resort gives golfers a green grass highlight as well.

The resort offers 36 holes of golf for those lucky enough to sneak away from the water park and roller coaster for a few hours. The original LaCantera course, one of the last designed by the duo of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, served as host course for the PGA Tour’s Texas Open from 1995 until its recent move to TPC-SA. The par 72 course offers plenty of dramatic holes as it drops more than 100 feet in the rolling South Texas landscape.

The Palmer course, which opened in early 2001, is the first Arnold Palmer design in San Antonio and may be one of his most dramatic anywhere. At least seven holes on the course show off a great view of the San Antonio skyline, 15 miles away.

Assuming players can keep their eyes off the dramatic background and on the narrow fairways, there will find plenty of challenging driving hole with steep drop-offs catching shots wayward shots on many holes.

The rooms at the huge resort are very nice with some offering divided sections allowing kids to sleep and watch TV in one part of the room which parents have their own bed and TV in another portion.There is also a separate Casita Village perfect for business meetings or more secluded accommodations and personalized service.

There are plenty of pools from adult only to kid friendly with a small water slide into a deep wading Westin LaCantera Resort area.

Golfers can get their game back with a Westin golf package.You can challenge yourself on our championship course, then restore yourself in our Heavenly® Bed. Whether you choose to golf the day away, enjoy a massage or explore our finer dining options, you can relax and stay on course for less.

‘Legendary Summer of Golf’ special which is $69 Mon.-Thurs. and $79 Fri.-Sun. Twilight is $59 everyday beginning at 2 pm.

This goes into effect June 3rd thru August 25th.

Nearby is the upscale Hyatt Hill Country Resort featuring its lavish rooms and

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country TheTexasGolfInsider.com

ort

REVIEW

Tapatio Springs Resort

golfer-friendly Arthur Hills layout. The Hyatt opened in the early 1990s in the initial stages of the Hill Country golf boom and judging by its high occupancy rate many still think it’s the best.

The 27-hole Arthur Hills course will not beat you over the head with toughness, but instead gently guide you through natural creeks, native wildflowers and rock-strewn riverbeds. The service is outstanding overall with a 1,000 foot long lazy river guest can endlessly float on along with separate Sunday House, a private two-story guest cottage on the resort grounds.

Another very welcome addition San Antonio’s first full-service resort Spa, Wildflower, a 14,000 square foot addition that will feature native Texas spa treatments in 21 private rooms and include a meditation garden and secluded pool.

Recently, Woodbine Development Corporation announced details of a $35-million expansion and renovation of its Hyatt Regency Hill Country. The project will essentially double the resort’s indoor function space, triple its pre-function space, add new outdoor function space, enhance and freshen guestrooms and landscaping, as well as expand the ever-popular water park to include a FlowRider® wave machine and a tower slide.

TPC San Antonio at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country is where the PGA Tour chooses to stop here twice a year for the PGA TOUR Valero Texas Open and the AT&T Championship.

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Recently the resort announced a new package which includes golf, lodging, food along with club storage and off-golf time at the massive water park and lazy river.

The Pete Dyedesigned Canyons course is perfect for the casual player, while the Greg Normandesigned Oaks course is as challenging as it is scenic. The club is private and only accessible to members and resort guests.

The Woodlands also has a giant water complex next to its Pines lodging plus 36 of great public access golf.

Of course, there is Barton Creek in Austin with 54 holes of golf, scenic Horseshoe Bay less than an hour West with three Robert Trent Jones, Senior, courses on the shores of Lake LBJ and 27 holes at Tapatio Springs In Borne.

Even Lajitas Resort in far West Texas has a new 18-hole Black Jack Crossing course.

It’s more summer resort fun playing where the greats have played and where you can to.

The Spa at Lajitas Resort TheTexasGolfInsider.com

FEATURE STORY

Follow the Spirit of The Hill Country

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By Steve Habel Special to the Texas Golf Insider

Golfers traveling the highways of the Texas Hill Country via an RV can find dozens of places to hook up for the night, a week or even longer within a short distance (and sometimes just across the street) from courses that are challenging, fun and economical.

It helps, too, that many of the facilities in the area sport other top-notch attractions for those times off the course, including wineries, breweries, quaint shopping in charming and Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco

historical downtown sectors and museums with links to Lone Star State history.

It’s easy to put together a nice four-day itinerary for an RV trip across the Hill Country, beginning and ending in Austin, while making sure that there’s a place to tee it up at every one of the stops and plenty of things to do in the afternoons after the golfing is done.

So let’s load it up and hit the road…and the links GO TO PAGE 42

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COURSES

Vaaler Creek the little course that can,

Vaaler Creek GC, a fixture for great golf and a comfortable lifestyle

Golfers can book online at www.VaalerCreekGolfClub.com

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COURSES

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Golf Club is all grown up

228 Jeff Vaughn Blanco, TX 78606

830-833-0706

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com RATES

18

TWILIGHT

Mon-Thur $55 $45 Fri-Sun $65 $55 *Twilight begins at 3:00 pm

STATISTICS Par: 72 Gold Blue White Red

Yards 6864 6299 5692 4577

PERSONNEL

Architect: Director of Golf: Superintendent:

Rating 73.0 70.6 68.6 64.1

Slope 140 129 121 111

Michael Lowry Adam Grosh, PGA Travis Vordick, GCSAA

AMENITIES

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

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FEATURE STORY

Highland Lakes Golf Course Day 1: Lago Vista Getting there: From downtown Austin, head north on Loop 1 until it meets US-183 North. Take US-183 N until you reach RR 1431 and turn left. Drive about 10 miles until you hit Lohman Ford Road. This city of about 6,300 residents bills itself as the “Best Kept Secret in the Texas Hill Country” and encompasses nearly 15 miles of gorgeous Lake Travis shoreline.

Setting up: Located between Jonestown and Lago Vista on RR 1431, the Idyll Glen RV Park (idyllglenrvpark.com) backs up to High Hat Mountain. All the sites have individual paved patios and the random layout keeps the next RV out of line of vision. The views from the clubhouse and upper park sites are inspiring while the shady area of the lower park sites make patio sitting a full-time sport.

Teeing off: Lago Vista has two championship golf courses, the 6,579-yard Lago Vista GC and the 6,529-yard Highland Lakes GC, both designed by Leon Howard.

Both courses are fun and have their share of challenges but Highland Lakes, thanks to its multi-level, sloping putting surfaces, its meandering fairways and constant elevation changes, is generally considered the more testing of the two tracks.

Off the course: Lago Vista is the gateway to the renowned Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, which is dedicated to the protection of the golden cheek warbler and other wildlife. Annual area events include the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament, La Primavera Bicycle Race, Balcones Canyonlands Songbird Festival, North Shore Musicfest and the Lago Vista 4th of July Celebration with grand fireworks over the lake.

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Day 2: Burnet Getting there: From Lago Vista, continue west on RR 1431until you reach the town on Marble Falls. Turn right on US-281 North and head north about 12 miles. Established first as a fort on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s, Burnet has maintained its pioneer roots and rural charm while adapting to the modern age.

Setting up: About 10 miles west of Burnet’s town square on the shores of Lake Buchanan is the Big Chief RV Resort (bigchiefrvresort.com) where guests can enjoy a wide variety of water activities, including boating, skiing and excellent fishing.The resort offers a boat launch ramp and courtesy docks where guests can arrange for local outfitter guides to pick them up.

Teeing off: Burnet is the home for one of Texas’s best municipal golf courses, Delaware Springs GC, which was designed by architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor, protégés of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. It plays at 6,829 yards from the back set of four tees, nestled into the rolling hills and oak trees. During a round players will encounter lush fairways, strategically placed with bunkers, large greens that slope severely and numerous chances to bump and run shots to the putting surfaces.

The greens, now as smooth-rolling as velvet carpets, are quite thoughtful and refreshing.

Off the course: Burnet’s historic town square offers visitors a unique shopping and dining experience with gift, antique and collectible shops surrounding the square.There are several cafes and full-service restaurants on or within easy walking distance of the square.

Motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, lakeshore cabins and Burnet’s proximity to so many sights make it the ideal hub for travels into the region.

Delaware Springs Golf Course

FEATURE STORY

Day 3: Kingsland Getting there: From Burnet, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to Kingsland, another of the handful of great Highland Lakes-area destinations. Head west on TX-29 for two miles before turning left on FM 3509 (Hoovers Valley Rd). After eight miles, turn left on State Park Road 4, which will dead end at RR 1431. Turn right into the Kingsland downtown sector.

Setting up: Near the center of town is the Granite Rock RV Park, which is brand new and sports a newly remodeled clubhouse. Each site here also has a concrete patio and all spots are nicely defined by ribbon curbs. The park is just a short distance from the confluence of the Llano and Colorado rivers which forms Lake LBJ, which is one of the constant-level lakes in the Highland Lakes chain.

Lighthouse Country Club

Teeing off: Everything old is new again at the Lighthouse Country Club, which used to be called Packsaddle Country Club but changed its name, its logo and its outlook when new owners Rick and Mercy Howe took over in September 2011. The 6,855-yard layout is in the shadow of the Packsaddle Mountains and features several holes with granite outcroppings and narrow landing areas. First opened in 1968, the golf course was completely renovated and rerouted in 2006 by Jerry Slack and Leon Howard (who also designed Lago Vista’s two courses, see above).

Off the course: With two rivers and a lake at Kingsland, there is a lot of water activity.

From Kingsland you can boat up the Llano River, up the Colorado River several miles, and

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down Lake LBJ all the way to Horseshoe Bay, more than 20 miles. The Nightengale Archaeological Center at Kingsland is a prehistoric site with more than 171,000 recovered flint tools, spear points, arrowheads and other artifacts as evidence that the location has been continuously inhabited for 6,500 years and possibly as far back as 10,000 years.

Day Four: Blanco Getting there: From Kingsland, head east on RR 1431 and turn right on US-281 South. Drive about 40 miles through the towns of Marble Falls, Round Mountain and Johnson City before winding up in Blanco. Known as the “lavender capital of Texas,” Blanco was settled in 1853 by pioneer stockmen, former Texas Rangers, immigrants and their families.

Setting up: One of the finest RV parks anywhere is just a mile east of downtown at the Blanco Settlement. The park has nine fully furnished, vintage-style cabins and 20 pull-thru RV spots, all with riverfront views.

Teeing it up: Voted the nation’s No. 19 best new course in America for 2010-11 by Golf Digest, Blanco’s Vaaler Creek Golf Club is a much-tougher-than-it’s-carded 6,874-yard par-72 track among the live oak and cactus just south of town. The course has all kinds of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of all sizes, elevated tee shots and undulating, tree-lined fairways. It’s true last-line of defense is its lightning-quick, mounded and segmented putting surfaces, which can turn even the most aggressive player timid and to second-guessing.

Off the course: On the historic Blanco Town Square you will enjoy shopping the antique and gift stores and touring the 1885 Historic County Courthouse, loving restored by the Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society. The building now operates a visitor center, gift shop and community center. The Blanco State Park, built in 1934-36 by the Civilian Conservation Corp., is the smallest state park in Texas as well as the only one situated within a city limit and is just a stroll away from downtown Blanco.

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H I L L C O U N T R Y

Beachcomber Park 800-379-3083 lakebuchananrv.com

Galloway-Hammond Parks and Recreation Center 512-756-6180

Big Chief RV Resort 866-922-4433 bigchiefrvresort.com

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

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

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

Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park 800-977-0081 canyonoftheeagles.com Cedar Lodge Waterfront Resort 512-793-2820 cedarlodge.info Dos Rios RV Park 325-347-1713 dosriosrvpark.com Edgewate Resort 512-793-2818 the-edgewater.com Fort Mason City Park 325-347-2064

R V P A R K S

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Hidden Falls Adventure Park 830-798-9820 hiddenfallsadventurepark.com Hi-Line Lake Resort 325-379-1065 hilinelakesresort.com Hofbrau RV Park 830-596-2073 hofbrau-rvpark.com Inks Lake State Park 512-389-8900 tpwd.state.tx.us Krause Springs 830-693-4181 krausesprings.net Llanorado Lodge 325-388-4823 tpwd.state.tx.us Llano River RV Park 325-247-5100 llanoriverrvpark.com Miller Creek RV Park 877-868-2622 millercreekrvresort.com Poppy’s Pointe Resort 512-793-3922 poppyspointe.net Rio Vista Resort 325-388-6331 rio-vista-resort.com Riverview RV Park 830-693-3910 Roadrunner RV Park 830-868-7449 roadrunnerrvparktexas.com Shady Oaks RV Park 512-793-2718 campingfriend.com/shadyoaksrv Sunset Point on Lake LBJ 830-798-8199 sunsetpointlbj.com

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Savor The Hill Country Taste

Alamosa Wine Cellars 325-628-3313 alamosawinecellars.com Becker Vineyards 830-644-2681 beckervineyard.com Bell Mountain Vineyards 830-685-3297 bellmountainwine.com Chisholm Trail Winery 830-990-CORK chisholmtrailwinery.com Duchman Family Winery 512-858-1470 duchmanwines.com Driftwood Estate Winery 512-858-9667 driftwoodwinery.com Dry Comal Creek Vineyards 830-885-4121 drycomalcreek.com Fall Creek Vineyards 325-379-5361 fcv.com Flat Creek Estate Winery 512-267-6310 flatcreekstate.com Fredericksburg Winery 830-990-8747 fbgwinery.com Grape Creek Vineyards 830-990-2710 grapecreek.com McReynolds Winery 830-825-3544 mcreynoldswines.com Pedernales Cellars 830-644-2037 pedernalescellars.com Perissos Vineyards 512-656-8419 perissosvineyards.com Pillar bluff Vineyard 512-556-4078 pillarbluff.com Rancho Ponte Vineyard 830-324-6704 ranchoponte.com

Sister Creek Vineyards 830-990-8555 sistercreekvineyards.com Spicewood Vineyards 830-693-5328 spicewoodvineyards.com Stone House Vineryard 512-264-3630 stonehousevineyard.com Texas Hill Vineyard 830-868-2321 texashillsvineyards.com Texas Legato Winery 512-556-9600 texasslegato.com Torre Di Pietra Vineyards 830-644-2829 texashillcountrywine.com Woodrose Winery 830-644-2539 woodrosewinery.com

H I L L C O U N T R Y

W I N E R I E S

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COURSES

cashforecancer.org 2-PERSON SCRAMBLES HELD MONTHLY WITH A CA$H PAYOUT!!

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE THRIVEWELL CANCER FOUNDATION COST: $50 per player (includes: golf, cart, range balls, food, drink ticket, and Cash prizes) June 30th—9:00 shotgun August 25th—9:00 shotgun

2013 SCHEDULE July 28th—9:00 shotgun September 22nd—9:00 shotgun

October 19th—Season Headliner—10:30 shotgun ($125 per player--$6,000 cash purse with a full field) All players must have a verifiable handicap as all tournaments will be a net competition.

PLEASE CONTACT VAALER CREEK GOLF CLUB TO SIGN UP AT 830.833-0706 TheTexasGolfInsider.com

SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

COURSES

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Lago Vista G o l f

C o u r s e s

Lago Vista • 512.267.1170

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 1990s. Today, all golfers are welcome to enjoy the undulating fairways, epic lake views, and abundant wildlife at Lago Vista Golf Course.

Highland Lakes • 512.382.6529 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 multi-level, sloping tifdwarf greens provide a demanding, yet uniquely challenging golf experience. Originally known in the 1970s and 1980s as World of Resorts Country Club, Highland Lakes Golf Course is generally considered the more challenging of the two courses.

Same Day Special!

36 Holes – $52 • $2 Beers

For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call

512.267.1170 or go to

www.lagovistagc.com TheTexasGolfInsider.com

COURSES

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Delaware Springs

Public Course

MAP #41

600 Delaware Springs Blvd.

Burnet, TX 78611

512-756-8471

www.delawaresprings.com RATES

18 9 Twilight

Weekday $ 35 $19 $ 25 Weekend $ 45 $ 23 $ 33

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Architect: Bunker Hill Director of Golf: 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

• • • • •

Practice Facilities Golf Academy Bar & Grill Fully Stocked Pro Shop Online Specials

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G

COURSES

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Golf Course

One of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” Rated 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 it’s sharp dogleg right. Few homes line the holes.

Scan for Special Offers

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COURSES

Lighthouse Golf is a Journey.....

Lighthouse Country Club offers 18 holes of fun filled golf that serves up twists and turns to make for one heck of an enjoyable round. In 2006, the golf course was completely renovated and re-routed by Jerry Slack and Leon Howard. Featuring smooth rolling Tifeagle greens and serpentine fairways, and broad vistas of “Packsaddle Mountain plays to 6,855 yards from the tournament tees�.

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COURSES

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Country Club

.. The Course is Yours!

118 Club Circle Kingsland, TX

325-388-6660 lighthousecountryclub.com RATES

With Cart 18 holes Seniors (65+) Juniors 9 holes Walking 18 holes 9 holes Twilight after 4 pm

Mon-Fri Sat-Sun/Holiday $32 $42 $25 $32 $10 $20 $25.50 $30 $19.72 $12.75 after 4pm $25

MEMBERSHIPS

Single: Family: Private Cart Trail Fee: Unlimited Cart Family: Unlimited Cart Single:

PERSONNEL

Director of Golf: Superintendent: Asst. Golf Pro: Marketing:

$30.73 $18 after 6pm $15

Monthly

$140 + tax $207.35 + tax $75 + tax $120 + tax $100 + tax

Chase Watson Jarrett Eledge Rich Wallace J. Travis Adams

AMENITIES

• Wedding & Special Events of all sizes • Catering & Event Specialists • Bar & Grill • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop

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52

REVIEW

Amelia Island Plantation

by Art Stricklin

Longtime Amelia Island Plantation owner Richard Cooper would surely be smiling if he saw the current state of AIP, as the locals at his small Florida beach town, 30 minutes outside of Jacksonville, like to call it.

While Cooper passed away in 2008, his vision of a massive resort and planned community interspersed with the thick beach surroundings and pounding Atlanta Ocean surf is still alive and well thanks to a recent $85 million infusion of capital by new resort owner Dallas-based Omni Resort.

The recently renovated reopened Omni Amelia Island Resort is testimony to the combination of a stunning location, full amities and now a stunning seaside resort to go along with it.

The 1,350 acres includes a 249-room hotel, nine restaurants, four golf courses and nearly two dozen Har-tru tennis courts. The development has a total value of $1.95 billion when the 1,150 condominiums, 800 homes and unbuilt lots are counted.

The hotel’s 249 rooms now all have an ocean view, there are nine total restaurants on property including the unique named Natural Slice, which might be on only pizza parlor and surf shop on a resort in the U.S., with outstanding choices of both.

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Still, the biggest attraction at AIP is the golf courses with an amazing variety, scenery and location.

The resort boasts three championship courses. The Amelia Links includes two very different courses. The Oak Marsh course was the design from noted architect Pete Dye, and winds through salt marshes and huge heritage oaks draped with Spanish moss.

Florida designer Bobby Weeds Ocean Links course, as the name implies, runs through coastal hammock and dunes it abuts the beach on five holes and a brisk breeze off the water is typical. Lastly, the challenging Long Point course, designed by Tom Fazio includes eight water hazards that must be crossed and three more Oceanside holes.

In total, Amelia Island as more Atlantic Ocean holes than any resort in Florida. For sheer beauty and Oceanside fun, it’s certainly hard to beat the par 70 Ocean Links by Weed.

While 6,108 yard layout isn’t likely to be hosting a major championship anytime soon, but it’s an 18-hole thrill ride which alternates between manmade lakes, thick Oceanside brush, dozens of bunkers and the pounding Atlantic surf on holes 4-5-6, 15 and 16.

While the fourth is a par 4 with the ocean to the right, both the 5 and 6th are short

REVIEW

par 3s, 152 and 178 yards respectively from the back tees. It gives every golf a chance for golf’s ultimate ace and scenery all with one perfect shot.

The remainder of the front nine and most of the back nine turns back into the dense coastal underbrush, but things begin to get dramatic again on the par 3 15th.

The elevated green backs the ocean feeds into the 16th tee with water all the down the left side.

Par 72 Oak Marsh, 6, 580 yards from the back tees, is a classic southern coastal layout with most holes bracketed by huge oaks covered by huge Spanish Moss.

It’s one of the most soothingly scenic non-ocean courses you can play anywhere and the better balance to Ocean Links.

The background on Oak Marsh is acres of natural wetlands with the reeds blowing in the near constant wind.

The par 3 16th hole is the perfect example with a short 171 yards from the back tee, but a large oak guards the left side of the green and there is a large drop-off into a natural wetlands, all along the left side of the green.

Both the 9th and 18th hole return to the clubhouse and there is a wonderful outdoor deck which can be set up for lunch or dinner, watching the golfers finish with the Amelia scenery in the background.

Long Point also known as the Amelia Island Club can be accessed by hotel guests and local members. It was one of Fazio’s earliest 1980s designs, and offers a combination of forested inland scenery and a few ocean holes on backto-back par 3s on holes 15 and 16.

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It’s probably the toughest of the three measures as the par 72 layout measures 6,662 yards from the back tees.

There are plenty of bunkers, plenty manmade pond, overgrown thickets and forest and, of course, the ever-present ocean to challenge, frustrate and delight the visiting golfers.

Add up the spectacularly newly renovated resort, the three solid golf options, ocean scenery along with the two resort pools, nine restaurants and the wide variety of on-site shopping and you can see why one of the Southeast’s original resorts is now one of the best.

It’s huge draw to Texans looking for a quick, convenient and cost-effective travel option this summer.

Amelia Island Plantation, 800-834-4900 or www.omnihotels.com

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GENERAL DIRECTORY

COURSE TYPE PHONE COURSE TYPE PHONE AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course Public Falconhead Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Course Municipal Lions Municipal Golf Course Municipal Morris Williams Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Club Public BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort BASTROP: 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: Canyon Lake Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf & Country Club S emi-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 HARPER: Hidden Springs Golf Course Public HORSESHOE BAY: Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort Apple Rock Resort Ram Rock Resort Slick Rock Resort KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Municipal KILLEEN: The Course of Clear Creek Public City of Killeen Municipal Copperas Cove Golf Course Municipal KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public Lighthouse Country Club Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public

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(512) 248-2442 (512) 272-4228 (512) 402-1558 (512) 453-0276 (512) 444-0999 (512) 477-6963 (512) 926-1298 (512) 386-7077 (800) 646-5407 (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) 990-9500 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 257-4982 (254) 287-4130 (254) 699-6034 (254) 547-2606 (325) 388-8888 (325) 388-6660 (512) 262-5555

LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private Highland Lakes Public LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal LLANO: Llano Golf Club Municipal 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 SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal 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 Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio 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 Woodlake Country Club Semi-Private UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Public UTOPIA: River Oaks Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public

(512) 267-1170 (512) 267-1170 (512) 556-3202 (512) 259-5855 (325) 247-5100 (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 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 677-0027 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 826-4041 (210) 533-8371 (210) 222-9386 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 661-6124 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700

THE PERFECT DRIVE

55

THE COAST COURSE TYPE PHONE Alice Municipal Golf Course

Public

(361) 664-7033

Brownsville Golf Center

Public

(956) 541-2582

Buccaneer Bay Public GC

Public

(361) 790-7513

Colony Creek Country Club

Semi-Private

(361) 576-0018

Corpus Christi Country Club

Private

(361) 991-2811

Cottonwood Creek Golf Course

Public

(956) 428-7758

Edinburg Municipal Golf Course Public

(956) 381-1244

El Campo County Club

(409) 543-6592

Private

Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Public

(956) 542-9861

Ganado Golf and Country Club

(361) 771-2424

Public

Goliad Country Recreation Assoc. Public

(361) 645-2144

Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Public

(361) 749-1974

Harlingen Country Club

Private

(956) 412-4110

L.E. Ramey Golf Course

Public

(361) 592-1101

Newport Dunes

Semi-Private

(361) 749-4653

Padre Isles Country Club

Private

(361) 949-8056

Palm View Golf Course

Public

(956) 687-9591

Rio Colorado Golf Course

Public

(979) 244-2955

South Padre Island Golf Club

Public

(956) 943-5678

The Victoria Country Club

Semi-Private

(361) 573-3712

Tierra Del Sol Golf Club

Public

(956) 702-2320

Tierra Santa Golf Club

Public

(956) 973-1811

Treasure Hills Country Club

Semi-Private

(956) 365-3100

Village Executive Golf Course

Public

(956) 968-5331

Valley International Country Club Semi-Private

(956) 546-5331

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

COURSE TYPE PHONE

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

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

(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) 216-5970

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

90

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118

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Lajitas 95

Utopia

47

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1604

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

95 Black Jack’s Crossing

(432) 424-5080 SP 18 72 Clay Henry Blvd., Lajitas, TX 79852 www.blackjackscrossing.com

72

6858/72

• • • • • 8

Delaware Springs Golf Course (512) 756-8471 SP 18 41 600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet, TX 78611

72

6891/72/127

• • • • • 48

Highland Lakes Golf Course (512) 382-6529 P 18 20 20552 Highland Lake Dr., Lago Vista, TX 78645

72

6529/72.2/137 • • • • • 47

Jersey Meadow Country Club (713) 896-0900 P 18 2 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040

72

6357/73.3/ 136 • • • • • 26

LaLoma Grande Golf Club (210) 222-9368 P 18 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

72

6774/72.5/124 • • • • • 32

72

6579/70.0/118 • • • • • 47

95 Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa

(432) 424-5000 SP 18 100 Main Street, Lajitas, TX 79852 www.lajitasgolfresort.com

72

7413/74.3/ 131 • • • • 8

Lighthouse Country Club (325) 388-6660 P 18 68 118 Club Circle, Kingsland, TX 78639

72

6855

• • • • • 50

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

72

6550/72/125

• • • • • 33

Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center (210) 945-4653 P 18 35 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City, TX 78148

72

6923/72

• • • • • 18

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

Type Hole

Yardage /Rating /Slope

See Map on Page 56

57

Par

Map Number

SAN ANTONIO |HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN COURSES

www.delawaresprings.com

www.lagovistagc.com

www.jerseymeadow.com

www.fortsammwr.com /recreation/golf.html

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

www.lighthousecountryclub.com

www.northcliffegolfcourse.com

www.olympiahillsgolf.com

Salado Del Rio Golf Course (210) 222-9386 P 18 72 85 1050 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209

6819/70.8/124 • • • • • 32

www.fortsammwr.com/recreation/golf.html

Scott Schreiner Golf Course (830) 257-4982 M 18 56 1 Country Club Lane, Kerrville, TX 78028

72

6453/71.6/ 126 •

• 46

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

72

7030/71.0/117 • • • • 16

Vaaler Creek Golf Club (830) 833-0706 SP 18 87 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606

72

6864/73.0/140 • • • • 40

www.golfkerrville.com

www.starranchgolf.com

www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

58

DIRECTORY SAN ANTONIO | HILL COUNTRY | AUSTIN

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMODATIONS/DINING | TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION ESPN ‘Texas Golf Insider’

ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING

1250 AM | Saturdays 8-9 am | www.espnsa.com | Ad Page 23

Amelia Island Plantation 39 Beach Lagoon, Amelia Island, FL | www.omnihotels.com | 800-834-4900 | See Page 52-53

The Golf CLub 1315 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | www.teegolfclub.com | 512-916-GOLF(4653)| Map #80, Ad Page 83

Coushatta Casino 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA 70648 | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263 Ad Page 22,84

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

Hot Springs Villas 121 Cordoba Center, Hot Springs Village, AR | www.Welcome2HSV.com | 866-984-9963 | Ad Page 25

Mizuno

www.mizunogolf.com | 713-303-5892 |Ad Page 23

SHOPPING/SERVICES Edwin Watts Golf 1050 NE Loop 410, San Antonio,TX | www.edwatts.com | 210-822-4060 | Map # 13, Ad Pages 14-15

Austin Golf Expo

Edwin Watts Golf 9360 I H 10 West, San Antonio,TX | www.edwatts.com | 210-349-7575 | Map # 14, Ad Pages 14-15

Edwin Watts Golf 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christie,TX | www.edwatts.com | 361-852-0358 | Map # 16, Ad Pages 14-15

www.texasgolfexpos.com | Ad Page 5,15

TOURNAMENTS/INSTRUCTION Cash 4 Cancer Vaaler Creek Golf Club www.cashforecancer.org | 830-833-0706 | Ad Page 2, 46

Rudy’s I-35 Cup Oak Hills Country Club - Nov 1-3, 2013 www.golfsanantonio.org | 210-345-5786 |Ad Page 24

AT&T Championship TPC San Antonio - AT&T Canyons | Ad Page 58

Greater Houston | Texas Coast

Stephen F. Austin Golf Club

One of Three Courses on the Sealy, TX Golf Trail

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Summer 2013

It’s More than Championship Golf

at The Battleground Golf Course

The Republic Grill Catering available for your next social or corporate event, accommodating up to 200 guests

Full Service Restaurant & Bar Open to the Public, 7 days a week!

Full Menu and Daily Buffet Monday-Friday 11 am-2 pm

Voted One of the Top Businesses in 2012 - Sweet Jacks

Breakfast Buffet, Full Menu & Daily Buffet Friday 7 am-2 pm Breakfast Buffet Only Saturday 7 am-10 am Special Sunday Buffet Sunday 11 am-2 pm

SCAN TO VIEW MENUS

(281) 478-2089

1600 GEORGIA AVE, DEER PARK, TX

www.deerparktx.gov/republicgrill

Contact Jim Ginger (281) 478-2084 ext. 108 to host your special event at The Republic Grill.

GOLF’S MOST TRUSTED RETAILER The Best Selection Of Premium Golf Equipment, Apparel & Shoes Performance Fitting Experts • Club Repair Specialists Hitting Bays • World Wide Delivery • ARC Club Matching TaylorMade R1 BLACK Callaway RAZR FIT XTREME

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HOUSTON GALLERIA

5395 Westheimer • 713.627.2411 90 locations nationwide to serve you • edwinwattsgolf.com

Fantasy Golf Just Changed.

FOREVER.

The Fun Of Fantasy Football NOW In Fantasy Golf!

Create Your Own League And Invite Your Friends OR Join A Public League And Compete Against Others Around the Country.

Draft, Add, Drop and Swap Your Favorite Pros And Track Your Custom Scores On Your League Scoreboard!

Two Formats Including Our Proprietary "ICG Cup" Rules For Those Who Love the Thrill of Match Play.

www.ichoosegolf.com

Apaysshort drive to Austin County off with big-time Golf.

We’re only 48 miles west of Houston and we’ve got several challenging golf courses to test your mettle. Plus we have lots of great food and a multitude of things for you to see and do with an extended stay.

www.VisitSealy.com

979-885-3707

979-877-0700

©2013 Sealy Convention & Visitors Bureau

979-885-2121

Located just 18 minutes west of Katy on I-10, Stephen F. Austin Golf Course is a member owned, semi-private 18 hole golf course located in the historic town of San Felipe, TX. SFA was voted by Golf Digest as a top place to play and voted as a must play by the Houston Chronicle. SFA features 18 unique and challenging holes. Nestled between mature pecan and cottonwood trees are tight fairways and small greens that will challenge even the most accomplished golfer while remaining fun and playable for golfers of all skill levels. Come enjoy the park like setting.

You will find no homes or backyards bordering our fairways. Wildlife is abundant here at SFA. During a round one might see eagles, redheaded woodpeckers, deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits. Come Play at SFA! SFA has the friendliest staff around.

GM/Head Professional Bobby Browne has been working for the members of SFA since 1985. His Assistant Pro Matt Schroeder has been at the club since 1994 and Assistant Pro Chris Ryan since 2008. You will find a smiling face that will make you feel welcome and at home. Course Superintendent Doug Browne goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the course is in top shape.

SFA has an elegant formal dining room that provides the perfect setting for your special occasion. We offer a full catering menu along with a bar and set ups. Club Manager Mayra Medina will work with you to ensure your special day is perfect. In addition to formal dining SFA also has the 19th Hole Bar and Grill. There you will be able to order the Famous Brazos

Burger, voted the best burger in Austin County and wash it down with your favorite cold beverage.

San Felipe was once the Colonial Capital of Texas. During your round you will be able to take a historic journey through Texas History.

Located on every tee box golfers will find easy to read panels depicting aspects of Texas history that happened right here in San Felipe.

The nearby State Park and historical grounds often used for camping and sightseeing. Come out and enjoy a round at SFA! In addition to Stephen F. Austin Golf Club, the area is also home to two other popular courses – The Falls Resort and Golf Club and River Ridge Golf Club.

No longer considered a hidden gem but instead a premier golf club in the state of Texas, The Falls is as close to a Hill Country golf club as you will find so close to Houston. Accentuated by rolling hills and towering pines, The Falls also features five sets of tees that make it playable and enjoyable for the average golfer while a true test of golf for the more accomplished player.

For its part, River Ridge offers the same challenge and beauty as its area partners. A 27-hole facility, River Ridge offers a lush parkland setting with no homes to intrude upon the golf experience.

The layout, which has hosted several prestigious amateur and PGA events, features 35 acres of lakes and creeks that meander strategically throughout the layout, offering both scenery and challenge to the course.

While many come to Sealy for the challenging golf, they make time for the engaging nature of the region and it’s myriad of other activities.

Sealy is home to a historic downtown shopping district with cafes, coffee shops, antiques, memorabilia, art galleries, specialty stores, museums and landmark buildings. The vicinity offers period homes, prestigious horse farms and vineyards, the Lonestar Motorsports Park, and many natural wildlife attractions such as the peaceful Stephen F. Austin State Park. Local pioneering restaurant known throughout the state is Tony’s Family Restaurant who has always served up true southern cuisine in Sealy since 1936.

Our area also offers a multitude of accommodation options with great hotels and highlighted by some elegant bed & breakfasts.

With our great courses and so much to see and do in Sealy, we’re confident we can help make your business, charity, or club golf tournament a memorable success.

For more information on accommodations and the many other things to see and do in Sealy, visit www.VisitSealy.com or call toll-free at 877-558-7245.

SEALYBRATION July 12–13 - 2013 877-558-7245 (Toll-Free) SealyCommunityFoundation.com (Check for updates)

• Live Fireworks Display • Live Music by The Emotions,

Asleep at the Wheel and Cody Johnson

• Food and Craft Vendors • BBQ Cook-Off • 5 Alarm 5K • Tractor Show • Parade • Carnival • Cow Patty Bingo • Men’s and Girl’s Softball Tournaments

San Felipe

Public Golf Club

MAP #8

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Blue: 6017 / 69.7 / 123 White: 5718 / 68.2 / 122 Red: 5258 / 69.0 / 116

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 71 Gen Mgr/Head Pro: Bobby Browne Teaching Pro: Matt Schroeder Superintendent: Doug Browne Assistant Pro: Chris Ryan

COURSE AMENITIES

• 18 Hole Course • Banquet Room • Driving Range & Instruction • Full Service Restaurant • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop

www.facebook.com/ SFAustinGC

Stephen F. Austin Golf Club

Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play in USA” F m OL gc.co G n E ti

E s FR .sfau w

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Sign up and receive a Free Round of Golf at www.sfaustingc.com Stephen F. Austin Golf Club is conveniently located only minutes west of Katy, exit FM 1458 off IH-10, where the rolling Hill Country begins. You don’t have to drive far to play a scenic course on the Brazos River outside of the city where friendly service makes golfers feel at home. Watch the deer as you play the course’s tight, tree-lined fairways and fast, elevated greens. SFA State Park nearby for the campers.

Park Road 38 San Felipe, TX 77474 (979) 885-2811 www.SFAustinGC.com

84th Annual

AUSTIN COUNTY FAIR & RODEO October 9–13 - 2013 979-865-5995 AustinCountyFair.com (Check for updates)

• Live Entertainment every day • Show Stock • Arts & Crafts • Barn Yard • Food, Food, Food!

Scan QR code for FREE GOLF

FANTASY OF LIGHTS Dec. 6 & 7 - 2013 877-558-7245 (Toll-Free) SealyCommunityFoundation.com (Check for updates)

• Kids’ Fantasy including a live snowfall • Lighted Parade • BBQ Cook-Off • Live Concert • Jingle Bell 5K • Food & Craft Vendors • Christmas Movie in the Park

70

COURSES

Mont Belvieu, TX

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

Mon-Thur Friday Weekend Holiday

18

TWLIGHT*

$45 $32 $47 $40 $60 $40 $60 $40

*Twilight begins at 1 pm

STATISTICS Par: 71 Black Blue White Red

Yards Rating Slope 7077 73.2 128 6502 70.9 121 5927 68.0 116 5213 67.4 113

PERSONNEL

Architect............................... Rick Forester Director of Golf........................Jeff Strong Course Record.................... Chip Craig, 63 Course Record.............Shawn Stefani, 63

AMENITIES

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

A

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

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

COURSES

71

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

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

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

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

72

COURSES

the battleground Where the Past Comes Alive

se is where history and The Battleground Golf Cour this one-of-a-kind track at le ho y er Ev . ge er nv co n fu rating challenge but a presents not only an invigo holes like the Yellow lesson in Texas history. With like fighting for Texas Rose and Twin Sisters, it’s . So whether you like Independence all over again e tee box or you are a to let the big dog loose on th , the Battleground Golf sharp shooter on the greens nce. We make your Course is the perfect experie oughly enjoyable for all. event easy to plan and thor a simple golf outing or Whether you’re looking for ards The Battleground at an elaborate event, look tow Deer Park.

THE BATTLEGROUND

A T

D E E R

P A R K

281.478.2079 www.deerparktx.gov/battleground

• 18 Hole Golf Course • Lessons and Practice Facility • Pro Shop • Full Restaurant & Bar • Snack Bar • Beverage Cart • Banquet & Board Room

Professionally Managed by Touchstone Golf

golf course

COURSES

73

One Swing at a Time.

Lunch Buffet & Menu Monday-Friday 11am - 2pm

Breakfast

Friday & Saturday 7am-11am

Brunch

Sunday 11am - 2pm

281.478.2089 www.deerparktx.gov/republicgrill

1600 GEORGIA AVE., DEER PARK, TX TheTexasGolfInsider.com

74

COURSES

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST Baytown

Public Golf Club

RATES

MAP #2

18

SENIOR

M-Thur $36 $25.87 Friday Golf & Lunch $45.27

Evergreen Point Golf Club

4 stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Champ: 6969 / 73.4 / 138 Regular: 6389 / 70.2 / 133 Senior: 5955 / 68.7 / 126 Forward: 5248 / 71.4 / 123

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 18 Par: 72 Architects: Jay Riviere & Dave Marr Director of Golf: Jeremy Reed

COURSE AMENITIES

• Practice Facilities • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Bar and Grill • Corporate Outing Packages • Tournaments Welcome

Public Golf Club

Evergreen Point Golf Club is conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston. If you want Texas Gulf Coast golf at its best then look no further than Evergreen Point. We offer a challenging 18 hole championship layout set on over 200 acres among tall pine, oak and magnolia trees. Water comes into play on 15 out of 18 holes.

Evergreen Point offers a great value from our daily rates to our corporate outing packages. The Bar and Grill offers great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with ample seating for larger groups and parties.

1530 Evergreen Road Baytown, TX (281) 837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com

Scan QR code to take a Course Tour or make tee times

Spring MAP #38

Cypresswood Golf Club

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope: Tradition Course: Black: 7220/74.7/136 Blue: 6638/71.8/130 White: Mens 6162/69.4/118 Ladies 6162/75.5/134 Silver: Mens 5441/66.1/116 Ladies 5441/71.7/125 Cypress Course: Blue: 6906/73.0/134 Forest: 6168/69.8/122 Silver: 5624/67.6/111

COURSE FACTS

Number of Holes: 36 Par: 72

COURSE AMENITIES

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

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

The best and closest 36 holes to Intercontinental Airport, Cypresswood’s Tradition and Cypress courses are two of Houston Golfers favorite courses! Terrific layouts for golfers of all levels, beginning golfers to pros enjoy playing at Cypresswood.

And, if you want to improve your game or scratch that competitive itch our Play Better Golf program allows for that, too.

21602 Cypresswood Dr Spring, TX (281) 821-6300 www.cypresswood.com

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

Public Course

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

27 hole golf course Golf Academy Legends Restaurant & Bar Fully Stocked Pro Shop 200-seat pavilion for tournaments and events • Online Specials and EClub

COURSES

75

Friendswood

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.

“People who play here frequently call this their club and have a sense of belonging,” general manager Mike Griswold said. “They don’t pay dues to get that.”

The course’s culture is equaled if not surpassed by the design of Jay Riviere, who incorporated dense woodlands, winding creeks and rock outcroppings. “Our course isn’t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,” 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 Club…Where You Belong.

4554 FM 2351 Friendswood, TX 77546

281-993-1140

www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

76

Team Golf and the Prestige Tour designed for the Junior Golfer

If the Southern Texas PGA junior programs Team Golf is the product of focusing on the are any indication, the game of golf is not only new junior, rather than the more competitive alive and well, but flourishing. While many areas junior. That being said, the Southern Texas PGA of the country discuss the decline in number of programs do continue to serve over 3,000 juniors, juniors taking up the game, PGA Professional and some of which are at the top levels of competiSouthern Texas PGA Junior Golf Director Thomas tive junior golf. The high caliber junior has a lot Hutton states “we are seeof options for events all ing a rising number of new over the country. What juniors in our programs keeps them involved with each season. Part of that is STPGA? Two years ago, the our decision over the last Southern Texas PGA develfew years to add seasons for oped the Prestige Tour to Spring and Fall (in addition cater to the needs of these to Summer) and to add the highly skilled junior golfPrestige Tour for our better ers. Through relationships junior players.” established with a variety of regional and national But before you come to organizations, the Southern the conclusion it is business Texas PGA continues to as usual and south Texas grow the number of exempis unaffected by the need Spring Little Linksters Tour Championship tions into prestigious junior to grow the game, keep events each season. Such exemptions provide a reading. Hutton went on to say, “we did notice very strong incentive for area juniors to continue that our juniors are aging through our programs as to tee it up with STPGA through high school. they head toward high school and college. So, we wanted to introduce something new and exciting Through all of this growth, the Southern to get more kids to compete who might not otherTexas PGA remains committed to providing the wise think they are ready to do so.” best possible experience for juniors at very reasonable fees. Additionally, Dick Harmon Participation To accomplish this, Hutton tweaked a program already present in north Texas to not only in- Grants are available for families who apply and show financial need. According to Southern Texas troduce competition to the novice level junior, but PGA Executive Director Mike Ray, “we are truly also to provide a way for area golf professionals to grateful the Harmon family chose to continue serve them with instruction. Team Golf is new to Dick’s legacy in this way. It allows us to include the menu of options for south Texas junior golfers juniors in our programs that otherwise might not this year. Because competition can be intimidating be on the golf course. Because this grant money is until a certain skill level is met, juniors are more used to keep them on the course, we know more comfortable starting out in a team format. As opportunities will come to them as they progress part of their club’s team, they spend time with a in the game. Golf can change the path of a child’s golf professional on staff at practices just like they life in such a positive way. We are just honored to would with a coach in other team sports. be part of that.”

For more information, contact the Southern Texas PGA office at (832) 442-2404 or visit www.stpgajuniorgolf.com.

Prestige Tour at Eagle Pointe, Mont Belvieu, with Jeff Strong

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

REVIEW

77

Changes help keep Eagle Point GC one of the area’s best

By Steve Habel

There are always two waves of real excitement surrounding a golf course: first there’s the initial rush of a fledgling track with its new challenges, then there’s the feeling when the routing has settled into excellence – a move only made possible by a course’s solid bones and continued stewardship by management and decision-makers.

Eagle Pointe Golf Club achieved the first wave when it opened in 1999 in the now-not-so-small suburb of Mont Belvieu in the southeastern portions of the Greater Houston area. Recent changes made to the course and the consistent care it receives have led to a second wave of success and continue to make the facility one of the must-plays in the area.

Houston-based golf course architect Rick Forrester was given an exceptional site to build a wonderful track back in the late 1990s and Eagle Pointe GC has just gotten better as time has passed.

The 40 feet of rise and fall on the track is unheard of in this part of the world, and two bodies of water – Cherry Point Gully and the Old River –weave throughout the routing to keep golfers on their toes and their games focused and accurate.

Strategically placed bunkering combine with those water hazards to direct play through towering stands of mature pines, making a round at Eagle Point GC feel more like one in the Sandhills of South Carolina rather than on the marshy coast of southeast Texas. The steeply tilted putting surfaces and demanding green surrounds will take their toll on those that spray their shots.

Eagle Pointe GC plays to a par of 71 and at a newly expanded 7,132 yards from its back set of four tee boxes. The course carries a rating of 73.2 and a slope of 128 from the tips, but actually plays much tougher because of the elevation changes throughout the round.

Players get a heaping helping of the tests to come on the very first hole, a 536-yard par-5 that plays

downhill, then across Cherry Point Gully and uphill to a one of the course’s smallest putting surfaces.

There is the triple challenge of length, positioning and elevation change at the 444-yard par-4 sixth, ranked as the No. 1 handicap hole at Eagle Pointe GC. The hole turns hard right to left and then plays uphill to a perched green that’s one of the smallest and least receptive on the course; it can sabotage a good front-nine with its challenges.

No. 9, a 601-yard uphill par-5, and the 495-yard par-4 downhill 10th keep your attention around the turn. The former requires a blind drive to an elevated fairway and a pond on the right and bunkers on the left narrow the approach; the later plays longer than it’s carded but the putting surface is open at the front and will accept run-up Much of the comments surrounding Eagle Pointe GC are about its final trio of holes. The 469-yard par-4 16th, with its creek, a pond, a waterfall and a smallish green that is narrow and long, makes for the biggest test on the back nine.

On the 540-yard dogleg-left No. 17, players must navigate a tree-lined par-5 with ponds on both sides of the generous landing area and an approach past heavy bunkering around the green.

The closing hole, like the 17th, is somewhat more level in terrain than the rest of the course. It’s a 429-yard par-4 with water on both sides of the fairway and a huge bunker at the front of the green that forces an approach in the air.

There’s a very open natural feeling at Eagle Pointe GC, both because of the mature pines and because you’re not closed in by dense housing developments.

After a round at Eagle Pointe GC, you’ll know you’ve played one of the best courses in the area. It’s challenging, yet accessible for a high handicapper and its altitude changes to make club selection interesting.

It’s a course that calls for careful placement and confidence win every club in your bag.

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

36 36

39 18

Pasadena

Deer Park

2

2

5

Mont Belvieu

28 56

38

7

109

New Ulm 26

29

Industry

63

109

27

62

51

46 48

50

53

45 52

8

1458

54

Magnolia

41

Montgomery

GOLF ACADEMIES / INSTRUCTION

Eagle Pointe Player Development Jeff Strong, PGA Golf Academy at Timber Creek David Pilsner, PGA, Play Better Golf at Cypresswood Golf Club The Battleground School of Golf Jim Williams REAL ESTATE Texas Star Realty

TYPE Real Estate

WEB SITE www.eaglepointeonline.com www.timbercreekgolfclub.com www.cypresswood.com www.deerparktx.gov

LOCATION Columbus, TX

PHONE 979-732-1850

PHONE 281-385-6666 281-993-1140 281-821-6300 281-478-2080 PG. 76

Brenham Country Club (979) 836-1733 SP 18 72 62 4107 Hwy. 45, Brenham, TX 77833

79

Practice Fac. Food Rental Clubs Pro Shop Lessons Ad on Page

COURSES

Yardage /Rating /Slope

Par

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

Type Hole

Map Number

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

6675/72.1/124 • • • • • 81

www.brenhamcc.com

Cypresswood Golf Course (281) 823-6300 P 36 38 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77373

72

7220/74.7 6906/ 73.0

• • • • • 74

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

71

7077/73.1

• • • • • 70

Evergreen Point Golf Club (281) 837-9000 P 18 2 1530 Evergreen Rd., Baytown, TX 77523

72

6969/73.4/138 • • • • • 74

Jersey Meadow Golf Course (713) 896-0900 M 18 71 41 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040

6660/73.3/136 • • • • • 26

River Ridge Golf Club (800) 553-7517 P 27 7 3133 Brazos Oak Lane, Sealy, TX 77474

36 36 35 71

3616 • • • • • 68 3585 3330 6017/69.7/123 • • • • • 68

The Battleground at Deer Park (281) 478-4653 P 18 72 18 1600 Georgia Ave., Deer Park, TX 77536

6942/73.5/136 • • • • • 72

6857/73.1/140 • • • • • 69

www.cypresswood.com

www.eaglepointeonline.com

www.evergreenpointgolf.com

www.jerseymeadow.com

www.evergreenpointgolf.com

Stephen F. Austin Golf Club (979) 885-2811 P 18 8 Park Road 38, San Felipe, TX 77474 www.sfaustingc.com

www.battlegroundgc.com

The Falls Resort & Golf Course (979) 992-3123 SP/R 18 26 1750 North Falls Dr., New Ulm, TX 78950

72

Timber Creek Golf Club (281) 993-1140 P 18 36 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546

36 36 35

www.thefallsresort.com

www.timbercreekgolfclub.com

MAP SHOPPING/SERVICES

TYPE

28 29 27 50

Retail Automotive Automotive CVB

Edwin Watts Tegeler Chevrolet Tegeler Toyota Sealy Visitor Bureau

MAP ACCOMMODATIONS 45 America’s Best Value Inn 48 Holiday Inn Express 46 Super 8

TYPE Hotel Hotel Motel

LOCATION

3575 3418 3135 PHONE

• • • • • 75

713-627-2411 979-357-2171 979-836-1615 visitsealy.com

LOCATION Sealy Sealy Sealy

PHONE PG 879-885-3707 66 979-877-0700 67 979-885-2121 64

MAP DINING

TYPE

LOCATION

PHONE

54 56 55 53 2 36 52 39 51

Mexican Mexican Mexican Mexican American American Italian American American

Katy Houston Houston Sealy Evergreen Point Golf Club Timber Creek GC 2352 S. Hwy. 36, Sealy The Battleground at Deer Park 1629 Meyer, Sealy

281-693-2122 713-465-9377 713-682-2404 979-885-3211 281-420-6008 281-993-1140 281-993-1140 281-478-2089 979-885-4140

Cazadores Cantina Cazadores Cantina Cazadores Cantina Cazadores Cantina Evergreen Bar & Grill Legend’s Grill Maribelli Ristorante The Republic Grill Tony’s Family Restaurant

PG.

Houston Galleria Industry Brenham Sealy

62 69 69 64-69

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

PG. 66 66 66 66 74 75 67 61 67

80

DIRECTORY

COURSE

GREATER HOUSTON | TEXAS COAST

TYPE LOCATON

PHONE

COURSE

TYPE LOCATON

Alvin Golf & CC

P

Alvin

281-331-4541

Longwood GC

Cypress

281-373-4100

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

832-381-1000

Meadowbrook Farms GC P

Katy

281-693-4653

Babe Zaharias GC

P

Port Arthur

409-796-1327

Melrose GC

P

Houston

281-847-1214

Bay Forest GC

P

La Porte

281-471-4653

Memorial Park GC

M

Houston

713-867-0386

Bayou Din GC

P

Beaumont

409-796-1327

Moody’s Gardens GC

P

Galveston

409-683-4653

Bayou GC

M

Texas City

409-739-9622

Newport GC & Conf.Center P Crosby

281-328-3576

Beacon Lakes GC

P

League City

281-337-1459

North Shore CC

SP

Portland

361-643-6057

Bear Creek Golf World

P

Houston

281-859-8188

Oakhurst GC

P

Porter

281-354-4653

Belle Oaks GC

P

Beaumont

409-796-1311

Pasadena Municipal GC M

Houston

281-481-0834

Bellville GC

P

Bellville

979-865-9058

Pecan Lakes GC

P

Navasota

936-870-3889

Brenham CC

SP

Brenham

979-836-1733

Pine Crest CC

P

Houston

713-462-4914

Brentwood

SP Beaumont

409-840-9440

Quail Valley GC

M

Missouri City

281-403-5910

Brock Park GC

M

Houston

281-458-1350

Raven Nest GC

P

Huntsville

936-438-8588

Cape Royale GC

P

Coldspring

936-653-2388

Rayburn Country

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

Chambers County GC

M

Anahuac

409-267-8235

Red Wolf GC

P

Huffman

281-324-1841

Clear Creek GC

P

Houston

713-738-8000

Redstone GC

P/PR

Humble

281-459-7800

Columbia Lakes

P

West Columbia

979-345-PUTT

River Point GC

P

Richmond

281-343-9995

Columbus GC

M

Columbus

979-732-5575

River Ridge GC

P

Sealy

800-553-7517

Country Place GC

SP

Pearland

713-436-1533

River Terrace GC

P

Channelview

281-452-2183

Cypress Lakes

P

Cypress

281-304-8515

Sharpstown GC

M

Houston

713-988-2099

Cypresswood GC

P

Spring

281-821-6300

Sienna Plantation

P

Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

Dickinson CC

P

Dickinson

281-337-3031

Southwyck GC

P

Pearland

713-436-9999

Eagle Pointe GC

P

Mont Belvieu

281-385-6666

Stephen F. Austin GC

SP

San Felipe

979-885-2811

Evergreen Point GC

P

Baytown

281-837-9000

Swanson Golf Center

P

Houston

281-440-1308

Fox Creek GC

P

Hempstead

979-826-2131

Texaco GC

P

Houston

713-453-7501

Freeport GC

M

Freeport

979-233-8311

Texas A&M University GC P

College Station

979-845-1723

Gleannloch Pines

P

Spring

281-225-1200

Texas National GC

Willis

936-856-4233

Glenbrook GC

M

Houston

713-649-8089

The Battleground at Deer Park P

Deer Park

281-478-4653

Goose Creek GC

SP

Baytown

281-424-5534

The Falls Resort & GC SP/R

New Ulm

979-992-3123

Greatwood GC

P

Sugar Land

281-343-9999

The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch P Katy

281-395-4653

Green Caye GC

P

Dickinson

281-337-2021

The Links at West Fork

P

Conroe

936-760-1776

Gus Wortham GC

M

Houston

713-928-4260

The Village GC

P

Panorama Village

936-856-5531

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

409-842-3220

The Wilderness

P

Lake Jackson

979-297-4653

Hermann Park GC

P

Houston

713-526-0077

Timber Creek GC

P

Friendswood

281-993-1140

Heron Lakes GC

P

Houston

281-807-0207

Tour 18 Houston

P

Humble

281-540-1818

High Meadow Ranch GC P

Magnolia

281-356-7700

Travis B. Bryan GC

M

Bryan

979-823-0126

Houston National GC

P

Houston

281-304-1400

Waller CC

P

Waller

936-931-3335

Idylwild GC

P

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

Wedgewood GC

P

Conroe

936-441-4653

Iron Oaks GC

P

Beaumont

409-866-9191

West Brazos Golf Center P

Brazoria

979-798-4653

Jersey Meadow GC

M

Jersey Village

713-896-0900

Westwood Shores GC

P

Trinity

936-594-9172

Kingwood Cove GC

P

Kingwood

281-358-1155

Wildcat GC

P

Houston

713-413-3400

La Torretta

R

Conroe

936-448-3027

WindRose GC

P

Spring

281-370-8900

Legendary Oaks GC

P

Hempstead

979-826-4001

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

P

PHONE

P

P-Public, M-Municipal, SP-Semi-Private, R-Resort, PR-Private

FROM THE EDITOR

81

Brenham Country Club Semi-Private Club

18 Holes $35 / 9 Holes $20 Free Cart Tues-Thurs Weekend Half Cart Fee $12.50 Open Tuesday - Sunday, Closed Monday Call Today For More Information

Memberships Social $50, Swimming $60 / mo. (Initiation Fee $125) Golf $100 / mo. (No Initiation fee) Equity Golf Memberships Available

RETAILER

LOCATION

(979)-836-1733 Brenham, TX

PHONE RETAILER

LOCATION

PHONE

Golf Retailers Big O’s Golf D & J Golf Edwin Watts Golf Games People Play Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf USA Golf Warehouse Golf Warehouse II

League City Bryan Houston Beaumont Humble Katy Pearland Houston Houston Sugar Land The Woodlands Houston Houston Houston

281-557-3300 979-776-4653 713-627-2411 409-866 -3883 281-764-1344 281-574-3232 713-436-5001 832-203-1518 832-478-1365 281-491-1888 832-585-0505 281-392-4653 281-443-2828 281-596-9090

Golfsmith Katy 281-398-4669 Golfsmith Spring 281-292-2288 GolfSmith Galleria Houston 713-993-9993 Golfsmith Westheimer Houston 713-334-3334 Golfsmith Woodlands 281-292-2288 GolfTec Katy 281-741-6778 GolfTec Houston-Upper Kirby 832-426-5650 GolfTec Westheimer Houston 713-339-2470 GolfTec Webster 281-557-0015 GolfTec Galleria Houston 713-850-7555 Impact Golf Houston 281-597-8008 Mulligan’s Golf Houston 281-890-6026 Sport Shoppe Houston 281-879-0929 Strictly Golf Houston 713-629-4653

979-245-3990 281-488-9753 409-898-7011 979-776-1490 281-863-5820 281-444-6449 936-756-5222 281-360-1065 281-392-2582 281-342-8368 409-737-9830 281-863-1490 281-485-4550 281-463-2204 713-465-8381 713-888-0000 281-348-2217 281-259-2279 281-497-2228 361-729-7311 281-821-0220

Magnolia Creek League City Northgate CC Houston Pebble Creek GC College Station Pecan Grove Plantation CC Richmond Raveneaux CC Spring River Plantation CC Conroe Riverbend CC Sugar Land Royal Oaks CC Houston Shadow Hawk GC Richmond Sugar Creek CC Sugar Land Sweetwater CC Sugar Land The Houstonian GC Richmond The Oaks & Panther Trail The Woodlands Traditions Club Bryan Walden on Lake Conroe Montgomery Walden on Lake Houston Humble Weston Lakes CC Fulshear Westwood GC Houston Whispering Pines GC Trinity Willow Creek GC Spring Willow Fork CC Katy

Private Courses Bay City CC Bay Oaks CC Beaumont CC Briarcrest CC Carlton Woods Champions GC Conroe CC Deerwood Club Falcon Point Fort Bend CC Galveston CC Gary Player Sig. Cour.

Golf Crest CC Hearthstone CC Houston CC Houston Oaks Kingwood CC Lake Windcrest Lakeside CC Live Oak CC Lochinvar GC

Bay City Houston Beaumont Bryan The Woodlands Houston Conroe Kingwood Katy Richmond Galveston The Woodlands Pearland Houston Houston Hockley Kingwood Magnolia Houston Rockport Houston

281-557-0555 281-440-1223 979-690-0990 281-342-9940 281-370-6370 936-273-2276 281-491-2500 281-899-3270 281-494-3533 281-494-9135 281-980-4653 281-494-4244 281-882-3000 979-779-1007 936-448-4668 281-852-3743 281-346-1227 713-774-3011 936-594-4980 281-376-1501 281-579-6611

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

Darrel l Grafe Realtor (979) 732-1850

dgrafe@TexasStarRealty.com

TURNING REALTY TO REALITY LISTINGS ARE CENTRALLY LOCATED BET WEEN HOUSTON, AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO

SERVING: AUSTIN COUNTY Relocating COLORADO COUNTY Second Home FAYETTE COUNTY Selling your property Call us Today!

LAVACA COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY Residential l Farm and Ranch l Commercial Golf Course Lots Available at The Falls

WWW .T EXAS S TAR R EALTY .com

TaylorMade R1 Only $299.00!

By Steve Habel

T

he Golf Club, the only Austin-area retailer south of the Colorado River dedicated strictly to golf, is a haven to players looking for the best in new equipment and the area’s most diverse selection of gently used clubs.

Now firmly entrenched in its convenient stand-alone facility on Ben White Blvd. nearly equidistant between MoPac and IH-35, The Golf Club maintains the same attention to detail, customer loyalty and fair pricing that has enticed golfers to the store for the past decade.

The Golf Club is the place to get the new TaylorMade R1 driver, which allows the company to continue its mastery of adjustable drivers by offering the greatest range of adjustability of any driver in the brand’s history.

The R1 gives the golfer 12 loft-sleeve settings and seven face-angle positions, as well as two movable shot-shape weights. It also allows loft and face angle to be adjusted independently of each other – a critical benefit. The R1’s three adjustability technologies allow it to be tuned 168 different ways to specifically fit a player’s swing to optimize distance and accuracy. Every R1 driver can be adjusted for loft between 8.5 and 12.5 degrees.

The R1’s redesigned sole enhanced its aerodynamics, increasing speed by half a mile per hour. The thick-thin crown technology saved weight that’s redistributed elsewhere to lower the center of gravity and move it closer to the hitting surface.

The Golf Club is well-equipped to make sure players get the most from the driver’s versatility. The store has two dedicated hitting bays encompassing nearly 1,000-square feet and featuring the nFlight golf club fitting system to optimize your game to the nth degree.

“We’ve been doing things the right way since 2003,” said John Rowsey, The Golf Club’s founder and owner.

“Thanks to our smaller overhead and lower costs we’re able to pass our savings along to our customers.”

For more information on The Golf Club call (888) 453-0102 or log on to www.teegolfclub.com.

The Golf Club Scan for Special Offers

www.teegolfclub.com 1315 W. Ben White Blvd.

Austin, TX 78704 512-916-GOLF (4653)

NEW & USED Find us online @ www.teegolfclub.com

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