Texas Golf Insider - SW Bayou - Fall/Winter 2022

Letter From The Publisher

Texas

GOLF INSIDER

P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-964-2152 FAX 830-964-2153 thetexasgolfinsider.com

Mike Ratchman

Texas Publisher Office: 830-964-2152 mike@thetexasgolfinsider.com

Director of Marketing: Joe Valentino, DFW Office: 940-735-1265 Durwyn Williams, Houston Office: 832-978-6929

Editor: Ava Ratchman

Contributing Writers: Steve Habel,, Art Sticklin, Greg Wise, Len Ziehm

Contributing Photographers: Connie Black, Mark Lindsay, Steve Giles, Justin Becker,

Office Manager/Social Media: Marcede Pullen

Production: Pat Gondert

3 ANNUAL EDITIONS

Copyright ©2020 Texas Golf Insider. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is pro hibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Texas Golf Insider and its affiliates are responsible liable for omissions

A big welcome back to our northern friends.Yep! It is winter in Texas, and you could not have come at a better time, the weather is outstanding, the golf courses are in excellent condition, and I have more than a handful of courses in this edition that I recommend you play during your stay.

Let us start with our front cover feature, Vaaler Creek Golf Club at Rockin’ J Ranch in Blanco Texas. Vaaler Creek GC is one of the top 15 semi-private golf courses in the state and a premier Hill Country must play. Now if you are looking for a second home, take the tour at Rock in J Ranch and get 2-free rounds to play Vaaler Creek GC.

If you are heading over to Houston and you want to play some coastal golf put The Bayou Golf Course on your list. It is not a very long course, but it is all you can handle when the wind kicks up and is a very affordable place to play. Afterwards, check out their bar and grille, it’s a great place to have a bite to eat and the beer is always cold.

Now if you want to finish the Texas triangle by mak ing your way to Dallas/Ft. Worth you must put The Trib ute at The Colony on your list. It is home to the LPGA Volunteers of America/Ascendant National Golf Tourna ment. After your round make your way to spend the night at The Hideout Golf Club and resort. After some rest, get up in the morning and play another 18-hole Championship Golf Course. If you are traveling back to San Antonio after your round, you are just going to have to look through the magazine and make some decisions. There are quite a few courses to choose from.

For more information on a weekly basis, log on to The Texas Golf Insider/Facebook Live for our live podcast “Golf After Hours” every Thursday night at 7 pm.

Enjoy your Texas stay!

Mike Ratchman, Publisher

Joe Valentino

A forty year veteran of the construction industry, he has marketed products all over the world.

Golf is his passion and he has been fortunate enough to play top courses in seven countries. Joe is currently living in Denton and loves calling on North Texas courses for TGI.

Durwyn Williams

As our New Houston Marketing Director Durwyn brings over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in Technology and Golf. His broad spectrum of industry knowledge promotes a creative approach to building strong and profitable partnerships with his customers.

Steve Habel

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

Art Stricklin

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

No signs of slowdown at Blanco’s Rockin’ J Ranch and Vaaler Creek Golf Club

By Steve Habel, Senior Contributing Writer

If there is one thing that’s a constant in the business world, it’s the lasting value of real estate and homes. Through the ups and downs of the bull and bear markets, owning property – especially in a great location with thoughtful planning and wonderful amenities – trumps nearly all other types of investment.

Given that certainty, it’s no wonder that Rockin’ J Ranch, the highly desirable private community five miles south of the town of Blanco, continues to be successful where others have been wracked by inflation.

Rockin’ J Ranch is a 1,064-acre luxury neighborhood of spectacular Hill Country homes and homesites set amongst rolling fields of flowers and stands of oak and cedar trees. And at as its centerpiece is

one of the region’s most enjoyable and recognized golf courses – Vaaler Creek Golf Club.

Located less than an hour north of San Antonio and just a half-hour further drive from Austin, the development stands apart from others in the area, surrounded by sprawling family ranches that offers a little something of everything and is made special by the serenity and isolation that’s becoming just a bit too scarce these days.

Where rising interest rates have had an adverse effect on many other communities in the region, Rockin’ J Ranch continues to enjoy non-stop growth.

“There are about 80 homes under construction out here right now and we sold 30 more lots in the last couple of months” said Ryan Brubaker, Rockin’ J Ranch’s sales manager since nearly Day 1. “The interest in this community and what Colonel Roper envisioned from the start has not waned and continues to grow. I literally sold three homesites this morning – people genuinely love and appreciate what we have here.”

Rockin’ J Ranch has grown up over the 19 years since development began on the spectacular Hill Country neighborhood that was once just rolling fields of flowers

and stands of oak and cedar trees. There were 1,800 homesites plated for the community, and all but about 175 have been sold since 2004.

Rockin’ J Ranch was the brainchild of Colonel Lee Roper, an El Paso businessman and 24-year Army veteran, who was entranced by the land that would become the community from the minute he set eyes on the sprawling tract more than 35 years ago.

Roper has helped bring families to the Texas Hill Country via dozens of successful projects through his company, Rinco of Texas, a firm that has been ultimately responsible for developing more than 30 properties across the Hill Country.

“We’ve developed and sold more than 8,000 tracts of land over the past 30-plus years,” Col. Roper said. “I don’t think anybody else has done that.”

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

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

Rockin’ J Ranch has become a melting pot of residents from across Texas and from coast to coast. “They are coming because of the beauty of the Hill Country,” Brubaker said. “Everyone wants a little piece of the heaven we have here, and we try to help them.”

The original ranch presence was preserved with a handful of 150-year-old homes and landmarks being incorporated into the golf course clubhouse. All the street names in the community are named after Texas Rangers.

Besides the golf course, Rockin’ J Ranch has enhanced its off-course amenities, first through the Stay & Play Offers at Vaaler Creek with condos for rent off the 10th tee, then with a gleaming pool, a

Homes at Rockin’ J Ranch

Hill Country Sunsets at Rockin J Ranch

nature park with hike and bike trails, pond for canoeing and fishing, and a pavilion near the community pool for after-golf dining, entertaining and special events.

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

The Colonel still offers in-house financing for his lots (“we still make deals on a handshake,” Brubaker said). He continues to live on the same ranch he originally developed, and he still comes into the office and has lunch with his team.

Vaaler Creek GC matures into ‘destination’ golf course

Vaaler Creek Golf Club is as firmly established as the community around it, grown up and grown in and one of the most popular courses in the area thanks to word of mouth and a bushelful of great reviews that continue to entice golfers to the property.

Vaaler Creek GC is a place for great golf and a solid option that integrates challenge and fun in an isolated setting. It was voted the nation’s No. 19 Best New Course for 2010-11 by Golf Digest and has remained on the top of the region’s rankings because of its playability, its excellent conditioning, and the attention to detail by the facility’s staff.

“Our rounds increased by 10-15 percent over the past year and that’s on top of the growth we enjoyed in the years before and then because of the pandemic,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek’s Director of Golf. “The course continues to improve and get better with age. It’s always fun hearing the comments of people who play Vaaler Creek for the first time – it’s always ‘why haven’t I played this place before?’”

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

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

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

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

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

It’s hard to find a better threehole finish than at Vaaler Creek. The 515-yard, par 5 16th races downhill past a pond along the right before ascending to a green guarded frontleft by a cavernous bunker. The green slopes back toward you from the fairway and, if the pin is at the right-front, there’s a backstop that might redirect your shot toward the hole.

The par-4 17th plays much shorter than its 425 yards as it moves off a slightly elevated tee. The approach is over a babbling stream to an undulating and elevated green lined laterally by trees.

Though the first 17 holes provide their share of thrills and chills, nothing prepares you for the 405-yard, par 4 closer. The drive here is best played long

and downhill along the left side, but too far to the starboard side brings a lake into play. The approach is all carry and downhill over the water hazard, finishing at a putting surface in the shadow of the golf shop.

Vaaler Creek has become a real favorite for Hill Country golfers and continually draws players from the region’s bigger cities.

Rockin’ J Ranch feels like home – but that was the plan.

Familiarity produces endearment Bayou Golf Course in Texas City provides

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

If you are familiar with the Bayou Golf Course here on the Texas Gulf Coast, you know it’s one of the region’s best bangs for the buck, a place where you can enjoy a solid round of golf on a well-conditioned course in a well-paced manner for less than $40.

Those attributes check a lot of boxes for most golfers, but add in a challenging routing with a great mix of holes, along with testing greens complexes and de manding putting surfaces and Bayou Golf Course rises above the norm.

“Our players have come to understand that we consider them like part of our family, and that is one of the things that makes a round at our course and the time spent here before and after the round so appealing,” said Mike Skiba, Bayou Golf Course’s head professional and director of golf. “We see some of our players two or three times a week – and that’s a good thing.”

Bayou Golf Course is a hybrid links/ parkland-style facility that was carved out of about 200 acres of marshland and origi nally designed by legendary Texas golf ar chitect Joe Finger in 1974. It was restored

and enhanced in 2014 by Houstonian Mike Nuzzo and is better now than ever, playing at 6,596 windswept yards from the back tees and to a par of 72.

Bayou Golf Course is just 14 miles from the Galveston city limits and is located in Galveston County on the out skirts of Texas City. Moses Bayou skirts the property as it flows toward Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, with water com ing into play on 12 of the holes.

There are also 18 sand bunkers strate gically placed in throughout the routing to form a formidable combination with the course’s slightly elevated tees and greens.

From the back tees four of the par 4s are carded at over 400 yards and three of the par 5s play at more than 500 yards. Add in the wind, which is always blowing here, and those seven holes alone clearly indicate the need for prowess with the driver

After two relatively easy holes to start the round, the 414-yard par 4 third ups the ante aplenty, playing into the prevail ing wind with water along the left on the approach and trees on the right near the primo landing area. The bayou also skirts

great golf, great food, great fellowship

behind the smallish and undulating putting surface at the back-left. It’s one of the toughest pars on the Gulf Coast.

The 414-yard par 4 sixth demands thought and course management. The tee shot must be short of the bayou that begins 225 yards off the tee, after which approach requires another wind-affected long iron to a tiny green.

The 481-yard par-5 10 offers the golfer a risk/reward option. There is a lake in play off the tee and on the approach and out of bounds on the left, but birdie or better is within reach with two, or three, well executed shots.

Bayou Golf Club is renowned for its four-hole closing stretch. The 573-yard par 5 15th is the longest hole here and has a double dogleg. Next up is the deadly and long 191-yard par 3 16th, which always seem to need one more club than you think to reach the putting surface.

The 17th, at 457 yards, is a doglegleft with a stout carry across the turn to the fairway and the longest par 4 on the course. Trees stand sentinel on the left side as well, which if taken on with a success ful drive can shorten the approach, if not you’ll write down bogey or worse. Most of the Bayou Golf Course’s regular players

consider a par here to be like a birdie, especially on those days when the wind comes in from the north.

The round wraps up with a 393-yard par-4 that’s considered one of the best fin ishing holes in the Bay Area. There’s water along the left side and a deep bunker that guards the tournament hole placement at the back-left.

Time does not stand still and neither do the demands placed on the manage ment of a golf course. It’s a constant battle with Mother Nature and the wear and tear placed on a course by those who play it to keep conditions at their best and adapt to the occasional curveball thrown into the mix by the weather or other intangibles.

This is another aspect in which Bayou Golf Course really shines. The course just completed a renovation of all its cart paths on the back-nine, with plans in the future to redo the front-nine paths, to improve drainage throughout (especially on the front-nine, which is the most affected by the bay’s tidal pools) and re-grass some areas on the edges of the course that have been damaged by the brackish water.

There are also plans on the table to construct a new clubhouse for the course. All of those needs are on the to-do list put together by Skiba, who’s been the Bayou Golf Course’s head professional and direc tor of golf for nearly six years.

Skiba, with great help from Texas City’s city council and community leaders, has produced a steady increase in play at the Bayou GC through the years, with the

largest uptick coming after golf’s overall resurgence and growth during and since the pandemic.

“The city’s leaders understand that Bayou Golf Course is a community ame nity, just like a park, but one that makes money to help pay for itself,” Skiba said. “We have had an increase on our rounds, and I think that comes from a combina tion of the efforts we employ to keep the course in the best shape possible and the friendly attitude we provide to our players. They know they are appreciated.”

Bayou Golf Course is famously known as the place where Butch Harmon, one of the game’s most noted and famed instruc tors, got his first job in the golf business.

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

The facility also offers the community a five-and-a-half acre walking family pitchand-putt course with holes that play from 60 to 90 yards. It’s a place where you can find both the skilled golfer looking to hone his or her skills around the greens (and who isn’t) as well as beginners just learn ing about how great golf can be.

It’s the home to a First Tee program. “I love to see the kids out there – that’s our future right there, and they are learning just how much fun golf can be,” Skiba said. “Our First Tee program continues to grow each year.”

Scott Schreiner Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Redesigned by renowned golf course architect Joe Finger in 1999, it is one of the best kept secrets of the southwest.

The layout features mounded greens in a variety of sizes and shapes. The fairways offer generous landing areas, yet are tight enough to present a comfortable challenge. The signature hole is number 17, a 535-yard par-5. Water comes into play on the second shot, then again on the approach to the green, which is surrounded by water on three sides. A waterfall to the left of the green adds a pleas ing aesthetic. Set against the beautiful hills and rustic Texas landscape, this course is fun for all.

The course is located in Kerrville, Texas making it an easy drive from San Antonio or Austin. A putting green, driving range, chipping greens with sand bunker, com plete pro shop, and available golf lessons are some of the amenities found at the course.

Kerrville boasts over 900 acres of public spaces to paddle, bike and play in. Enjoy eclectic restaurants, local music and local breweries and wine during your stay.

By Steve Habel, ContributingWriter

The Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio bills itself as the “friendliest course in Texas” and after a recent round here, it’s a claim that’s all but impossible to dispute. From the minute you check in, the way a golfer is treated on the course and while using the facility’s cool amenities after the round sets this place apart – and earns it a spot in our hearts as well as on the list of “must plays” in South Texas.

“Not only is our golf course one of the best in San Antonio, but our staff is amazing and their efforts to provide our guests the best experience possible allow the Golf Club of Texas to excel,” said Bo LeHew, the Golf Club of Texas’ Vice President of Operations. “We all take great pride in what we have here.”

It’s not just that attitude that shines at the Golf Club of Texas – its golf

course is also a showcase. The Golf Club of Texas, set in the southwest sector of the Alamo City off Highway 90, turns up the fun factor a notch or two with its Roy Bechtol-designed, links-style course that’s turfed throughout with dif ferent strains of Zoysia grass.

The Golf Club of Texas is located on a 1,900-acre site at the steps of the Hill Country and incorporates the rugged South Texas landscape where it meets a lush, sprawling flood plain.

Four-holes wide in spots and fol lowing a meandering creek, the course provides a core-golfing experience at its best. Indigenous plants are juxtaposed against surprisingly wide fairways and mostly large and challenging greens.

“I love the way the course plays and the feeling that you are constantly sur rounded by golf and nature,” LeHew said. “The course is challenging but also can play to a golfer’s strengths. There are places you can miss a shot or two, but the routing provides ways to get those shots back with good execution.”

The Golf Club of Texas was originally designed by Bechtol, the Austin-based golf course architect and master planner, as a Lee Trevino-signature course

San Antonio’s The Golf Club of Texas is friendly, playable and memorable

and has always been a favorite haunt for golfers looking for a combination of playability and challenge. It opened in 1999 and in 2014 was renovated, reworked and re-routed, with the nines switched.

“You stand on the deck of the clubhouse here and see nothing but golf across the wide plain to the south,” Bechtol said. “There’s the feeling here that golf was the most important aspect of the site.”

It’s the only course in the United States whose putting surfaces are Zoy sia, an experiment that was embraced eight years ago when the course was renovated. Zoysia, a versatile, droughtresistant and hearty turf, makes every lie in the fairway seem like it’s on a tee. The grass also repels pitch marks on putting surfaces while allowing the greens to remain receptive to approach shots.

Golfers will also love the facility’s expanded practice area, which includes a dual-sided driving range and a private teaching area. Two lighted practice put ting greens have also been fashioned in the shadow of the updated clubhouse, one with some challenging slopes that

act as its own place for fun and competi tion.

The circular outside bar, the Tin Cup, is adjacent to the clubhouse and driving range and is the perfect place to recap the day on the course, settle up bets and enjoy a few more minutes with friends, both those you knew before the round and those you’ve made during your stay.

Golf Club Of Texas

BREAKING UP WITH GOLFNOW

Written by Bo LeHew

Every significant relationship is defined by its partners’ duties to each other. Each party has something to give to the other to keep it balanced. GolfNow is in a relationship with over 9,000 golf courses in the world. I was one of those golf courses. Being in a relationship with GolfNow is simple. You don’t pay them a dime, all they want in return is your golf course’s tee times. Starting off at one tee time going all the way up to four tee times, per day, in exchange for various services they offer. Between their 3rd party booking site, marketing and social media support, website hosting, point of sale software & even an answering service, you would end up paying them nothing! Just a measly 16 rounds per day. Or 480 rounds per month. Or up to a staggering 5,840 rounds per year. For a golf course averaging 40,000 rounds a year, that’s 15% of your inventory. And with no up-front costs, many courses overlook this steep price because the perceived value of this relationship looks very fair… on paper.

GolfNow cares about one thing and one thing only, their bottom line. So, how have they managed to entrench themselves so firmly in the golf

industry? They preach they are here to help golf course owners, but from my experience they look at golf course operators and management companies as supremely naïve. GolfNow reps come bearing gifts as well as lunch for their quarterly visits to explain “how great they are performing for you”. What is left out is the massive revenue they are stripping from your golf course and the booking fees they are gouging your golfers for as well. On top of that, they have done an impressive job at making you believe you have no other option in the golf market.

Well, that’s just not true and certainly not a relationship I wanted to be involved in. I wanted to separate myself from the competition. I wanted to break free from this toxic relationship. I didn’t want to wait for a quarterly statement from someone controlling my inventory to stop by with lunch and tell me how well I was doing. I wanted to look at how I was doing every month, week or even every day by checking the analytics myself.

I also wanted my golfers to benefit by getting amazing instant rewards, special promo codes to save money on future tee times, bad weather discounts

The above opinion is not necessarily that of the Texas Golf Insider

& most importantly stop the booking fee gouging on my golfers. I wanted a better overall experience for my golfer.

So, I had enough. I started thinking outside the box and doing some research, there had to be better options out there. I decided I wanted to take back my golf. I wanted to control my dynamic pricing and keep 100% of my revenue for every tee time I sold online. Sound too good to be true?

Sound too difficult to accomplish? …. Well, It’s not.

I decided to break up with GolfNow.

It’s already become the smartest move I’ve made in my career.. With GolfNow I averaged 600 online rounds booked per month. With an average of $18,000 in monthly revenue. Two hundred of those rounds generated $0 in revenue due to my tee time trade agreement I had. That’s an Average Round Per Golfer (APR) of $34.

In the one month since I have left GolfNow, in the shoulder month of July no less. I increased online rounds by 35%! From those online rounds, total revenue was increased by an astonishing 120%!! July produced an eye popping $51 APR, an increase of $18 in revenue per golfer! In that very first month I left GolfNow, I had a RECORD month in online bookings for rounds and revenue! I also had a record number of e-blasts opened, the highest click through rate EVER & a record number of new E-Club subscribers. There aren’t enough exclamation marks in the world to properly express my elation.

How did I do this, though? How did I break up with the one entity everyone in the golf industry MUST be in a relationship with?

I formed a new relationship with a partner on the cutting edge of the golf industry who made this transition as effortless as possible. I now have the sharpest looking website in my city and the most beneficial booking engine in the industry today. Not to mention access to cutting edge analytics.

My biggest fear was, “what will happen to all of the rounds that were booked through GolfNow?” I was petrified. Did I make the right call? Will people still book at my golf course?

The answer was a resounding “YES”!

The most important lesson I learned is that the average golfer is smart and savvy. If they want to play at my golf course, they will simply type my course name into a search engine and go to my website.

Why am I telling you this story when I could easily keep this information to myself? As being part of a community of golf course operators, I feel it’s my duty to share best practices. GolfNow isn’t helping the golf industry, it’s hurting it.

So, who am I in a relationship with now, I’m sure you’re asking yourself? GolfBack Solutions, you can visit their website here www.golfbacksolutions.com

If you’d like to hear more about my journey and how I can help you take your golf back, here’s my cell phone, call me at 210885-1302, I can help you through your break-up.

Bo LeHew

Let the Good Times Roll! Laissez les bon temps rouler

Story by Greg Wise

Although the Cajun French version of “let the good times roll” was developed in the French Quarter of New Orleans… I felt compelled to borrow this term for your trip around Louisiana and the joie de vivre (joy of living) that truly explains our love of the game of golf.

Louisiana is a “Sportsman’s Paradise” for fishing or hunting, but golfers have

nothing to fear when it comes down to ample quality, challenging golf – all around the state.

The Louisiana Golf Trails was developed to connect golfers with other experiences in Louisiana.

Look… we all know that golf is a simple 4-hour game (that might be think ing a little too optimistically, or to share

some of my personal sarcasm), so what do you do with the balance of your time?

The well-known Audubon Golf Trail consists of 16 golf courses around the state and covers all 3 regions of Louisiana. This original “Golf Trail” has connected those 16 courses with 6 other opportunities for you to experience the culture around Louisiana.

I would call the Louisiana Golf Trails “GOLF &”.

“Golf and Fishing Trails” – Not just a hobby to pass the time – fishing is a way of life. From their lakes, rivers and marshes to the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has the fisherman in you covered.

Check out the Cypress Bend Golf Course in Many, LA. At this location you are literally minutes away from completing your challenging round on their mind-blowing golf course and dropping your line in the water with a

guide that knows where the hot spots are on Toledo Bend Lake.

“Golf and Gaming Trails” –Known as “Las Vegas South” – you find yourself chipping in on the 5th hole at Koasati Pines in Kinder, LA, and throwing the dice on tables at Coushatta Casino Resort.

LOOK…I have never heard a golfer yell “7 come 11” on the first tee at any golf course, especially when we play for money. But I did hear one of our players yelling “give me an easy 4” on the first hole at Tamahka Trails Golf Course that is part of Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, LA.

“Golf & Culinary Trails” - Really… do we need to explain this one? A study not long ago found that Louisiana was the nation’s happiest state.Want to make me happy? Serve up some fresh Gulf seafood or boudin, or even andouille sausage gumbo… and although I may have just

The Lucky 19th hole at Koasati Pines PlaceYour Bets ...

Cypress Bend 18th Hole

shot well above my normal score on the golf course, I am going to have a smile on my face as I bite into a fresh hot Beignet. Enough said!

“Golf & Craft Beer Trails”

Imagine a great round of golf… a great Cajun dinner and you are strolling through a small town and find a Craft Brewer. You settle in for a cold one and enjoy their unique flavor and vibe that sets them apart from the next. Maybe it’s the water, maybe it’s the other ingredients, or maybe it’s just the atmosphere that takes you away as you listen to the history of their special town. Those problems that you may have had on the golf course seem to melt away. Preparing you for the next round on the golf course.

“Golf and Music” Say what? The birthplace of jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop, music is engrained in the soul of Louisiana. From the main stage at the lavish casinos right down to the Street Performers… Louisiana Music can be found

everywhere. I’ll bet the next day on the golf course you will be hearing those tunes filtering through the trees.

“Golf and Distillery”

Now we are talking. The Big Easy? – No, those legal “Speakeasies” – where you nestle up to the bar talking about your heroic shots of the day and sipping on some “World Class” bourbon being distilled in the back room. Take a tour, see how it is done. Okay… so the golf that day just got a little easier to take, while preparing for the next day.

The folks of the Louisiana Golf Trails made it easier for all of us. They have estab lished 3-day itineraries that truly fit all of these “Golf &’s” that you have been reading about. Check them out at: Louisiana GolfTrails.com Laissez les bon temps rouler

The Higgins Hotel Adjacent to the WWII Museum

Don’t forget to visit Rosie’s Roof Top Lounge at The Higgins Hotel.

PLAY THE LARGEST GAMING FLOOR IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA.

With a huge selection of games and lots of wide-open gaming space, you get to play more of your favorite slots and table games. Come experience true Louisiana hospitality, Coushatta style!

Call 877-770-7867.

ccrla.com

Coushatta supports responsible gaming.

Coushatta Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

Fields Ranch East & West at PGA Frisco New Public Championship Courses

Texas has golf courses, lots and lots of golf courses, 800-plus in fact. Lots of great courses, private enclaves, plus toprated resorts in Austin-San Antonio, but great public golf, especially in the North? Not so much. That’s what makes the soon to open two public championship courses in Frisco, 40 minutes north of downtown Dallas, such a golfing game changer.

Located at the new, modern PGA of America headquarters on 660 acres of

former North Texas farm land, hence the official name Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco, East and West Course.

Owned and operated by Omni Hotels, which will have a massive 550room resort here, the PGA will oversee golf operations on City of Frisco land.

Every spare inch of this new Texas golfing utopia will be open to the public, from the largest putting green in the US of A (the Dance Floor), to the 10-hole Short Course (The Swing),

By Art Stricklin, ContributingWriter

PGA Frisco East Course, #10 -12

PGA Frisco East Course, #18

to the resort and two courses, the East designed by Gil Hanse and the West, a Beau Welling Design.

Heck, even the Northern Texas PGA will have an awesome synthetic putting and chipping complex here open to the public when not in use for NTPGA activities.

With nearly a dozen eating, drink ing and shopping establishments over seen by a huge electronic TV screen, plus a three mile walk/bike/pet trail, you’ve got a golfing paradise no matter if you’re a thoroughly hooked hacker, a casual golfer or just somebody who wants in on the non-stop action.

PGA Frisco Golf Complex is for you, Joe or Judy Q. Public.

“We were always going to make everything public here, because that fits into the PGA of America’s mission of attract ing golfers and non-golfers to the sport,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.

The East Course, which will host 26 major golf championships starting with the PGA Seniors Championship in May, two future PGA Championships and likely a Ryder Cup., includes a drivable par 4 on both the front (No. 7) and back nine (15).

There is a nearly a 300-yard par 3, (No. 13 from the championship tees) along with the largest green on the course followed by the smallest, just to confuse golfers’ already confused minds. Then a bunkerless par 4 16th hole which seems simple, but is anything but!

Rendering of Hotel Entrance

Rendering of Family Pool

Then for the closing act, there is a dangerous 17th hole par 3 at 141 yards, the shortest on the course, plus a par 5 18th hole with a large stream and a hard dogleg right, plus a 10-foot earthen wall you’ll to hit over to reach the final green after crossing Panther Creek for the final time.

“I think you could have some fire works there,” Hanse said in a bit of an understatement in a fireside interview with co-designer Welling at the Omni Frisco Resort.

It’s a course to be ridden for sure, but one to take in the scenery with risk and reward challenge. Welling said the two courses are not identical sisters but in the same family.

“It’s more like cousins, I’d say. I wanted to be able to bring my mother

The West Course by Welling ,who did Bluejack National with Tiger Woods outside Houston, did the more player friendly course with lots of wide open North Texas prairie spaces, elevated views and some truly funky greens.

PGA Frisco East Course, #5

PGA Frisco East Course, #13

out here who may not be as good as I am, but still have a good time.”

The public, which will get its first chance to play here in the spring of 2023, will make up more than 80% of the rounds on the Hanse East course. Hanse designed the course to be player friendly, but certainly not pain free if you don’t hit the correct shot from the correct tee.

Hanse said one of the things he learned from designing the Olympic Golf Course in Brazil. which turned into a public facility after the Olympics left, is using a long set of ‘ribbon tees’, which is a continual path of grass, 100 yards long on some of the holes.

The course can easily play more than 7,800 yards from the back ribbon, but PGA officials said the length will rarely, if ever, be used on a daily basis.

Playing the correct set of tees will be critical to resort player enjoyment for the triple figure rates which will be charged to Omni Hotel guests and general public play.

The opening hole on the East Course is a par 5 with a dogleg right, which

features some thick rough and the first appearance of native Panther Creek.

A less than optimal shot could mean the first lost ball early despite the best effort of the caddies, which will allow for walking by guests.

In fact, when Woods opened his private Bluejack National course three hours south east of here, he said he hoped most players could play his course with a single ball.

If an amateur plays PGA Frisco East with single ball, they might be drug tested or sent straight up to the PGA Tour, Holes 10-12, all par 4, play in full view of the Huge Omni Resort, making them prime spots for tournament watch ing, but players of all skill levels will have their full attention captured when they get to the par 3 13th hole.

Panther Creek cuts across the fairway and curls up the left side, and it will be one of the most attractive features on the back side. The par 4 15th is another up hill drivable par 4 which is surrounded by bunkers to embrace the risk-reward fac tor. It’s public drama open to all in the new home of professional and amateur golf in Texas and all of America.

PGA FriscoWest Course, #5

The Oasis San Miguel Guesthouse helps make sublime Central Mexico area a golf destination

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

You have likely heard about the lovely central Mexico town of San Miguel de Allende, which is renowned as a haven for foreign retirees, American expats, artists, writers and tourists. If Susan ONeal has anything to say about it, the area will also grab attention as a really-out-of-the-way place to visit, relax, and play golf.

ONeal is the owner and operator of The Oasis San Miguel Guesthouse, a lovely and intimate bed and breakfast on the southwest edge of town that’s a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city’s interior.

At The Oasis, which features five ensuite rooms, a gleaming, blue-tiled

pool in the shadow of swaying palms, and lush landscaping, ONeal has created a guesthouse of understated elegance in the Moroccan style that is perfect for just about everything.

Sounds like just the place to unwind after a round of golf – or after any of the other great activities in the region.

“People feel very much at home in San Miguel and especially at The Oasis,” ONeal said. “Visitors fall in love with the setting –our city is very safe and welcoming. Once you come here, you just don’t want to leave. I know I didn’t.”

The Oasis is blocks away from Ma lanquin Golf Club and a 15-minute drive across town from Las Ventanas Golf Club. It’s been said that a destination needs at least two 18-hole courses to be con sidered for a golf trip, so San Miguel de Allende more than fits the bill.

Two courses, two great choices

Malanquin GC was designed by Steven Newgent, who routed his course between valleys and across and over heavily wooded natural hills, with narrow fairways and sev eral artificial lakes.

Game Room

The round at Malanquin GC is high lighted by spectacular views of the Allende Dam and the mountains of the Sierra de Guanajuato.

The 18-hole course plays at 7,289 yards from its back set of tees and to a par of 72 and has Bent grass putting surfaces.

The front nine starts the round in a relatively benign fashion via wide fair ways divided by trees and some gentle hills. Things get a lot tougher on the back, as the fairways narrow and there’s more water and sand to avoid.

O’Neal has set up a stay-and-play pack age for her guests at The Oasis. Golfers get 20 percent off of the cost of their rounds at Malanquin GC and groups that book all five of her suites at the same time get a “pay-for-four, get-the-fifth-free” discount.

The newer Las Ventanas Golf Club is a Nick Faldo/Schmidt-Curley-designed course and is considered the best track in the area. It was Faldo’s first design in Latin America and is challenging from tee to green thanks to its many elevation changes.

The course plays to a par of 70 and has tee boxes and fairways turfed with Ken tucky Bluegrass and Bent grass greens. The fairways are generous and fairly easy to hit but its putting surfaces are the real test. You might want to stay Set in a verdant valley at the nexus of four arroyo and at an elevation of 6,500

feet that produces a near-year-round temperate climate, San Miguel de Allende has a metro population of about 150,000 people and offers a low cost of living in the central Mexico state of Guanajuato about 180 miles north of Mexico City.

Known as “the Best Small City in the World” and the “City of Fallen Women” because of its hilly, cobblestone streets in the central district, San Miquel de Al lende is still charming enough that many Mexicans visit for special holidays.There are more than a few visitors who buy a house within a few days of their first arrival, with its remoteness definitely part of its lasting charm.

Flights from Houston and Dallas to San Miquel de Allende land in airports in Queretaro (about 50 miles to the south) or Leon, which is just a half hour away and offers shuttles to the city.

Malanquin Golf Club

Meditation Patio at the Oasis

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Gulf Shores offers more than Golf

First off, let’s make this perfectly clear, Gulf Shores-Orange Beach – a  community sandwiched between Pensacola, FL. and Mobile, AL. and not far from the Mississippi state line – offers a lot more than golf. But we will get to those other nice things later.

Gulf Shores is a unique spot for golfers. Not only are its courses good, but they’re also not far from each other. The Gulf Coast and Orange Beach Vacation Guide lists 15 courses in the area with three of the best especially close together.

“We’ve got an island that is 32 miles long in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach,’’ said Easton Colvin, public relations coordinator for Gulf Shores-Orange Beach

Tourism. “In it there’s 32 miles of pretty, white sand beaches and 20 miles of golf, if you add the yardages of the courses there together.  All of our courses are public.  You can schedule a tee time on your own at every one of them.’’We also learned that full-service golf packages can be booked by a division of Troon, which owns three of the courses, called Coastal Alabama Golf.

The three courses on the island part of Gulf Shores form a tasty trio.

Kiva Dunes has earned the most accolades.  It’s a links-style layout 200 yards off the beaches. Jerry Pate, working with good friend and developer Jim Edgemon, designed it.

Pate was a hot commodity as a player before Kiva opened in 1995. He starred for the University of Alabama golf team, winning the U.S. Amateur in 1974. His pro career started with a bang too.  In 1976,  his rookie season on the PGA Tour, he won both the U.S. and Canadian Opens. Six years later he won The Players Championship.

Those are pretty good titles to have on a playing resume, and Pate won five other times before shoulder and knee problems

One of Four Pools at Kiva Dunes Resort

Kiva Dunes Resort Story by Len Ziehm

slowed his playing career down. With Kiva being one of his first designs, Pate converted to being a successful course designer, developer and businessman while settling in Pensacola.

The Jerry Pate-designed Kiva Dunes is clearly the most decorated of Gulf Shores’ 15 area golf courses.

In its early years Kiva hosted the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School three times and was named the No. 1 public course in Alabama in 2017. Located on the Fort Morgan peninsula, the facility has condominiums and beach houses to rent plus four swimming pools, two on-site restaurants and over a mile of waterfront.

Kiva has gained recognition far beyond its home state, and it’s our choice as Gulf Shores’ best – but not by all that much. Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club is pretty darn good, too.

This facility also opened in 1995, with Earl Stone designing its 27 holes on 800 acres.  Peninsula has some things that Kiva Dunes doesn’t have.  It has three nines –the Lakes, Cypress and Marsh – and the facility also has an 8,000 square foot fitness center, eight tennis courts and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Third of the island courses is Gulf Shores Golf Club, the oldest course at the destination. It was built by the father-son team of Jay and Carter Moorish in the early

Gulf Shores Golf Club

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Marsh Course

1960s and they also handled a fullscale renovation there in 2005. The course was hit by Hurricane Sally in 2020 and is still somewhat in recovery mode but its sharp doglegs and numerous water hazards make for a challenging test.

The biggest of the Gulf Shores facilities isn’t on the island, but is just 5 minutes up the road. Craft Farms has 45 holes with its Cotton Creek and Cypress courses and a nine-hole par-3 layout.  Those two 18-holers, along with Lost Key in nearby Perdido Key, comprise the only Arnold Palmer designs in Alabama. (Lost Key is in Florida)

The legendary Palmer was just starting to dabble in course design when he

developed a close friendship with Robert Craft.  They worked together for the 1987 opening of Cotton Creek and the 1993 debut of the Cypress course.  Craft passed away in 2006.  His son has been the mayor of Gulf Shores since 2008.

Though some seasons are better than others weather-wise, there’s pride in what Gulf Shores has to offer golfers.

“Gulf Shores in November is as good a place to play golf as you’ll find anywhere,’’ said Dan Dorrough, now the head superintendent at Gulf Shores Golf Club after stints as an assistant at Kiva Dunes and Craft Farms.

We made our first trip to Gulf Shores in 2012 and played the same four courses

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, Lakes Course

Craft Farms Clubhouse

as we did on this visit. The Gulf Shores community looked a lot different this time, though. Now there’s more new, or at least expanded, attractions.

For starters there’s Gulf Shores State Park with its 6,150 acres creating a haven for hikers, cyclists and Segway tours. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail spans all of the park’s 28 miles and connects both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to the park. There’s also a nature center, over two miles of uninterrupted pristine beachfront and a lodge (actually a 350-room Hilton hotel that was rebuilt in 2018) featuring the Perch Restaurant.

Our favorite dinner spot was Big Fish, a great place featuring seafood and a sushi bar but steak, pasta and sandwiches are available too.  Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s, located on the Intracoastal Waterway, also has good food along with live music, a fun arcade, a three-story climbing ropes course and children’s activities. The owner is the sister of one of my alltime favorite singers, Jimmy Buffett.

Sassy Bass Cookout Tiki Bar has a somewhat hidden location between Kiva Dunes and Peninsula, but the food, served in hot iron skillets, was delicious in addition to having a unique presentation.

And then there’s the sprawling Flora-BamaYacht Club with its world famous Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar. It offers open-air

waterfront dining and a lot more. This is a legendary place near Orange Beach that appeals to all ages with its music, interesting decor and numerous bars.  Though it was hit by numerous hurricanes over the years, Flora-Bama remains a must visit no matter the duration of your stop in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area.

You don’t have to just play golf and eat in Gulf Shores, either.  On rainy days you can still play miniature golf indoors – at the glow-in-the-dark Jurassic dinosaur adventure. It has a unique 5,000 square foot prehistoric setting and was a nice diversion for even the most serious golfers in our group. Most all of them however,  preferred the Sail Wild Hearts’  relaxing two-hour sunset cruise in a 53-foot open-ocean catamaran. For more information, visit gulfshores.com.

Arnie’s Tavern at Craft Farms

Craft Farms, Cotton Creek Course

COURSE TYPE PHONE WEBSITE

AUSTIN:

Avery Ranch Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 248-2442 www.averyranchgolf.com

Falconhead Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 402-1558 www.falconheadaustin.com

Grey Rock Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 288-4297 www.greyrockgolfandtennis.com

Hancock Park GC Public (512) 978-2330 www.austintexas.gov/department/hancock-course

Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer GC Public (512) 974-4653 www.austintexas.gov/department/jimmy-clay-course

Lions Municipal GC Public (512) 477-6963 www.austintexas.gov/department/lions-municipal-course

Morris Williams GC Public (512) 974-8333 www.austintexas.gov/department/morris-williams-course

Riverside Golf Club Public (512) 223-6677 www.riverside-gc.com

BANDERA:

Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort (830) 796-7745 www.flyingl.com

BASTROP:

Colovista Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 629-4585 www.colovistagolf.com Hyatt, Wolfdancer Resort (512) 308-9653 www.wolfdancergolfclub.com/golf-course Pine Forest Golf Club Public (512) 321-1181 www.pineforestgolfclub.com

BLANCO:

Vaaler Creek Golf Club Semi-Private (830) 833-0706 www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com

BOERNE:

Tapatio Springs Resort Resort (830) 537-4197 www.tapatiosprings.com

BURNET:

Delaware Springs GC Public (512) 756-8471 www.delawaresprings.com

CANYON LAKE:

Lakeside Golf Club Public (830) 899-3301 www.lakesidegolfclubinc.com

CASTROVILLE:

Alsatian Golf Course Public (830) 931-3100 www.alsatiangolfclub.com

COMFORT:

Buckhorn Golf Course Public (830) 995-5351 www.buckhorngolfcourse.com

CONCAN:

Frio Valley Ranch Semi-Private (830) 834-9340 www.friovalleyranch.com

DEVINE:

Devine Golf Course Public (830) 665-9943 www.devinegc.com

FLORESVILLE:

River Bend Golf Club Public (830) 216-2800 www.southtxgolf.com

FREDERICKSBURG: Lady Bird Johnson GC Public (830) 997-4010 www.ladybirdgolf.com

HORSESHOE BAY:

Blue Lake Golf Club-9 holes Public (830) 598-5524 www.bluelakegolf.com Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort (830) 598-8600 www.hsbresort.com Apple Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 www.hsbresort.com/golf/apple-rock Ram Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 www.hsbresort.com/golf/ram-rock Slick Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 www.hsbresort.com/golf/slick-rock

HUTTO: Golf Club at Star Ranch Semi-Private (512) 252-4653 www.starranchgolf.com

KERRVILLE:

Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Public (830) 257-4982 www.golfkerrvilletex.com

KINGSLAND:

Legends Golf Course Public (325) 388-8888 www.legendslbj.com

KYLE:

Plum Creek Golf Course Public (512) 262-5555 www.plumcreekgolf.com

LAGO VISTA:

Lago Vista Golf Course Semi-Private (512) 267-1170 www.lagovistagc.com

LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public (512) 556-3202 www.lampasas.org/147/Golf-Course

LEANDER:

The Golf Club at Crystal FallsPublic (512) 259-5855 www.crystalfallsgolf.com

LLANO:

Llano Golf Club Public (325) 247-5100 www.golfllanoriver.com

COURSE TYPE PHONE WEBSITE

MANOR:

Shadow Glen GC Semi-Private (512) 278-1304 www.shadowglengolf.com

MARBLE FALLS:

Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private (830) 693-3300 www.hiddenfallsgolfcourse.com

NEW BRAUNFELS:

The Bandit Golf Club Public (830) 609-4665 www.banditgolfclub.com

Landa Park Golf Course Public (830) 221-4340 www.landaparkgolfcourse.com

PLEASANTON:

Pleasanton Country Club Semi-Private (830) 281-3486 www.southtxgolf.com

PFLUGERVILLE:

Blackhawk Golf Club Public (512) 251-9000 www.blackhawkgolf.com

ROUND ROCK:

Forest Creek Golf Club Public (512) 388-2874 www.forestcreek.com

The Golf Club of Star Ranch Semi-Private (512) 252-GOLF www.starranchgolf.com

TeraVista Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 651-9850 www.teravistagolf.com

SALADO:

Mill Creek Inn & Country Club Semi-Private (254) 947-5698 www.millcreekgolf27.com

SAN MARCOS:

Kissing Tree Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 749-1031 www.kissingtreegolfclub.com

SAN SABA:

San Saba River GC Public (325) 372-3212 www.golfsansaba.com

SEGUIN:

Starcke Park Golf Course Public (830) 401-2490 www.seguintexas.gov

SPICEWOOD:

Pedernales Golf Course Public (512) 264-1489 www.cutnputt.com

SPRING BRANCH

River Crossing Club Private (830) 904-4653 www.rivercrossingclub.com

The Club at Rebecca CreekSemi-Private (830) 885-5168 www.rebeccacreek.com

SAN ANTONIO:

Brackenridge Park Golf CoursePublic (210) 226-5612 www.alamocitygolftrail.com Canyon Springs Golf Course Public (210) 497-1770 www.canyonspringsgc.com Cedar Creek Golf Course Public (210) 695-5050 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/cedar-creek-golf-course/ Gateway Hills Golf Course Public (210) 671-3466 www.jbsagolf.com/gateway-hills Golf Club of Texas Public (210) 504-2550 www.golfclubtexas.com Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort (210) 647-1234 www.hyatthills.com

La Cantera Golf Club Public (210) 558-4653 www.lacanteragolfclub.com

La Loma Grande GC Public (210) 222-9386 www.jbsatoday.com/golf/

Mission Del Lago Golf Course Public (210) 627-2522 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/mission-del-lago-golf-course/ Northern Hills Golf Club Public (210) 655-4148 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/northern-hills-golf-course Olmos Basin Golf Course Public (210) 826-4041 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/olmos-basin-golf-course/ Randolf Oaks Golf Course Public (210) 652-4570 www.jbsatoday.com/golf/

Riverside Golf Course Public (210) 533-8371 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/riverside-golf-course/ Salado Del Rio GC Public (210) 222-9386 www.jbsatoday.com/golf/

San Pedro Range & Par 3 Public (210) 349-5113 www.golfsanpedro.com

Silverhorn Golf CLub Public (210) 545-5300 www.silverhorngolfclub.com

The Palmer Course Public (210) 558-2365 www.lacanteragolfclub.com

The Quarry Golf Club Semi-private (210) 824-4500 www.quarrygolf.com

TPC San Antonio Resort (210) 491-5800 www.tpc.com/sanantonio/

Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private (210) 655-1421 www.windcrestgolfclub.net

Willow Springs Golf Course Public (210) 226-6721 www.alamocitygolftrail.com/willow-springs-golf-course/

UNIVERSAL CITY:

Olympia Hills Golf & Conf. Ctr Public (210) 945-4653 www.olympiahillsgolf.com

UTOPIA:

Utopia Golf Course Public (830) 966-5577 www.utopiagolf.com/www.utopiagolf.com/

VICTORIA:

Riverside Golf Course Municipal (361) 573-4521 www.playriversidegc.com

WIMBERLEY:

Quicksand at Woodcreek Public (512) 847-9700 www.quicksandatwoodcreekwimberley.com

COURSE TYPE PHONE WEBSITE THE COAST

Alice Municipal Golf Course Public (361) 664-7033

Brownsville Golf Center Public (956) 541-2582 www.brownsvilletx.gov/431/Golf-Center

Bay Forest Golf Public (361) 790-7513 www.bayforestgolf.com

Colony Creek Country Club Semi-Private (361) 576-0018 www.theclubatcolonycreek.com

Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Public (956) 428-7758 www.waco-texas.com/cms-cottonwoodcountryclub/#gsc.tab=0

Ebony Hills Municipal Golf Course Public (956) 292-2144 www.facebook.com/EbonyHillsGolfClub/

El Campo County Club Private (409) 543-6592 www.elcampocountryclub.com

Edna Country Club Public (361) 771-2424 www.ednacountryclub.com

Goliad Golf Club Public (361) 645-8322 www.facebook.com/GoliadGolf/

Harlingen Country Club Private (956) 412-4110 www.harlingencc.com

L.E. Ramey Golf Course Public (361) 592-1101 www.l-e-ramey-golf-course.business.site

Los Lagos Municipal Golf Course Public (956) 316-0444 www.facebook.com/LosLagosTX/ Lozano Golf Center Public (361) 826-8016 www.lozanogolfcenter.com

Oso Beach Municipal GC Public (361) 826-8010 www.osobeachgolf.com

Northshore Golf Course Public (361) 643-2798 www.northshoretx.com/welcome

Padre Isles Country Club Private (361) 949-8056 www.spigolf.com

Palm View Golf Course Public (956) 687-9591 www.palmviewgolf.com/contact/ Palmilla Beach Golf Club Semi-Private (361) 749-4653 www.palmillabeach.com

Rio Colorado Golf Course Public (979) 244-2955 www.riocoloradogolfcourse.com

The Victoria Country Club Semi-Private (361) 573-3712 www.victoriacc.com

Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Public (956) 702-2320 www.golf.pharr-tx.gov

Tierra Santa Golf Club Public (956) 973-1811 www.terrasantaweslaco.com

Treasure Hills Country Club Semi-Private (956) 365-3100 www.facebook.com/TreasureHillsGolfCourse/

Village Executive Golf Course Public (956) 968-5616 www.facebook.com/Village-executive-golf-course-584437071605208/

Valley International Country Club Semi-Private (956) 546-5331 www.valleyinternationalgolf.com

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

COURSE TYPE PHONE WEBSITE

Adobe Wells Country Club Private (956) 686-8801 www.welcomehomergv.com/business/adobe-wells-country-club

Alamo Country Club Private (956) 787-0910 www.myalamocountryclub.com

Brownsville Municipal GC Public (956) 541-2582 www.golfcenter.cob.us Cimarron Private (956) 581-7408 www.cimarroncountryclub.com

Cottonwood 21 Semi-Private (956) 428-0766 www.cottonwoodcreekcountryclub.com

Ebony Hills Golf Course Public (956) 381-1244 www.facebook.com/EbonyHillsGolfClub/ Harlingen Country Club Private (956) 412-4110 www.harlingencc.com

Jim Paul Golf Course Public (956) 943-7520 www.longislandvillage.com/info.php?pnum=2 Llano Grande Golf Course Public (956) 565-3351 www.llanogranderesort.com

Los Lagos Golf Club Public (956) 316-0444 www.facebook.com/LosLagosTX/

Martin Valley Ranches Golf Course Public (956) 585-6330 www.1golf.eu/en/club/martin-valley-ranch-golf-course/ McAllen Country Club Private (956) 928-0440 www.mcallencountryclub.com

Palm View Golf Course Public (956) 687-9591 www.palmviewgolf.com/contact/ Rancho Viejo Country Club Semi-Private (956) 350- 4000 www.rvrcc.com

Raymondville Municipal Course Public (956) 689-9904 www.facebook.com/raymondvillegolfcourse/

River Bend Resort Semi-Private (956) 548-0191 www.riverbendresort.us/

Shary Municipal Golf Course Public (956) 580-8770 www.missiontexas.us/Departments/Golf

South Padre Island Golf Club Public (956) 943-5678 www.spigolf.com

The MAX Golf Course Public (956) 726-2000 www.themaxlaredo.com

Tony Butler Municipal GC Public (956) 216-5970 www.tonybutlergc.com

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

Type Hole Par

Yardage /Rating /Slope Practice

Blue Lake Golf Club (830) 598-5524 P 9 32 6917/63.2/120 • • • 68 214 W. Bluebonnet Dr., Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 www.bluelakegolf.com 6

26

Brackenridge Park Golf Course (210) 226-5612 P 18 72 62 34/70.3/126 • • • • 33 2315 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 37

Cedar Creek Golf Course (210) 695-5050 P 18 72 7150/74.1/131 • • • • 33 8250 Vista Colina, San Antonio, TX 78255 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 20

Golf Club of Texas (210) 504-2550 M 18 72 7137/74.1/130 • • • • • 21 13600 Briggs Ranch, San Antonio, TX 78245 www.golfclubtexas.com 73

Landa Park Golf Course (830) 221-4340 M 18 71 62 05/68.9/112 • • • • • 3 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.landaparkgolfcourse.com 78

Llano River Golf Course (325) 247-5100 M 18 71 60 94/69.1/123 • • • 61 2835 West Ranch Road 152, Llano, TX 78643 www.cityofllano.com 58

Mission Del Lago Golf Course (210) 627-2522 P 18 72 70 44/73.4/132 • • • • 33 1250 Mission Grande, San Antonio, TX 78221 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 9

Northern Hills Golf Course (210) 655-4148 P 18 72 66 02/71.9/123 • • • • • 33 13202 Scarsdale, San Antonio, TX 78217 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 10

Olmos Basin Golf Course (210) 826-4041 P 18 72 68 47/71.8/131 • • • • 33 7022 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 11

Riverside Golf Course (210) 533-8371 P 18 72 66 94/71.2/114 • • 33 203 McDonald, San Antonio, TX 78210 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 12

San Pedro Range & Par 3 (210) 349-5113 P 9 • • • 33 6102 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.alamocitygolftrail.com 85

San Saba River Golf Course (325) 372-3212 P 18 72 69 02/ /119 • • • • 54 723 C R 102, San Saba, TX 76877 www.golfsansaba.com 17

Scott Shreiner Municipal Golf Course (830) 257-4982 M 18 70 64 53/71.6/126 • • • • 20 1 Country Club Dr., Kerrville, TX 78028 www.golfkerrvilletex.com 3

Star Ranch Golf Club (512) 252-4653 P 18 71 70 30/71.0/117 • • • • 15 2500 FM 685, Hutto, TX 78634 www.starranchgolf.com 35

Tierra Del Sol Golf Club (956) 402-4545 P 18 72 62 66/69.9/128 • • • • 77 700 E. Hall Acres, Pharr, TX 78577 www.golf.pharr-tx.gov 99

The MAX Golf Club (956) 726-2000 P 18 71 6211/72.0/125 • • • • • 82 27700 FM 1472, Laredo TX 78045 www.themaxlaredo.com

87

13

Vaaler Creek Golf Club

228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78155 www.vcgc.golf

(830) 833-0706 P 18 72 68 64/73.0/140 • • • • 13

Willow Springs Golf Club (210) 226-6721 P 18 72 72 21/74.6/130

202 AT&T Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219 www.alamocitygolftrail.com

• • • • 33

SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | INSTRUCTION

ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING

Alabama | Ad Page 83 Alabama | www.golfalabama.org

C ity of Llano | Map #78 | Ad Page 61 301 West Main, Llano, TX | www.cityofllano.com | 325-247-4158

C oushatta Casino | Ad Page 30-31 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

Double Schotts Sports Bar & Grill| Map #22 | Ad Pg 38 2055 Central Plaza # 102 | New Braunfels, TX www.doubleschotts.com | 830-632-5355

Louisiana Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Louisiana | www.Louisianagolftrails.com

Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 87 | Ad Page 12 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.rockinjranch.net | 830-833-2266

Terrace Rooftop Bar & Kitchen| Map #23 | Ad Pg 38 2031 Central Plaza # 101 | New Braunfels, TX www.terraceskybar.com | 830-358-7316

Th e National Golf Club of Louisiana | Ad Page 29 1400 National Dr, Westlake, LA 70669 www.nationalgcla.com | 337-433-2255

The Oasis in San Miguel | Ad Page 39 www.oasisinsanmiguel.com | 480-664-3200

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 13 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

SHOPPING/SERVICES

Bash in the Box | Ad Page 75 www.bashinthebox.com

Coby Stevens | Ad Page 14 www.cobystevens.com

Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 42-48

1050 N,.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 210-822-4060

Edwin Watts | Map # 83 | Ad Page 42-48 4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 361-852-0358

SHOPPING/SERVICES

Facebook Live ‘Golf After Hours’ | Ad Page 49 Thurdays 7-8 pm |

PGA Tour Superstore | Map #7 | Ad Page 5 10515 North Mopac Expressway,Toll road, Austin,TX www.pgatoursuperstore.com | (512) 382-4000

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 5 | Ad Page5 18450 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258 www.pgatoursuperstore.com | 726) 336-2666

The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 7 610 N Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX | 35 & Williams Drive at exit 262 www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS

David Orgin Golf Academy | MAP # 42 | Ad Page 14 1235 Wald Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78132 www.davidorgingolfacademy.com | 830-660-3998

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

REAL ESTATE

Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 12 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.rockinjranch.net | 830-833-2266

With time at a premium in the mod ern world and the game of golf continuing to grow, we continue to see a renewed in terest in the non-traditional round played on courses that are less than 18 holes.

Sometimes, playing nine holes is enough golf for one day. If you have a hankering to double that amount, well you can play the course twice, often for the same price or just a few dollars more.

By Steve Habel, Contributing Writer

New facilities are opening across the country and throughout the state of Texas that make the most of six-, nine-, 11- and even 12-hole routings on which golf can be played in an abbreviated period of time as a contrast to the 18-holes-in-fourhours-or-less standard.

The bottom line is that nine-hole courses have been a big part of the golf world since the game was invented. It took until 1974 for there to be more 18hole courses in America than nine-hole facilities. Many of the nation’s premier golf clubs – with names like The Country Club in Boston, Merion in Philadelphia, and East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta – were founded with just nine golf holes originally in play.

That list includes a number of the most ballyhooed courses in Texas, including the eponymous country clubs in the state’s four largest metropol itan areas. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin all had nine-hole courses first before expanding to 18 holes. The National Golf Foundation lists 167 nine-hole, regulation-length golf courses in the Lone Star State.

The Texas Golf Insider has whittled down the state’s extensive list of nine-hole courses to a dozen of the best, with a little variety in the location of the courses to make sure you can find one near you.

Dallas-Fort Worth area

Timberlinks Country Club (Denton)

This par 35, 3,043-yard course has it all: unique and interesting holes, very good conditions, reasonable rates, and great putting surfaces. The layout, designed by Lyndy Lindsey, is fair but challenging and will test course manage ment and shot-making skills with its tight fairways, doglegs, dramatic eleva tion changes, several ponds and creeks, sand and grass bunkers, rolling fairways, risk/reward opportunities, and wellprotected greens.

Let’s play nine (and maybe another nine)!

Nine-hole golf courses have been a backbone of the game and are enjoying a resurgence

Timberlinks Country Club

Starr Hollow Golf Club (Tolar)

Starr Hollow GC is an exclusive, uber-private golf course located on a 3,000-acre working ranch southwest of Fort Worth. The course was designed by Joe Finger and founded and owned by Marvin Leonard in 1967, who also built Colonial Country Club and Shady Oaks. Starr Hollow is serene, scenic, loaded with wildlife, and home to a splendid variey of golf holes all kept in flawless condition. Many golf aficionados refer to the club as “Little Augusta.”

Stewart Peninsula Golf Course (Lewisville)

Designed by Tripp Davis, this fun and very demanding course was Inspired by

both Scotland’s classic links architecture and California’s Monterey Peninsula coastal courses. The course has views of Lake Lewisville from almost every hole, with forced carries, downhill shots, doglegs, water, bunkers, tough approach shots and more demanding your best throughout. Two sets of tee boxes and two pins on each green make each nine a little different.

Sand Hills Golf & Country Club (Campbell)

Sand Hills Golf & Country Club opened in 1962 and features 3,045 yards of golf from the back tees for a par of 36, all with pristine Zoysia fairways. Three holes stand out on layout – the 470-yard fourth, a reachable-in-two par 5; the 270-yard, drivable par 4 sixth, and the 220-yard par 3 eighth, the most difficult hole on the course. Two sets of tees allow for an 18-hole round. On the weekends, the course is open only to members in the middle of the day.

Central Texas Blue Lake Golf Club (Horseshoe Bay)

Blue Lake Golf Club is set on the south shore of Lake LBJ on a portion of the former Wennmohs Ranch. Finger designed the 2,376yard, par 32 layout without a sand bunker and with a routing that includes five par 3s, three par 4s and one par 5. The first course record (which might still be the record, according to club

Starr Hollow Golf Club

Stewart Peninsula Golf Course

management) is 55 for two turns around track as set in 1964 by 1959 Masters champion Jackie Burke. The course features rolling terrain – level lies are a premium – Bermuda greens, doglegs, lots of trees and views of the lake from several tees and fairways.

Pedernales Golf Club (Spicewood)

Also known as Willie’s Cut-N-Putt, Pedernales Golf Course is owned by Willie Nelson, who frequents the course often when he’s not on the road. The lay out spans the hilltops near the Pedernales River in western Travis County and is fantastic with lots of elevation changes,

doglegs, water, bunkers, and trees to contend with. Adjacent to Willie’s re cording studio and condos, it’s scenic and quiet, and there are few rules – sixsomes, beer, country music, and tee-shirts are common. A fun track to play and a relax ing and refreshing divergence from the formal country club scene. The pro shop features all kinds of Nelson golf para phernalia.

East Texas

Marshall Lakeside Country Club (Marshall)

Lakeside is the oldest course in Mar shall and one of the oldest in the state, dating back to 1923 when a routing by Gus Carter debuted. This traditional course plays at 3,131 yards and features tight, tree-lined fairways, tiny, raised and swerving greens, and a good amount of water. Celebrities such as Mickey Mantle, Y.A. Tittle, and Roy Clark have graced the fairways here. The course was renovated in the mid1950s, with Dallas-based architect Lee Singletary

Blue Lake Golf Club # 6

Pedernales Golf Club, aka Willie Nelson ‘s Cut-N-Putt

doing some work on the course over the years.

West Texas

Concho Springs Golf Course (Eden)

Designed by Williams, Gill & Associ ates, this 6,000-plus yard course tests even the best of golfers. Hardin Creek winds its way along and has a say in play on eight of the holes. Elevated tees on three holes add to the challenge, and the course’s TifEagle Bermuda putting surfaces sport an average square footage of 5,500 and are considered by some as the best greens in the region. Though

hunting is not allowed, one should not be surprised to see deer, turkey or other wildlife roaming the course.

South Texas

Palmilla Beach GC, Port Aransas

Palmilla Beach is a fun, fresh, fast play and Texas’ only “true links” course, with three holes right on the water. Originally designed by Arnold Palmer, Palmilla is now a 12-hole facility, including nine holes of regulation play plus The Loop, a three-hole, family-friendly short course. The routing includes coastal sand dunes, open parkland and Paspalum turf that

Palmilla Beach Golf Club

Beeville Country Club

allows balls to “run” much further. The course is an amenity of the posh Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community, but ev eryone is welcome. There is no member ship required nor is there a dress code.

Beeville Country Club, Beeville

Beeville Country Club features a private 3,218-yard course with plush Bermuda grass from tee to green, dozens of Coastal Live Oaks, narrow, tree-lined fairways and small putting surfaces. No need to bring your sand wedge as there are no bunkers, and water also protects the front of the greens on holes 5, 7, and 8. Opened in 1944, the course has been voted among the top dozen nine-hole facilities in Texas and is fun to play from start to finish.

Houston area

Conroe Country Club, Conroe

Conroe CC is a traditional, solid course with tree-lined fairways and tiny greens. Majestic oaks add character to the facility, which originally opened as the San Jacinto Country Club to provide recreation for residents in the oil business.  A private facility designed by John Bredemus and opened in 1931,

Conroe CC plays at 3,176 yards. It gained fame for its annual invitational golf tournament, which drew the likes of future PGA Tour players Miller Barber, Homero Blancas, Rocky Thompson and Dave Marr over the years. The course was renovated in 2010 with help of architect Jeff Blume but retains its Golden Age flavor.

Big Easy Ranch,

Columbus

Set on land where the Texas Hill Country makes way for the Coastal Plain, the splendid nine-hole Chet Williamsdesigned course at Big Easy Ranch features all par 3s ranging from 65 to 251 (!) yards. With dramatic elevation changes and beautiful waterfalls, this isn’t your average par 3 course as whitetail deer and exotics freely roam the prop erty, creating the perfect backdrop for a unique golf experience. Completing the golf amenities are a driving range, putting green, a short-game practice area and The Golf Academy. Big Easy Ranch has become widely recognized and lauded for its world-class hunting, wing shooting, state-of-the-art sporting clay course and trophy bass fishing as well as its golf, set ting itself apart from other hunting and sporting clubs.

Big East Ranch - # 3

ARLINGTON:

Lake Arlington Golf CourseSemi-Private (817) 451-6101 www.arlingtongolf.com

Tierra Verde Golf Club Semi-Private (817) 478-8500 www.arlingtongolf.com/tierra-verde

AZLE:

Cross Timbers Golf Course Public (817) 444-4940 www.crosstimbersgc.com

BROWNWOOD:

The Hideout Golf Club Semi-Private (325) 784-4653 www.thehideouttexas.com

BURLESON:

Hidden Creek Golf Course Public (817) 447-4444 www.hiddencreekgc.com

Southern Oaks Golf Club Public (817) 426-2400 www.southernoaksgolf.com

CARROLTON:

Maridoe Golf Club Private (972) 416-2131 www.maridoe.com

Indian Creek Golf Course Public (800) 369-4137 www.indiancreekgolfclub.com

DALLAS:

Bear Creak Golf Club Semi-Private (972) 456-3200 www.bearcreek-golf.com

Buffalo Creek GC Public (972) 771-4003 www.buffalocreekgc.com

Cedar Crest Golf Course Public (214) 670-7615 www.golfcedarcrest.com

Keeton Park Golf Course Public (214) 670-8784 www.keetonpark.com

Luna Vista Golf Course Public (214) 670-6322 www.lunavistagolf.com

Preston Trail Golf Club Private (972) 248-8448

Steven Parks Golf Course Public (214) 670-7506 www.stevensparkgolf.com

Tension Glen Golf Club Semi-Private (214) 670-1402 www.tenisonpark.com

The Golf Club of Dallas Semi-Private (214) 333-3595 www.golfclubdallas.com

Trinity Forest Golf Club Private (214) 646-3570 www.trinityforestgc.com

DENTON:

Wilderson GC at Robson RanchSemi-Private (940) 246-1001 www.robsonranchgolfclub.com

DESOTO:

Thorntree Country Club Public (972) 296-2146 www.thorntreecc.com

EULESS:

Texas Star Golf Course Semi-Private (817) 685-7888 www.texasstargolf.com

FAIRVIEW:

Heritage Ranch Golf Course Public (800) 579-3089 www.heritageranchgolf.com

FERRIS:

Old Brickyard Golf Course Public (972) 355-4800 www.oldbrickyardgolf.com

FLOWER MOUND:

Bridlewood Golf Club Public (972) 355-4800 www.bridlewoodgolf.com Tour 18 Public (817) 430-2000 www.tour18golf.com

FORT WORTH:

Hawks Creek Golf Course Public (817) 738-8402 www.hawkscreek.com

Meadowbrook GC Municipal (817) 457-4616 www.meadowbrookfarmsgolfclub.com

Pecan Valley GC Municipal (817) 249-1845 www.fortworthgolf.org/-pecan-valley-golf-course

Rockwood Golf Course Municipal (817) 624-1771 www.fortworthgolf.org

The Golf Club-Champion Cir. Semi-Private (817) 497-2582 www.championscirclegolf.com

The Golf Club at the Resort Public (817) 750-2178 www.resortgolfclub.com

Whitestone Golf Club Semi-Private (817) 249-9996 www.whitestonegolf.com

FRANKSTON:

Pine Dunes Resort/Golf Club Public (903) 876-4336 www.pinedunes.com

FRISCO:

Frisco Lakes Golf Club Public (972) 292-3089 www.friscolakesgc.com Trails of Frisco Golf Club Public (972) 668-4653 www.thetrailsoffriscogc.com

GARLAND:

Duck Creek Golf Course Public (214) 440-2229 www.duckcreekgc.com/ Firewheel Golf Park Public (972) 205-2765 www.golffirewheel.com/

GLEN ROSE:

Squaw Valley Golf Club Public (800) 831-8259 www.squawvalleygc.com

GORDONVILLE:

Rock Creek Resort Golf ClubPrivate (903) 523-5357 www.ddresorts.com/rock-creek/

GUNTER:

The Bridges Semi-Private (903) 696-0022 www.bridgestexasgolf.com

TheTexasGolfInsider.com

GRAND PRAIRIE:

Grand Oaks Golf Club Semi-Private (972) 264-6161 www.grandoaksgc.com

Prairie Lakes Golf Club Public (972) 237-4156 www.prairielakesgolf.com

Riverside Golf Club Semi-Private (817) 640-7800 www.playriversidetx.com Tangle Ridge Golf Club Public (972) 299-6837 www.tangleridge.com

IRVING:

Cottonwood Valley GC Public (972) 717-2525 www.fourseasons.com/dallas/golf/ Irving Golf Club Municipal (972) 438-4340 www.irvinggolfclub.org TPC Las Conlinas Course Public (972) 717-2525 www.fourseasons.com/dallas/golf/

KELLER:

Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club Public (817) 498-1414 www.skycreekranch.com

LANCASTER:

Country View Golf Course Public (972) 227-0995 www.countryviewgolfcourse.com

LIPAN:

Sugar Tree Golf Course Semi-Private (817) 341-1111 sugartreegolf.com

MUENSTER:

Turtle Hill Golf Club Public (940) 759-4896 www.playtheturtle.com

PLANO:

Pecan Hollow Golf Course Public (972) 941-7600 www.pecanhollowgc.com Ridgeview Ranch GC Public (972) 390-1036 www.ridgeviewgc.com The Course at Watters CreekPublic (214) 509-4653 www.watterscreekgolf.com

POTTSBORO:

Tanglewood Resort GC Semi-Private (903) 786-4638 www.tanglewoodresort.com

RICHARDSON:

Sherrill Park #1 Public (972) 234-1416 www.sherrillparkgolf.com

ROCKWALL:

Buffalo Creek Golf Club Semi-Private (972) 771-4003 www.buffalocreekgc.com

RUNAWAY BAY:

Runaway Bay Golf Club Semi-Private (940) 575-2225 www.rbgolf.com

WACO:

Bear Ridge Golf Club Public (254) 848-7800 www.bearridgewaco.com

WAXAHACHIE:

Country View Golf Course Public (972) 227-0995 www.countryviewgolfcourse.com Waxahachie Country Club Public (972) 937-3521 www.waxahachiegolfclub.com

WEATHERFORD:

Canyon West Golf Course Public (817) 596-4653 www.canyonwestgolf.com Oeste Ranch Golf Course Public (817) 441-1044 www.oesteranch.com

WYLIE: Woodbridge Golf Course Public (972) 429-5100 www.wbgolfclub.com

17

Apache Links at Squaw Valley GC (254) 897-7956 M 18 72 6731/72.7/131 • • • • 62 2439 E. Hwy. 67, Glen Rose, TX 78043 www.squawvalleygc.com 5

Comanche Lakes at Squaw Valley GC (254) 897-7956 M 18 72 6731/72.7/131 • • • • 62 2439 E. Hwy. 67, Glen Rose, TX 78043 www.squawvalleygc.com 8

• • 73 100 Cottonwood Springs Cir, The Colony, TX 76112 www.stewartpeninsulagolf.com 44

Stewart Peninsula Golf Course (972) 625-8700 P 9 3 3 2676/33/126

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort (325) 208-1937 SP 18 72 6 981/73/134 • • • • • 84 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801 www.thehideouttexas.com 10

• • • 73 1000 Lebanon Rd., The Colony, TX 75056 www.golfclubsatthetribute.com 9

The Old American Golf Club (972) 370-5465 SP 18 71 7084/75.2/145

The Tribute Golf Links (972) 370-5465 SP 18 72 7002/73.9/130 • • • • • 73 1000 Lebanon Rd., The Colony, TX 75056 www.golfclubsatthetribute.com

ACCOMMODATIONS/DINING | SHOPPING/SERVICES | ACADEMY/INSTRUCTIONS

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING

Alabama | Ad Page 83 Alabama | www.golfalabama.org

Louisiana Golf Trail | Ad Page 2 Louisiana | www.louisianagolftrails.com

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 30-31 777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

Oasis San Miguel Guest House | Ad Page 39 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, MX 37790 www.oasisinsanmiguel.com | 480-664-3200

Somervill County | Ad Page 62 Explore Glen Rose, TX www.exploreglenrose.org

The Colony CVB | Ad Page 73 6900 Main Street, The Colony, TX | 75056 www.visitthecolonytx.com | 972-624-5253

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort | Map# 44 | Ad Page 84 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801 www.thehideouttexas.com | 325-208-1937

The National Golf Club of Louisiana | Ad Page 29 1400 National Dr, Westlake, LA 70669 www.nationalgcla.com | 337-433-2255

SHOPPING / SERVICES

Bash in the Box | Ad Pg 75 www.bashinthebox.com

Golf After Hours | Ad Pg 49 Facebook Live Thursdays 7-8pm

SHOPPING / SERVICES

Edwin Watts | Map # 7 | Ad Page 42-48 5808 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 77107 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 817-731-4441

Edwin Watts | Map # 10 | Ad Page 42-48 410 W SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 903-561-8851

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 1 | Page 5 600 Accent Dr, Plano, TX 75075 pgatoursuperstore.com | (214) 427-4060

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 2 | Page 5 2241 E Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092 pgatoursuperstore.com | (817) 722-5190

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 3 | Page 5 8700 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 pgatoursuperstore.com | (214) 778-3850

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 4 | Page 5 4652 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76017 pgatoursuperstore.com | (682) 318-9008

TOURNAMENTS/SHOWS

DFW Golf Show | Ad Page 69 March 17-19, 2023 | ESports Stadium | 1200 Ballpark Way | Arlington TX 76011

COURSE TYP LOCATION PHONE WEBSITE

Alvin Golf & CC PUB

Alvin 281-331-4541 www.facebook.com/alvingolf/

Augusta Pines SP Spring 281-290-1910 www.golfaugustapines.com

Babe Zaharias GC PUB Port Arthur 409-796-1327 www.thebabegc.com

Bay Forest GC PUB La Porte 281-471-4653 www.bayforestgolf.com

Bayou Din GC PUB Beaumont 409-796-1327 www.bayoudin.com

Bayou GC M Texas City 409-739-9622 www.bayougc.com

Beacon Lakes GC PUB League City 281-337-1459 www.beaconlakesgolf.com

Bellville GC PUB Bellville 979-865-9058 www.bellvillegolf.com

Brenham CC SP Brenham 979-836-1733 www.brenhamcc.com

Briarcrest Golf Course SP Bryan 979-776-1490 www.phillipsevents.com

Chambers County GC M Anahuac 409-267-8235 www.co.chambers.tx.us/page/golf_course

Clear Creek GC PUB Houston 713-738-8000 www.clearcreekgolfclub.com

Columbus GC M Columbus 979-732-5575 www.columbustexas.net

Country Club of Texas SP Beaumont 409-840-9440 www.facebook.com/BrentwoodBmtTX/

Cypress Lakes PUB Cypress 281-304-8515 www.cypresslakesgc.com

Cypresswood GC PUB Spring 281-821-6300 www.cypresswood.com

Eagle Pointe GC PUB Mont Belvieu 281-385-6666 www.golfeaglepointe.com

Freeport GC M Freeport 979-233-8311 www.freeportgolfcourse.com

Gleannloch Pines PUB Spring 281-225-1200 www.golfgleannlochpines.com

Greatwood GC PUB Sugar Land 281-343-9999 www.greatwoodgolf.com

Gus Wortham GC M Houston 713-928-4260 www.guswortham.org

Henry Homberg GC M Beaumont 409-842-3220 www.henryhomberggolfcourse.com

Hermann Park GC PUB Houston 713-526-0077 www.hermannparkgc.com

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB Magnolia 281-356-7700 www.highmeadowranchgolf.com

Houston National GC PUB Houston 281-304-1400 www.houstonnationalgolf.com

Idylwild GC PUB Sour Lake 409-753-2521 www.idylwildgolfclub.com

Jersey Meadow GC M Jersey Village 713-896-0900 www.jerseymeadow.com

Margaritaville Golf Resort R Montgomery 936-448-3022 www.margaritavilleresorts.com

Legendary Oaks GC PUB Hempstead 979-826-4001 www.legendaryoaksgc.com

Longwood GC PUB Cypress 281-373-4100 www.longwoodgc.com

Melrose GC PUB Houston 281-847-1214 www.houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/melrose.html

Memorial Park GC M Houston 832-395-7653 www.houstonmunigolf.com

Moody Gardens GC PUB Galveston 409-683-4653 www.moodygardensgolf.com

Stonebridge@Newport GC PUB Crosby 281-328-3576 www.stonebridge-newport.com

North Shore CC Semi Portland 361-643-6057 www.northshoretx.com/welcome

Oakhurst GC PUB Porter 281-354-4653 www.oakhurstgolfclub.com

Pasadena Municipal GC M Houston 281-481-0834 www.pasadenatx.gov/206/Golf-Course

Pearland Golf Club PUB Pearland 713-773-9603 www.pearlandgolfclub.com

Pecan Lakes GC PUB Navasota 936-870-3889 www.pecanlakesgolfclub.net

Quail Valley GC M Missouri City 281-403-5910 www.golfquailvalley.com

Bearkat GC PUB Huntsville 936-438-8588 www.bearkatcourse.com/index.html

Rayburn Country Resort R Brookeland 409-698-2444 www.rayburncountryresort.com

COURSE TYPE LOCATON PHONE COURSE TYPE LOCATON PHONE

Red Wolf GC PUB Huffman 281-324-1841 www.redwolfgolf.com

River Point GC PUB Richmond 281-343-9995 www.riverpointegolf.com

River Terrace GC PUB Channelview 281-452-2183 www.facebook.com/riverterracegolf

Sharpstown GC M Houston 713-988-2099 www.houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/sharpstown.html

Sienna Plantation PUB Missouri City 281-778-GOLF www.siennagolf.com

Southwyck GC PUB Pearland 713-436-9999 www.southwyckgc.com

Swanson Golf Center Pub Houston 281-440-1308 www.swannysgrill.com

The Course at Texas A&M PUB College Stn 979-845-1723 www.facebook.com/AggieWomensGolf/

The Battleground at Deer Park PUB Deer Park 281-478-4653 www.battlegroundgolfcourse.com

The Golf Club of Houston PUB/PV Humble 281-459-7800

The Village GC PUB Panorama Vlg 936-856-5531

The Wilderness PUB Lake Jackson 979-297-4653

Timber Creek GC PUB Friendswood 281-993-1140

Tour 18 Houston PUB Humble 281-540-1818

West Brazos Golf Center PUB Brazoria 979-798-4653

West Fork Golf and CC PUB Conroe 936-760-1776

Westwood Shores GC PUB Trinity 936-594-3805

Wildcat GC PUB Houston 713-413-3400

WindRose GC PUB Spring 281-370-8900

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

SHOPPING

Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 42-48 5395 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056 www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 713-627-2411

“Golf After Hours” On Air ‘Texas Golf Insider’ | Ad Page 49 Facebook Live | Thurdays 7-8 pm |

PGA Tour Superstore | Map # 5|

www.nationalgcla.com | 337-433-2255

Bash in the Box | Ad Pg 75 www.bashinthebox.com

The Southern Texas PGA team was victorious September 18th over the Northern Texas PGA team at the 11th Annual Texas Junior Cup.

Matches presented by TCG Advisors by an overall point total of 18 to 6. Team STPGA led the matches by 5 points following the first day of competition and early on into day two of singles matches, Team STPGA secured the cup after winning 9 singles matches.

Key victories for Team STPGA on day one came from Aleah Shields-Rodipe and Dylan Knox during the 4-Ball Matches, who won their match 3&2 against Adrielle Miller and Lincoln Rubis from Team NTPGA. In the afternoon Scramble matches, five of the matches went down to the wire, each going to the final hole. Team STPGA won 4 out of these

Team STPGA takes home the Cup for the Fifth Year in a Row

Annual Texas Junior Cup Matches

5 matches, taking a strong lead of 8.5-3.5 after day one.

“It really was all about the players this weekend. They did a fantastic job on the golf course. Their character and integrity was unparalleled,” said STPGA Captain Chris

Westerdahl, PGA. “It was an honor to be their coach and to see them win.”

Team STPGA secured the cup during day two of the Texas Junior Cup Matches after the first four groups won their singles matches, putting Team STPGA at 12.5 points, enough points to win the overall matches. Team STPGA proceeded to win five more matches and tie one, to

at the 11th

Jurgensen, First Time Contestant, Claims 2022 Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship

Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Wildcat Golf Club claimed the title at the 54th Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship. Not only was this his first time winning the event, but also his first time participating in the Championship. With his victory, Steve will take home a check of $11,000.

“I’m blessed to be able to play golf. I’m 60 years old and still enjoy playing,” said Steve. “I never looked at the leaderboard all day. I thought there would be someone past where I was. I was just trying to make birdies as often as I could in that final round.”

Heading into his final round, Steve sat tied for 8th at even-par 72. The 60-yearold shot up the leader board with 5 birdies, tying leader Ben Kern on the back nine. With a birdie on number 17, Steve

took the lead at a tournament total of (-3) 141 to win the Championship.

Along with Steve, six other PGA Professionals earned exemptions into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship

Steve Jurgensen

at today’s tournament. Ben Kern, PGA Director of Golf at Georgetown Country Club, JJ Wood, PGA Director of Instruction at Golf Performance Group, Ben Willman, PGA Teaching Professional at Axis Golf Academy, Jesse Droemer, PGA Assistant Professional at Lakeside Country Club, Ryan Hodge, PGA Director of Golf at Twin Creeks Country Club, and David von Hoffmann, PGA Director of Golf at Spanish Oaks Golf Club will head to the PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Rolex at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana Pueblo Golf Clubs in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico on April 30 - May 4, 2023. Also joining these Professionals will be Jared Jones, PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club, who is already exempt into the event by finishing in the top-20 of the 2022 playing of the PGA Professional Championship.

The Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship is a special victory for our players each year, honoring the memory of 6-time champion Tommy Aycock, who won the Section Championship title in four different decades.

Presented by Cadillac, Club Car, and Rolex, supported by Titleist Footjoy, Calla way, Taylormade, Nike, Golf Channel and the PGA TOUR, and supported locally by Limerick Lane Cellars, the 54th STPGA Professional Championship was contested over 36-holes at TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas.

This event is the final tournament of the year where players earn points toward the Rolex Player of the Year points list as well as the 2022 Texas Joe Black Cup Matches and Levy Cup Matches teams. Players for both teams will be announced next week by the STPGA as the STPGA look to win both Cup Matches later this fall against the Northern Texas PGA.

Steve Jurgensen, Ben Kern, JJWood, BenWillman, Jesse Droemer, Ryan Hodge, and David von Hoffmann

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