Central texas
GOLFER’SGUIDE
Spring 2013
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
THE MAX
FORSIGHT’S NEW GOLF COURSE IN LAREDO IS READY TO PLAY!
PLUS:
Ben Curtis back to defend Valero Texas Open
April 1-7 at TPC San Antonio
Photo by Anthony Hensley
®
CENTRAL TEXAS
GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents
The Max 8
Foresight Golf’s The Max Breathtakingly overlooking the Rio Grande River just north of Laredo, Texas, the new Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course opened in October 2012 and remains the talk of the town and Laredo’s pride and joy.
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14 Star Ranch Located in Hutto, TX near Austin, The Golf Club at Star Ranch offers an incredibly designed 18 hole golf course and clubhouse. The Golf Club at Star Ranch promises to provide an enjoyable experience for both the novice and scratch golfer.
055.Horseshoe Bay
31 The Texas Hill Country Golf Trail The Texas Hill Country offers visitors and residents as diverse a list of things to see and do as any major population center in the country.
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38 Valero Texas Open The Valero Texas Open officials have hired Greg Norman Production Co. (GNPC) to oversee management of one of the oldest PGA Tour Events. The Tournament will be played at TPC San Antonio April 1-7th 46 Directory and Maps Comprehensive listing and corresponding map of featured courses, and a directory of daily fee and semi-private golf courses in Central Texas. 4
38 3 Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship courses • Yacht Club 18-hole, Par 72 Putting course with Flamingos Airport & Jet Center • Marina • Lake LBJ • Accommodations Real Estate Sales • Resort Memberships
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
For information: 800 252-9363 (TX) • 800-531-5105 www.hsbresort.com • www.hsbresortrealty.com
2013 ISSUE 1
Benefitting Cash for Cancer a Thrivewell Foundation
- $1,000 Cash Putt - Prizes Every Hour - Win a Grand Prize Golf Vacation and much more.... - Over 100 Top Golf Vendors and Manufacturers - Test out your swing and hit some balls in the golf club demo area - Attend special seminars and demonstrations in the stage area To pre-register for the show prizes, rounds of golf and discount offers go to SanAntonioGolfExpo.com Print and fill out form and bring it to the show.
To Become a Vendor Contact Mike Ratchman at 830.964.2152 or email mratchman@golfersguide.com
The South Texas Golf Scene… From the Publisher unny skies and warm weather has come early this year in South Texas. I can’t believe we have already hit the 80’s in January. Now I’m not complaining, I happy I live in Texas, but if this early heat wave is any indication of what’s to come this summer you better enjoy the Spring golf season this year. There are enough challenging layouts to play in south Texas so page through this issue of the Golfer’s Guide and choose a few courses to play. The Max Golf Course in Laredo is our cover story and should be on your list to play before the summer settles in. The Max is a Robert Trent Jones ll signature design opened in late 2012 and is operated by Foresight Golf. I had the pleasure of playing The Max this fall with RTJ ll and enjoyed each and every hole as he explained the routing of the course using the natural beauty of the South Texas Brush. I think hard-core golfers, novice players and everyone in between will enjoy the challenge of The Max. Our feature cover story is the Golf Club at Star Ranch in Hutto. Golf Digest voted Star Ranch one of the best places to play in Texas and I don’t think you will find many golfers that will disagree with that statement. Known for it’s “all inclusive” golf packages, Star Ranch is still one of the best golf courses to play in the Austin area. All you can play for one low price with a complimentary breakfast and lunch buffets. With the tournament pavilion and indoor ballroom the facility is set up to welcome golf tournaments, banquets, social events, weddings and corporate events. Star Ranch is a must play in the Austin area. Mark your calendar for this upcoming event. The San Antonio Golf Expo will be held on June 22nd at the Exposition Hall at the Freeman. This will be the first Golf Expo held in nearly 10 years and is expected to have over 100 top golf venders and manufactures. Oh, and bring your putter. A putting tournament will be held throughout the day and one lucky golfer is going to win $1000 in cash. You can preregister for show and prizes at SanAntonioGolfExpo.com.
CENTRAL TEXAS
GOLFER’SGUIDE
“America’s leading regional golf publications” GOLFER’S GUIDE, INC. PO BOX 5926 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29938-9790 (843) 842-7878 • Fax (843) 842-9387
S
STAFF
Regional Publisher:
MIKE RATCHMAN P.O. BOX 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78131-0652
Office: (830) 964-2152 FAX: (830) 964-2153 mratchman@golfersguide.com
CEO: Marc A. Frey mfrey@golfersguide.com Managing Editor: Lance Hanlin lhanlin@golfersguide.com Production Director: Brad Kelley bkelley@golfersguide.com Contributing Writer: Art Striklin, Steve Habel and Ava Blair Creative Marcede Pullen Photos by Gary Perkins Photography Mark Lindsay Anthony Hensley Carlton Wade CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching an estimated 750,000 readers Issue 1 of 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS For subscriptions or single-copy orders, go to www.golfersguide.com/order Copyright ©2013 Golfer’s Guide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Golfer’s Guide is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information. *Publisher’s data. We are expanding our network of magazines and will be adding several new regions within the next year. If you would like to publish a Golfer’s Guide magazine with us in your home region send your resume and previous publishing samples to Golfer’s Guide, P.O. Box 5926, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938-9790, ATTN: Executive Publisher.
See you all at the show. Mike Ratchman Texas Publisher
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2013 ISSUE 1
Contributing Writers Art Stricklin A regular contributor to Golfer’s Guide Radio on ESPN and current president of the Texas Golf Writers Association, Art Stricklin will be contributing his award-winning writing talent to the Central Texas Golfer’s Guide. 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 We want to welcome Ava to the Golfer’s Guide writing staff and look forward to reading her articles. Ava brings a female touch to the guide 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. 2013 ISSUE 1
5,000 Sq.Ft. Golf Store Expert Repairs & Learning Facility Wolf Ranch Shopping Ctr. Corner of I-35 and Hwy. 29 Georgetown, TX
512-863-4573
www.golfranchshop.com Scan for Special Offers
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
Nick West Offers: • Putter Restoration for $85.00 • Custom powder coating / detailing for $125.00 • Custom Grinds on Wedges for $12.00 • Full-service Mitchell certified repair shop.
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The Max Golf Course Laredo’s pride and joy, The Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course (The Max), opened for play in October and it remains the talk of the town…and South Texas! Designed to reflect the beauty of the Rio Grande, the course provides a striking distinction to the rugged brush country while resonating the elegant nature of golf. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course is located on top of the bluffs of the Rio Grande and covers nearly a mile of riverfront property. The course traverses deep arroyos and navigates through mesquite woodlands and open farmland. 8
The Max is an easy drive from San Antonio and most any place in South Texas. Magnificent and strategic, The Max is a ‘must-play’ for golfers and a ‘must-play often’ for Texas golfers!
The Max 27700 FM 1472 Laredo, TX 78045
956-726-2000
www.themaxlaredo.com
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
2013 ISSUE 1
The Republic Golf Club 4226 S. E. Military Drive San Antonio, TX 78222
210-359-0000
www.republicgolfclub.com The Republic Golf Club is still quite the surprise to those coming from out-of-town. 10 minutes south of downtown, The Republic is that peaceful venue that really feels like an escape…a vacation. With ample fairways and large greens, the course sports a layout that truly defines it as solid golf. With 5 sets of tees, the course is designed to be enjoyed by any and every level of golfer. The Republic Golf Club’s banquet room completes the total package for tournaments, charity events, weddings and parties. Its spacious layout and comfortable décor can be transformed to reflect every taste; the F&B staff can accommodate any every palate, too.
The Buckhorn Golf Course is still winning the hearts of people who have not played it, and still giving thrill to those who play it regularly. New players at The Buckhorn are often surprised at how good the course is; long-time golfers love the course because it is such a fun and fair layout. A great course that doesn’t rely on ridiculous length to make it challenging, The Buckhorn has its defenses built into the greens which can be an interesting read or ‘evil superintendent’ fast! A fun course and terrific banquet room make The Buckhorn Golf Course the ideal spot for tournaments of all kinds and all sizes!
The Buckhorn Golf Course 36 FM 473 Comfort, TX 78013
830-995-5351
www.buckhorngolfcourse.com 2013 ISSUE 1
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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The Bandit Golf Club 6019 FM 725 New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-609-4665
www.banditgolfclub.com
The Bandit Golf Club in New Braunfels, Texas remains the steady, well-conditioned golf course it is known for being. The course is challenging and fun with a layout that can accommodate every golfer’s style, and for the tournament coordinator, The Bandit is the course golfers want to play. A terrific banquet space that overlooks the tee box of #10 and a deck that is perched above the green on 18, The Bandit is the complete package for companies and charities looking for a home course for events and fundraisers – banquets, too! A convenient meeting place to play unforgettable golf, The Bandit will steal your heart!
Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle is a terrific course, and an incredible find for newcomers to the area and the game! A wonderful new practice facility built for serious students of the game and several newly designed holes are making Plum Creek more fun than ever for 2013! An incredibly spacious banquet room makes Plum Creek the ideal spot for tournaments, meetings or parties coming from Austin, Wimberely, San Marcos and Buda. Plum Creek is the total package of golf and accommodations many private clubs wish they had!
Plum Creek Golf Course 750 Kohler’s Crossing Kyle, TX 78640
512-262-5555
www.plumcreekgolf.com 10 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com 2013 ISSUE 1
Oso Beach Golf Course 5601 S. Alameda Street Corpus Christi, TX 78412
361-826-8010
www.osobeachgolf.com
Oso Beach Golf Course and the Lozano Golf Center are the mainstay of public golf in Corpus Christi. Incredibly popular and highly revered by local golfers and the Winter Texans that frequent South Texas, the courses continue to see a resurgence in play due in large part to improved course conditions and a renewed attention to customer service.
2012 brought a few welcome changes to both courses including improvements to the irrigation systems, new and improved food and beverage selections and greater apparel and accessory options. In 2013, the attention to course conditions will continue bringing Oso and Lozano closer to the terrific course shape people have come to expect from Foresight Golf.
Lozano Golf Center 4401 Old Brownsville Road Corpus Christi, TX 78405
361-826-8016
www.lozanogolfcenter.com 2013 ISSUE 1 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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Cypresswood Golf Club Cypresswood Golf Club is one of the most prominent daily fee golf complexes in the Houston, Texas area. The Tradition, a Keith Foster designed course, and the Cypress Course remain two of Houston Golfer’s favorite courses. Cypresswood’s ‘Play Better Golf ’ and MGA & WGA programs continue on 2013 under the direction of Tirrel Baymon. Look for lesson, tournament opportunities and a new calendar page to keep it all straight throughout the year on the website – www.cypresswood.com 12
Just 8 minutes from baggage claim at George Bush International Airport, Cypresswood is a great place to play for locals and those from out of town!
Cypresswood Golf Club 21602 Cypresswood Drive Spring, TX 77373
281-821-6300
www.cypresswood.com
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
2013 ISSUE 1
Golf Club Star Ranch sets the bar high
By Steve Habel
Photography by Carlton Wade
T
he lifeblood of a daily-fee golf course is its ability to create great word of mouth from its customers and then get those golfers to come back and bring their friends. That’s never been an issue at the always pristine Golf Club Star Ranch in the Round Rock, Pflugerville area. Designed by Austin-based golf course architect Roy Bechtol with help from Carter Morrish and Randy Russell, Golf Club Star Ranch opened to rave reviews in 2001. “We designed Star Ranch to be a fun course for every level of player,” Bechtol said. There are times when you think your shot may be out of play but you find it in the light rough. The course rewards great play and is not as punitive as some courses where you have no way to recover. The 18-hole facility plays to a par of 71 and 7,017 yards from the back set of four available tees. During the past dozen years, Star Ranch has become a destination golf course and sets a high bar that the area’s other daily-fee courses must work to reach. And thanks to Star Ranch’s “all-inclusive” golf packages, players get a round of golf with cart, unlimited range balls and breakfast and lunch for one low rate. Replays are included in the all inclusive price upon availability. Located on a scenic hilltop, the course fulfills its promise as both a test and a reward for golfers of all skill levels, following the
natural rolling contours of the land while using a central lake and prevailing wind to create an experience both formidable and fun. The course is rated at 73.5 and it has a slope of 130 from the tips. “Everyone here takes a lot of pride in giving our golfers the best experience they can get from a daily fee course,” said Rob Fulford, the director of golf at Golf Club Star Ranch. “To those means, the course is in suburb condition and is always very playable.” Highlights of the front-side at Golf Club Star Ranch are: • the 455-yard par-4 second hole, which plays with the predominantly south wind and to a green that is bracketed on both sides by sand; • the 451-yard third hole, a two-shotter that turns back into the wind and is a near twin to the second hole, just in reverse and with a large mound in the middle of the fairway to navigate; • No. 5, a par-5 monster which at 582 yards is ranked as the No. 1 handicap hole at Star Ranch; • the 357-yard sixth, a sharp dogleg-left par-4 with water down the entire left side of the fairway; • and the par-4 eighth, which – at a lengthy 474 yards from the back tee – makes the drive crucial.
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On the back side, No. 10 is a doglegNo. 17 is another longish par-four, as right par-4 453-yard tester, with bunkers on you must turn your ball from left to right on either side of the green. The 11th hole again this 441-yard test. You’ll be tempted to target gives you the wind at your back and, despite the fairway bunker and play to its right, but its 446 yards, it is not punitive unless you the safe play here is to play to the left side of are weak with your driver. On the approach, the fairway and take the trouble out of play. four sand traps play sentinel to the putting Anything to the right or long of this green surface. will find a pond. Grip it and rip it on the 13th hole, Players head home with a little present which, at 532 yards, is a reachable par-5 and – a 507-yard par-5 that plays uphill and feaposes little trouble until you get to the green. tures a huge false front to the putting surface. The fun really begins at the 14th, which Three bunkers guard the front of the green, at 376 yards, challenges you to hit a 3-wood so there is a need to fly your ball to the top or a long iron between two sets of fairway of the hill. bunkers to a landing area that is downhill. Star Ranch also features a wonderThe shallow, three-tiered green sits on rock ful 55,000-square foot driving range and ledge, with a short-game stream in front area with to catch drives multiple teethat are too ing areas, six long and a target greens, cactus garden five bunkers, behind the two chipping green to put a greens and premium on rolling terrain your approach. for every golf Fulford shot in the considers the bag. final four holes Expect to at Star Ranch shoot a few the course’s strokes better You’re going to need a perfect shot on #10 at the Golf Club Star Ranch best stretch. than normal “Nos. 15-18 here, thanks to give the golfer the opportunity to score, but the course’s friendly bounces and playabilalso ask for their best play to do so,” he said. ity. But don’t take Star Ranch for granted The 170-yard par-3 15th brings a water- – it is a true and fair challenge. fall and pond into play on the right of a The Golf Club Star Ranch is a great medium-sized green; because the putting sur- place for tournaments, thanks to a standface rests on a rock ledge and the proximity alone pavilion and available turnkey tourof the water, a back-right hole placement here nament sales packages with hole-in-one can pucker even the most talented player. insurance, trophies, gifts, prizes, merchanThe 16th is a 427-yard par-4 that sports dise and much more. The property also a cactus garden about 160 yards from the plays host to weddings most weekends at green and bordering the left side of the fair- its marvelous Events Center. way – it’s like a magnet for golf balls; alas, the For more information, visit online at area is considered ground under repair and www.starranchgolf.com or call in a reservayou get a drop for relief. tion at 512- 252-4653. 2013 ISSUE 1 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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All Inclusive Golf Package Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls and Complimentary Hot Breakfast & Lunch Buffets
For Reservations:
(512) 252-Golf (4653)
Book Online at :
www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2013 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.
Call About Our 2013 2013 Group Specials 16
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2013 ISSUE 1
Stay Closer to the Water....
888-893-2071
www.thedunescondos.com 1000 Lantana Drive~Port Aransas, Tx 78373
TEE TIMES
Book an online reservation
Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center is ideal for weddings, quincenearas, corporate outings, meetings and golf tournaments.
Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center in Universal City, Texas, was rated #1 “Best New Affordable Public Golf Course” in Texas and No. 4 in America for 2001
For Weddings, Tournaments, Banquets & Tee Times Call…
(210) 945-4653
www.olympiahillsgolf.com
Edwin Watts Golf 210.822.4060
Map Key Number 13
San Antonio • 1050 NE Loop 410 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
210.349.7575
Map Key Number 14
San Antonio • 9360 IH 10 West 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
Map Key Number 15
903.561.8851
Tyler • 410 West SW Loop 323 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry the best equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff is ready to help you choose the right club to fit your game on our state of the art simulators. Golf lessons are available along with full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
2013 ISSUE 1
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Edwin Watts Golf 817.731.4441
Map Key Number 15
Ft. Worth • 5805 Camp Bowie Blvd. 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry a full line of equipment from the finest names in golf. We have something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff will help you choose the right club for your game on our state of the art simulators. Lessons are available along with full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
817.310.6492
Map Key Number 19
Southlake • 2801 E. Northwest Pkwy 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
361.852.0358
Scan tag for store events
Map Key Number 16
Corpus Christi 4526 South Padre Island Dr 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry a full line of equipment from the finest names in golf. We have something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff will help you choose the right club for your game on our state of the art simulators. Lessons are available along with full service club repair.
713.627.2411
Map Key Number 10
Houston Galleria • 5395 Westheimer 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
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2013 ISSUE 1
Edwin Watts Golf 214.383.3001
Map Key Number 12
Allen • 209 North Central Expressway 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry the best equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff is ready to help you choose the right club to fit your game on our state of the art simulators. Golf lessons are available along with full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
817.861.6677
Map Key Number 17
Arlington • 901 West Lamar Blvd. 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
972.404.4424
Map Key Number 13
North Dallas • 14999 Preston Rd, Ste 400 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry a full line of equipment from the finest names in golf. We have something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff will help you choose the right club for your game on our state of the art simulators. Lessons are available along with full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
214.352.9431
Map Key Number 14
Inwood Village • 5370 West Lovers Lane 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com Come by today and let our expert staff custom fit you with the right equipment to help you find your winning game. We carry the latest equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. We have state of the art golf simulators and full service club repair. Scan tag for store events
2013 ISSUE 1
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Ft. Sam Houston Golf Club – Salado Del Rio San Antonio, TX (210) 222-9386 RATES Call for Daily Specials STATISTICS Par: 72 Blue White Gold Red
S
alado 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 might be the more scenic of the two courses 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 the most dramatic elevation changes on either course
Yards Rating Slope 6819 70.8 124 6412 68.3 117 5552 72.0 118 5235 72.0 118
PERSONNEL Architect ................... Kevin Tucker Director of Golf...... Joseph Mendez Superintendent .......Tim Blanchard AMENITIES • Banquet Room Seats 300 • Practice Area • Full-Service Pro Shop • Grill • Tournaments Welcomed
Map Key Number
85
Ft. Sam Houston Golf Club – La Loma Grande San Antonio, TX (210) 222-9386 RATES Call for Daily Specials STATISTICS Par: 72 Blue White Gold Red
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he 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.
Yards Rating Slope 6857 72.6 126 6527 71.2 123 5620 66.9 109 4989 68.6 113
PERSONNEL Architect ............... A.W. Tillinghast Director of Golf...... Joseph Mendez Superintendent .......Tim Blanchard AMENITIES • Banquet Room Seats 300 • Practice Area • Full-Service Pro Shop • Grill • Tournaments Welcomed
85 Map Key Number 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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2013 ISSUE 1
A custom home builder in and around the Hill Country and Canyon Lake areas. From design to completion we are first in quality at an unbeatable price. A relationship with Y4 custom homes begins well before construction and extends long past the completion of your new “custom� home. A commitment to craftsmanship is a commitment to you.
210-286-1642
www.y4customhomes.com email: Jason@y4customhomes.com 26 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com 2013 ISSUE 1
Northcliffe Golf Club
New Management…Best Conditions in the Area RATES Monday - Friday Seniors and Military Saturday and Sunday STATISTICS Par: 72 Blue White Gold Red
Home of the Noon Twilight Rate
Mon-Fri Just $22
$30 $24.50 $39.50 (Tax Included)
Yards Rating Slope 6550 71.0 125 6080 65.5 119 5339 66.4 118 4815 64.0 113
PERSONNEL Director of Golf.................Dave Roberts Superintendent................ James Fillpot 5301 Country Club Blvd., Cibolo, TX
(830) 606-7351 www.northcliffegolfcourse.com
New Attitude…
Same Great Low Prices
Childhood course of PGA Tour player Jimmy Walker
Landa Park Golf Course New Braunfels, TX
(830) 221-4340 www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=423
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ant to play green? Then load up your clubs and head to Historic Landa Park Municipal Golf Course. The original course was opened in 1938 as a nine-hole golf course and is operated by the city of New Braunfels. In 1972 the course expanded by 52 acres to make it an 18-hole course. Bordered by the Comal River, several water hazards come into play on some holes, but overall, Landa Park is on the short side. Wide fairways and very manageable approach shots to small undulating greens makes it a more player-friendly course.
AMENITIES • 18-Hole Golf Course • 2 Practice Greens • 4 Warm-Up Cages • Full-Service Grill • Fully-Stocked Pro-Shop • PGA Instruction RATES Please call for current rates. STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope Blue 6138 68.9 116 White 5719 67.1 114 Red(W) 4918 68.8 111 PERSONNEL General Mgr....... Chad Donegan, PGA Teaching Pros.....Chad Donegan, PGA, Adam Stanchos
Scan for Special Offers Map Key Number
2013 ISSUE 1 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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cashforecancer.org 2-PERSON SCRAMBLES HELD MONTHLY WITH A CA$H PAYOUT!! PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE THRIVEWELL CANCER FOUNDATION COST: $50 per player (includes: golf, cart, range balls, food, drink ticket, and Cash prizes) 2013 SCHEDULE: February 24th—11:00 shotgun March 24th—10:00 shotgun April 21st—10:00 shotgun May 19th—9:00 shotgun June 30th—9:00 shotgun July 28th—9:00 shotgun August 25th—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
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2013 ISSUE 1
You’re Invited to
The Texas Hill Country
Golf Trail LOOK INSIDE for your
invitation to experience the finest collection of
golf courses in the Texas Hill Country
Look inside… Horseshoe Bay Resort • Vaaler Creek Golf Club Lago Vista • Highland Lakes • Delaware Springs • Scott Schreiner Lighthouse Country Club • Lady Bird Johnson
Hill Country A Great Spot for Golfers to Travel
By Steve Habel Special to the Gofers Guide
Horseshoe Bay Resort
G
olfers 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 après golf, including wineries, breweries, quaint shopping in charming and historical downtown sectors and museums with links to Lone Star State history. It’s easy to put together a nice threeday 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.
shops and restaurants as the road serpentines through downtown. Setting up: Just east of the main sector, the Wimberley RV Park (wimberleyrvpark.com) is situated on five acres in the rolling hills within a short walk of the famous Blue Hole swimming area. Teeing off: Head back north on RR 12 the way you came into Wimberley for about three miles and turn left into Woodcreek, a small town of its own with about 1,500 residents. The centerpiece of this residential community is the Quicksand at Woodcreek Golf Course, a tight, tree-lined tester carded at a par of 72 and measuring in at 6,470 yards from the back set of five tees. Accuracy is at a premium here, as the greens (especially on the par-4 11th hole) can be smallish. Off the course: No trip to Wimberley is complete without a stop at Ino’s Brew & Chew for a no-frills, but wonderful, lunch or dinner. For a little more upscale dining, try Marcos Italian Restaurant Day 1:3Wimberley (order the wonderful, crispyClub pizza). If Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship courses • Yacht Getting there: Heading vino iswith your Flamingos thing, there are two options 18-hole, Parwest 72 from Putting course Austin on Hwy&290, a left•atMarina RR close by – the Driftwood Estate Winery Airport Jet take Center • Lake LBJ • Accommodations 12 and motor south for Estate about 18 miles • Resort (driftwoodvineyards.com) or the DuchReal Sales Memberships into this charming village of about 2,000 man Family Winery (duchmanwinery. For information: residents. You’ll find a bustling cluster of com) – both are great options. 800 252-9363 (TX) • 800-531-5105 www.hsbresort.com • www.hsbresortrealty.com
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Day 2: Fredericksburg Getting there: From Wimberley, head back north on RR 12 and turn west at 290. Stay on the highway as it combines with Hwy 281 and passes into Johnson City. Once in Johnson City, follow the signs and continue west to Fredericksburg, an always-hopping German-influenced town that will remind one of a bigger and busier version of the town you just left. Setting up: Two blocks south of main street in Fredericksburg you’ll find the fabulous Fredericksburg RV Park (www. fbgrvpark.com). Opened in October 2000, it was built by RVers for RVers and features the finest in facilities with 100’ wide, level pull-thru sites. To get even closer to the golf, set up at the Lady Bird Johnson RV Park, adjacent to the city’s municipal park and just minutes away from… Teeing off: The Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course recently reopened after an almost $2 million dollar renovation that established Lady Bird GC as one of the state’s top municipal tracks. It’s a par-71, 6,686-yard championship course with tree-lined fairways and a testing routing. Four of the holes on the course’s front-nine cross over the meandering Live Oak Creek, while a trio of lakes come into play on five holes on the back-nine. The course also features practice facilities with 20 hitting stations and two practice greens. Off the course: Driving into town it’s impossible to miss the impressive series of wineries that line Hwy 290 on both the north and the south. This countryside is reminiscent of the wine-growing regions of central Italy and the Rhone Valley in France, and some fine wines are produced here. The wine, ambience and experience at each winery are unique and afford visitors a perfect wine getaway. For a change of pace, downtown is home to the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the oldest brewpub in Texas, and a spot that has been ballyhooed by numerous publications, as a “Best in Texas.”
Day 3: Llano Getting there: From Fredericksburg, go north on State Hwy 16 for about 40 miles and you’ll run directly into the quint city of Llano. Llano was founded in 1855 and buildings from the 1800s still remain in this historic town. You will enjoy the Texas country atmosphere in this relaxing little city, with its antique, clothing and gift shops, jewelry stores and art galleries. Setting up: RVers who golf can have it all at the Llano River Golf Course and RV Park, set about two and a half miles from downtown on RR 152 adjacent to the city of Llano’s Robinson City Park. There’s lots of sightseeing within walking distance of the park and a hike and bike trail along the river. The park is just a half-mile away from the Llano River Golf Course – mention that you’re staying at the park and get a discount on your golf. Teeing off: The Llano River Golf Course is a par-71, 6,094-yard picturesque track that is challenging and a favorite among the golfers who have played it. Its natural beauty and wildlife, along with the Llano River, provide a captivating and relaxing backdrop to a round of golf. If you play golf for the love of the game, this short, country course will test you; you better be accurate and have a solid short game. Off the course: There are many things of interest in the Llano area including: a walking tour of the town to see the historical homes, fishing, hunting, hiking, rockhunting, bird-watching and wine tasting and touring at the local wineries. Just down the road back toward Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the highlight of which is a massive dome of pink granite that is not only an impressive sight to see, but also fun to climb. Visitors to Llano with large appetites are encouraged to dine at Cooper’s Old Time Barbeque for one of the best barbeque meals anywhere in the Lone Star State. The trail continues in the next issue.
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Delaware Springs Golf Course
R
ated four out of five stars on Golf Digest’s “Best Places Burnet, TX (512) 756-8471 to Play” list, Delaware Springs Golf Course is a Hill Country classic cradled by a variety of native trees and www.delawaresprings.com accented by charming scenery. The beautiful 6,891-yard par-72 RATES 18 9 Twlight track unfolds onto gently rolling hills and offers golfers scenic Weekday $35 $19 $25 Weekend $45 $23 $33 vistas at every turn, making it as picturesque as it is challenging. STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope The aesthetic value is just one reason why Delaware Black 6891 72.0 127 Springs has become a Hill Country favorite. Visitors are often Blue 6329 70.3 121 5829 68.2 110 impressed by the attitude of the golf course staff, a friendly and White Red 4931 66.8 106 courteous crew that makes strangers feel right at home. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, the facility features PERSONNEL Architect............................ Bunker Hill a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack Director of Golf.................Doug Fipps Superintendent................ Jason Kelly bar and dining room overlooking the 18th green. Course Record..........Kyle Jerome, 62 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 “Mountain View” Scan for Special and “Roon the Bend” because of it’s sharp dogleg right. Few Offers homes line the holes. 41 Map Key Number
2013 ISSUE 1 www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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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
2013 ISSUE 1
For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call
512.267.1170 or go to
www.lagovistagc.com
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H I L L C O U N T R Y R V P A R K S
Beachcomber Park 800-379-3083 lakebuchananrv.com Big Chief RV Resort 866-922-4433 bigchiefrvresort.com Blanco Settlement Country Cabins & RV Park 830-833-5115 blancosettlement.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 Galloway-Hammond Parks and Recreation Center 512-756-6180 Granite Rock RV Park 325-388-8900 graniterockrvpark.com Heart of Texas Lake Resort 512-756-7766 heartoftexaslakeresort.com 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
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
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H I L L C O U N T R Y W I N E R I E S
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General Directory COURSE
TYPE
PHONE
AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private (512) 248-2442 Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course Public (512) 272-4228 Falconhead Semi-Private (512) 402-1558 Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal (512) 453-0276 Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Course Municipal (512) 444-0999 Lions Municipal Golf Course Municipal (512) 477-6963 Morris Williams Golf Course Municipal (512) 926-1298 Riverside Golf Club Public (512) 386-7077 BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort (800) 646-5407 BASTROP: Hyatt, Wolfdancer Resort (512) 308-9653 Lost Pines Golf Course Public (512) 321-2327 Pine Forest Golf Club Public (512) 321-1181 BLANCO: Vaaler Creek Golf Club Semi-Private (830) 833-0706 BOERNE: Tapatio Springs Resort (830) 537-4197 BURNET: Delaware Springs Golf Course Municipal (512) 756-8471 CANYON LAKE: Canyon Lake Golf Club Public (830) 899-3301 CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public (830) 931-3100 CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf & Country Club Semi-Private (830) 606-7351 COMFORT: Buckhorn Golf Course Public (830) 995-5351 CONCAN: Club at ConCan Resort (830) 232-4471 DEVINE: Devine Golf Course Public (830) 665-9943 FLORESVILLE: River Bend Golf Club Public (830) 216-2800 FREDERICKSBURG: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Municipal (830) 997-4010 GEORGETOWN: Cowan Creek Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 864-1244 Legacy Hill Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 864-1222 White Wing Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 864-1244 HARPER: Hidden Springs Golf Course Public (830) 990-9500 HORSESHOE BAY: Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort (830) 598-8600 Apple Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 Ram Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 Slick Rock Resort (830) 598-8600 KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Municipal (830) 257-4982 KILLEEN: The Course of Clear Creek Public (254) 287-4130 City of Killeen Municipal (254) 699-6034 Copperas Cove Golf Course Municipal (254) 547-2606 KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public (325) 388-8888 Lighthouse Country Club Public (325) 388-6660 KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public (512) 262-5555 LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private (512) 267-1170 Highland Lakes Public (512) 382-6529 LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public (512) 556-3202
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COURSE
TYPE
PHONE
LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal (512) 259-5855 LLANO: Llano Golf Club Municipal (325) 247-5100 MARBLE FALLS: Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private (830) 693-3300 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bandit Golf Course Public (830) 609-4665 Landa Park Golf Course Municipal (830) 221-4340 PLEASANTON: Pleasanton Country Club Semi-Private (830) 281-3486 PFLUGERVILLE: Blackhawk Golf Club Public (512) 251-9000 ROUND ROCK: Forest Creek Golf Club Public (512) 388-2874 The Golf Club of Star Ranch Semi-Private (512) 252-GOLF TeraVista Golf Club Semi-Private (512) 651-9850 SALADO: Mill Creek Inn & Country Club Semi-Private (254) 947-5698 SAN MARCOS: Quail Creek Country Club Semi-Private (512) 353-1665 SAN SABA: San Saba River GC Municipal (325) 372-3212 SEGUIN: Golf Club of Seguin Semi-Private (830) 303-0669 Starcke Park Golf Course Municipal (830) 401-2490 SPICEWOOD: Pedernales Golf Course Public (512) 264-1489 SPRING BRANCH: River Crossing Club Private (830) 904-4653 SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public (210) 696-4000 Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal (210) 226-5612 Canyon Springs Golf Course Public (210) 497-1770 Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal (210) 695-5050 Golf Club of Texas Public (210) 677-0027 Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort (210) 647-1234 La Cantera Golf Club Public (210) 558-4653 La Loma Grande Public (210) 222-9386 Mission Del Lago Golf Course Municipal (210) 627-2522 Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal (210) 826-4041 Riverside Golf Course Municipal (210) 533-8371 Salado Del Rio Public 210-222-9386 Silverhorn Public (210) 545-5300 The Palmer Course Public (210) 558-2365 The Republic Golf Course Public (210) 359-0000 TPC San Antonio Resort (210) 491-5800 Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private (210) 655-1421 Willow Springs Golf Course Municipal (210) 226-6721 Woodlake Country Club Semi-Private (210) 661-6124 UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Public (210) 945-4653 UTOPIA: River Oaks Public (830) 966-5577 WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public (512) 847-9700
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2013 ISSUE 1
The Perfect Drive – Course Directory COURSE
TYPE
PHONE
THE COAST Alice Municipal Golf Course Brownsville Golf Center Buccaneer Bay Public Golf Course Colony Creek Country Club Corpus Christi Country Club Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Edinburg Municipal Golf Course El Campo County Club Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Ganado Golf and Country Club Goliad Country Recreation Association Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Harlingen Country Club L.E. Ramey Golf Course Newport Dunes Padre Isles Country Club Palm View Golf Course Rio Colorado Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club The Victoria Country Club Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Tierra Santa Golf Club Treasure Hills Country Club Village Executive Golf Course Valley International Country Club
Public Public Public Semi-Private Private Public Public Private Public Public Public Public Private Public Semi-Private Private Public Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Semi-Private Public Semi-Private
(361) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (956) (409) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (979) (956) (361) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956)
664-7033 541-2582 790-7513 576-0018 991-2811 428-7758 381-1244 543-6592 542-9861 771-2424 645-2144 749-1974 412-4110 592-1101 749-4653 949-8056 687-9591 244-2955 943-5678 573-3712 702-2320 973-1811 365-3100 968-5331 546-5331
RIO GRANDE VALLEY Adobe Wells Country Club Alamo Country Club Brownsville Municipal Golf Course Cimarron Cottonwood 21 Ebony Hills Golf Course Fair Winds G.C & Practice Range Fort Brown Memorial Golf Course 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 Golf Course
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) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956)
686-8801 787-0910 541-2582 581-7408 428-0766 381-1244 423-2010 541-0394 412-4110 943-7520 565-3351 316-0444 585-6330 928-0440 581-6267 381-0964 687-9591 350-4000 689-9904 548-0191 580-8770 943-5678 216-5970
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Advertiser’s Directory MAP KEY COURSE
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PHONE
65 66 41 20 2 85 53 20 73 68 96 99 29 35 97 98 64 85 56 3 87
Public Public Semi-Private Public Public Public Public Municipal Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Municipal Semi-Private Semi-Private
(830) 609-4665 (830) 995-5351 (512) 756-8471 (512) 267-1170 (713) 896-0900 (210) 222-9386 (830) 997-4010 (512) 267-1170 (830) 221-4340 (325) 388-6660 (361) 826-8016 (956) 726-2000 (830) 606-7351 (210) 945-4653 (361) 826-8010 (512) 262-5555 (210) 359-0000 (210) 222-9386 (830) 257-4982 (512) 252-4653 (830) 833-0706
Bandit Golf Club Buckhorn Delaware Springs Golf Course Highland Lake Country Club Jersey Meadows La Loma Grande Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Lago Vista Golf Course Landa Park Lighthouse Country Club Lozano Golf Center Max A. Mandel Golf Course Northcliff Golf Course Olympia Hills Oso Beach Golf Course Plum Creek Golf Course Republic Golf Club Salado Del Rio Scott Schreiner Golf Course Star Ranch Vaaler Creek Golf Club
MAP KEY SHOPPING 2 3 83 80 84
Edwin Watts Edwin Watts Edwin Watts The Golf Club The Golf Ranch
TYPE
Coushatta Casino The Dunes Condominiums Hot Springs Villas Lajitas Golf Resort Rio Vista Resorts
SERVICES ESPN “Golfer’s Guide Radio” Fox Sports Laredo CVB San Antonio Golf Expo World Car Auto Group Y4 Custom Homes
6928/71 6648/71 6826/72 6529/72 6660/72 6857/72 6432/72 6102/71 6138/72 6855/72 7027/72 7069/72 6550/72 6923/72 6223/70 7132/70 7007/71 6819/71 6453/71 7030/71 6864/72
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Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail
RESORT & ACCOMMODATIONS
YDS./PAR
San Antonio San Antonio Corpus Christi Austin Georgetown
TYPE
PHONE (210) 822-4060 (210) 349-7575 (361) 852-0358 (512) 916-GOLF (512) 863-45737
LOCATION
Resort Kinder, LA Resort Port Aransas Golf Community Arkansas Resort Lajitas RV lots/Lake Houses Kingsland
LOCATION
TIME
PHONE (800) 584-7263 (888) 893-2071 (501) 922-2858 (432) 424-5080 (325) 388-6331
WEBSITE
1250AM Radio Saturdays 8-9am San Antonio 24 / 7 Laredo Freeman Exposition Hall June 22-23 San Antonio/New Braunfels Custom Homes (210) 286-1642
ESPNSA.com Foxsportslocal.com visitlaredo.com SanAntonioGolfExpo.com www.worldcar.com. y4customhomes.com
TOURNAMENT
LOCATION
WEBSITE / PHONE
Valero Texas Open Cash 4 Cancer
TPC San Antonio Vaaler Creek Golf Club
ValeroTexasOpen.org (830) 833-0706
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HOUSTON AREA GOLF COURSES
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Houston Golf Scene
B
efore you head out on the course this spring, make sure your clubs are up to par, grips ready! And that you’re wearing comfortable clothing for the season. I found Edwin Watts’ website to be easy to navigate and it gave me great information on “WATTS” hot, today’s deals, and a plethora of online merchandise. Turn to page 2 for their store location and website. The annual STPGA Foundation Pro Am will be held on April 22 at Eagle Pointe Golf Club (our cover story this issue). For those who want to play or become a contributor to junior golf, give them a call today. Over on the REC side of Eagle Pointe, the wave pool is a nice feature for the family. If you’re looking for an extraordinary golf outing on a picturesque golf course with amenities for corporate outings to small group events, visit Eagle Pointe. The story begins on page 5. Celebrating my 5th year in publishing and 15th in the golf business, it has been rewarding to know the guide continues to be widely read, now expanded throughout Texas. I want to thank all of my advertisers and readers and the new friendships that have been made. What’s your TOP 10 Houston courses to play? Email melanie@industryinet.com your list by 4/1/13 to be included in our upcoming issue.
Houston
GOLFER’SGUIDE
“America’s leading regional golf publications” GOLFER’S GUIDE, INC. PO BOX 5926 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29938-9790 (843) 842-7878 • Fax (843) 842-9387
STAFF
Regional Publisher: Melanie Grafe P.O. Box 262 Industry, TX 78944
Phone: (979) 732-1909 Fax: (979) 357-4606 Email: mgrafe@golfersguide.com CEO: Marc A. Frey mfrey@golfersguide.com Managing Editor: Lance Hanlin lhanlin@golfersguide.com Production Director: Brad Kelley bkelley@golfersguide.com Contributing Writer: Steve Habel
CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 750,000 readers. Issue 1 of 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS For subscriptions or single-copy orders, go to www.golfersguide.com/order Copyright ©2013 Golfer’s Guide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Golfer’s Guide is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information. *Publisher’s data. We are expanding our network of magazines and will be adding several new regions within the next year. If you would like to publish a Golfer’s Guide magazine with us in your home region send your resume and previous publishing samples to Golfer’s Guide, P.O. Box 5926, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938-9790, ATTN: Executive Publisher.
Melanie Grafe www.Houston.GolfersGuide.com STPGA Foundation Pro -Am April 22, 2013
(281) 385-6666
2013 ISSUE 1 www.houston.golfersguide.com
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HOUSTON
GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents Eagle Pointe Golf Club and Recreation Complex
55 Flying High Eagle Pointe Golf Club makes its mark with great golf and contributions to the community. Mark your calendar, the annual STPGA Foundation Pro-Am at Eagle Pointe is scheduled for April 22. 58 Urban Jewel in the Piney Woods Here’s an excellent option for your next family stay-cation or golf outing during this time of year. Conroe boasts eleven golf courses, a 22,000 area lake, and nature surrounding the city, access to everything here is quite simple.
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61 Feature Courses What courses to play in and around Houston. 69 Plan your next event at The Republic Grill From start to finish, The Republic Grill is a great option to host your next special event, meeting or unique dining inside the clubhouse for up to 200 guests. Fresh food pairs nicely with 180 degree view of the golf course.
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70 Directory & Maps Comprehensive listing of featured courses in the area.
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S
ince its opening in 1999 in the burgeoning southeast Houston suburb of Mont Belvieu, Eagle Pointe Golf Club and Recreation Complex has become a showcase for daily-fee or semi-private customers in its area. As the course celebrates its 14th year, it’s been lengthened to keep up with demands of today’s long-hitters and its management – led by PGA professional Jeff Strong and his team – have things right on track. “Eagle Pointe had survived and thrived because it has always been a great course and we have always had a great plan that stood up when the golf industry took a downturn,” Strong said. “We think the downtrend has slowed now, but we are continuing to do all we can to grow the game and make a difference. Houston-based golf course architect Rick Forester was
given a premier site on which to build the 7,132-yard, par-71 course. Rolling terrain and interesting elevation changes make Eagle Pointe GC very different from the mostly flat sites of many courses in the Greater Houston area. As golfers meander along through the course’s towering pine trees, they’ll find the ground will rise or fall as much as 40 feet. “There’s a very open natural feeling here, both because of the mature pines and because you’re not closed in by dense housing developments,” Strong said. Water is a consideration on most every shot on Eagle Pointe GC. Cherry Point Gully weaves its way through the course, the Old River is the boundary on several holes and a waterfall and several ponds are scattered along the fairways. 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. The putting surfaces at Eagle Pointe GC roll fast and true, and there are plenty of altitude changes to make club selection interesting. It’s a course that requires careful placement and a tour around the track is testing for all skill levels yet accessible for a high handicapper. The layout can be a bit tricky for first timers, as some fairways slope severely enough to bounce your ball into a hazard if you don’t hit the correct side of them; hole numbers 1, 10 and 17 are good examples of this. The pine-lined fairways roll through bunkers and water hazards to reach some impressive, well-conditioned putting surfaces. There are also a handful of severe doglegs at Eagle Pointe GC, some as much as 90 degrees, where a good but offline tee shot can run through the fairway. Some of the greens can have steep slopes, so be careful to place your approaches in the correct spot. The course’s dramatic elevation changes make for holes that are as challenging as they are scenic. 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. “The difficulty on the sixth is that you have to position your drive,” Strong said. “You also cannot be too short or you’ll be cut off by the dogleg. But if your drive goes too far, you can end up in the rough.” The 213-yard 15th is the toughest par-3 on the course because of its two-tiered green and huge bunkers right and left. Landing on the green tough enough but that’s just when the challenge begins because of the movement on the putting surface. 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. Membership at Eagle Pointe also offers one of
the area’s best recreational facilities, featuring a 60,000-square foot state-of-the-art complex with some of the best equipment in the health industry and a plethora of sports amenities that any active person would enjoy. Here you will find two full basketball courts, a pair of racquetball courts, four outdoor lighted tennis courts, a heated indoor lap pool, child watch and outdoor play area and a half-mile nature and jogging trail. The facility also sports a real wave pool, indoor banquet and reception facilities, The Pointe Grill restaurant and a tanning salon. One of the most compelling reasons for playing or joining Eagle Pointe is its focus on giving back to the game, and the community, with its commitment to Junior Golf with its annual fundraiser, the STPGA Foundation Pro-Am that will be held on April 22, 2013. Strong has placed an emphasis on the game’s future by providing juniors with the resources and opportunities necessary to get involved in golf. “This year, part of the proceeds will go towards the Shawn Stefani Scholarship. Stefani grew up and played golf at Barbers Hill Highschool and recently received his 2013 PGA tour card.” “Supporting junior golf is great for the future of the game, and it’s great for the kids who are helped through the STPGA Foundation,” said Strong, who served as a captain in the 2009 Joe Black Cup matches and was voted 2009 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year. “The tournament helps us give something back to the game, just as our predecessors did when we were young golfers.” In its first seven years, the STPGA Foundation Pro-Am has raised more than $90,000 for junior golf. Most notably, the tournament raised over $20,000 in 2012. The money raised goes toward scholarships and junior golf programs. “This tournament has had great local support because the community knows the importance of the cause and the impact it has for junior golfers to play the game or to further their education,” Strong said. “Their involvement speaks volumes about the quality of the people who live, work and play golf in our area.”
GOLF STAY
& PLAY
11 COURSES
BUSINESS MEETINGS
22,000
Acre Lake
MUSIC, ARTS & SHOPPING
16 HOTELS
V
isit Conroe, Texas, the Urban Jewel in the Piney Woods, for just the right blend of starry nights and city lights. Nestled at the edge of the lush Piney Woods, the city embraces visitors with genuine Texas friendly hospitality. Small-town appeal and big-city attractions make Conroe a favorite destination for family fun, travelling professionals and golfing enthusiasts. Mild weather makes the Piney Woods perfect for outdoor activities, and the area has 11 great golf courses with enjoyable layouts for beginners as well as challenging tracks for the moreseasoned player. The rolling terrains, tall trees and glistening lakes add interesting twists to our courses, providing a more challenging golf game as only nature can do. Many of the courses take advantage of the beautiful shores of Lake Conroe, the centerpiece of the area, which provides a scenic view for golfers’ enjoyment
La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa and a water hazard that not too many golf courses can boast as well as 22,000 acres of relaxation and fun. While you are in town, you can also enjoy miles of hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, camping and fishing in W. Goodrich Jones State Forest and Sam Houston National Forest. Finish up your round of golf and then start your night out early by enjoying dinner at one of Conroe’s local restaurants. Then catch a live performance by a singer/songwriter or up and coming artist featured at one of our unique and charming venues. Come and play with us, but before you do, visit www.playinconroe.com to find out more about where to play, where to stay and what else you can do while you are in town. Check out the brochures page where you can download a FREE visitor’s guide or you can call us at 1-877-426-6763 and we will send a 24 page full-color brochure directly to you.
CONROE, T X Real Friendly. Real Golf. Real Fun.
Eleven Conroe Courses in the Lush Piney Woods of East Texas Enjoy a scenic “drive” to one of Conroe’s relaxing golf courses located only a “chip shot” from beautiful 22,000 acre Lake Conroe and 16 affordable hotels. Give us a call and we will do our best to make your next visit a “hole in one.”
GGH 2013
Order your FREE Visitors Guide today
4006 Sprayberry Lane, Conroe, TX 77303
(800) 531-5900
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We invite you to stretch your legs in our spacious
rooms, recharge with a free hot breakfast and stay hard-wired or wireless Internet access. Enjoy our indoor heated pool and spa. of our rooms offer the comforts of home, including a 42” Flat Screen TV, ceiling fan, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, refrigerator, and microwave. Business center and fitness center.
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Mont Belvieu, TX (281) 385-6666 www.EaglePointeOnline.com RATES Mon-Thur Friday Weekend Holiday
18 Twlight* $45 $35 $47 $40 $60 $40 $60 $40
*Twilight begins at 1 pm STATISTICS Par: 71 Slope Black Blue White Red
Yards
Rating
7077 6502 5927 5213
73.2 70.9 68.0 67.4
128 121 116 113
PERSONNEL Architec...................... Rick Forester Director of Golf...............Jeff Strong Course Record...........Chip Craig, 63 Course Record.... Shawn Stefani, 63 AMENITIES • Online Tee Times • Meeting/Banquet Roooms • Outdoor Pavilion • Two Restaurants • Recreation Complex & Wave Pool • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • Memberships Available
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
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.
Where the Past Comes THE BATTLEGROUND DEER PARK
The Battleground Golf Course is where history and fun converge. Every hole at this one-ofa-kind track presents not only an invigorating challenge but a lesson in Texas history. With holes like the Yellow Rose and Twin Sisters, it’s like fighting for Texas Independence all over again. So whether you like to let the big dog loose on the tee box or you are a sharp shooter on the greens, the Battleground Golf Course is the perfect experience. From hosting elaborate events to simple golf outings, The Battleground will make your experience enjoyable and memorable for all.
Public Golf Course and Restaurant
18-Hole Golf Course l Full Restaurant & BAR l Snack Bar Pro Shop l Practice Facility l Lessons Gift Cards l Beverage Cart l Shuttle Service
Gift Cards Now Available in the Pro Shop
Alive one swing at a time Stay & Play Golf Packages with
Hampton Inn
www.deerparktx.gov/battleground
281-478-2079
Timber Creek offers varied routing across three nine-hole courses
By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
O
ne of the great surprises in golf is when you discover a 27-hole golf facility that has three varying and challenging nines that fit seamlessly into each other rather than having one course that is an obvious afterthought. We found such a rare jewel at Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood, just a 10 minute jaunt from the intersection of IH-45 and the Sam Houston Tollway southeast of Houston. Timber Creek GC, designed by the legendary Jay Riviere and opened for play in 2001, will remind golfers of the rolling hills and woods of South Carolina. The three excellent nine-hole tracks – named Creekside, Timber Trails and Pines – were carved out of oak and pine forests and routed across 316acres of land unique to the Houston area. More than a million cubic yards of dirt were brought into the site the help fashion its rolling look and several rock outcroppings visible during the round will make the golfer swear he is anywhere but southeast Texas. The Riviere’s work here offers a little of everything, and the golfer can bite off as much of a challenge as he or she can handle thanks to four sets of tee boxes. A creek winds through the property, requiring 13 bridges to traverse the site and giving a clue to the demands on tap. Timber Creek’s Creekside nine asks for focus and accuracy, playing at just 3135 from its back tees. Game management is the key as the player must deal with water on eight holes, some doglegs and 28 bunkers.
The Pines nine, carded at 3,418 yards from the tips, is more open and has fewer forced carries. Among its holes are the longest par-5s at Timber Creek GC – the 567-yard third and the 550-yard ninth. The Pines has 35 bunkers and is made more playable by mounding along the edges of the fairways. Timber Trails is the longest (at 3,575 yards from the back tees) and the most testing of Timber Creek’s three nines, with demanding carries and narrow fairways lined by trees. It has the toughest collection of par4s on the property; all play at least 412 yards from the tips, beginning with the 482-yard first hole, which is likely the toughest hole on the course. The most demanding combination is Pines/Timber Trails, which is rated at 73.4 and carries a slope of 135 from the tips. Riviere designed Timber Creek GC to be without tricks and visually transparent, as from each tee box the player can see both the optimal landing area and the trouble that lingers if a shot is not properly executed. The course demands the golfer to bring both solid play and a little imagination to the round, and that’s what makes the experience here fun and memorable. Timber Creek’s putting surfaces run true and fast and – in another Riviere trademark – are tough because of their subtle breaks rather than slopes and segments. Timber Creek offers golfers a lighted driving range among its excellent practice facilities and a 6,500-square foot clubhouse with a well-supplied pro shop and a cozy restaurant and bar to wind down and settle up after the round. The facility’s 200-seat open-air pavilion is equipped with a grill and is perfect for tournaments, private parties or in providing a good scenic view for some post-round beverages. The golf here is grand, as reflected by Timber Creek’s standing as one of the top 10 facilities in the Greater Houston area. It’s a place where you can play again and again and always get a different experience.
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Timber Creek Golf Club
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Friendswood, TX eneath the towering Oaks and sturdy Pines that (281) 993-1140 permeate Timber Creek Golf Club, golfers are www.Timbercreekgolfclub.com 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 to create a DIRECTIONS: 1-45 S., exit and splendid layout just 20 miles from downtown Houston. turn right on FM 2351, turn right at 2nd light “Our course isn’t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,” Griswold said. RATES: Call the Pro Shop or visit online for specials With its classic Clubhouse Pub atmosphere and an AMENITIES: eclectic menu that appeals to virtually every taste, the • 27 hole golf course Legends Grill at Timber Creek is the place to meet. • Golf Academy The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can custom • Legends Restaurant & Bar • Fully Stocked Pro Shop design a program for beginners, recreational players or • 200-seat pavilion for tournaments highly skilled players who are in need of a tune-up. The and events • Online Specials and EClub Academy also offers Custom Club Fitting, the latest in high-end club-fitting technology. PERSONNEL Architect.............................Jay Riviere Bring your group to Timber Creek for an outing or a tournament that provides a country club experience 36 Map Key at a public course price. From its outstanding course Number 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. Gift Cards 2013 ISSUE 1 www.houston.golfersguide.com
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Baytown’s Evergreen Point Golf Club back on the upswing By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
T
here has never been any doubt about the challenge that golfers will face when they venture to Baytown to tee it up at Evergreen Point Golf Course. Evergreen Point GC, the last course built by the prolific design partnership of Dave Marr and Jay Riviere, has long been the site of top amateur and prestigious junior events, known far and wide as a demanding but fair routing and one of the best courses in the Greater Houston area. For a while the appeal of a round at the track was muted by the effect of the drought the region has endured for the past few years. Because the course was so dependent on water – it’s bordered across its northern boundary by deep bayou and 15 of its 18 holes play around lakes and ponds – things changed when Mother Nature’s spigot was all but turned off. We are happy to report that Evergreen Point GC is back on the upswing, thanks to a little help from the skies and a lot of patience from the facility’s ownership and management. Gone from the site are scads of trees that couldn’t survive the lack of water, but their absence makes the track a little more fun and a bit more playable. “Even when the conditions were at their worst, we had players out here,” said Jeremy Reed, Evergreen Point GC’s head professional and a former golfer for the University of Houston. “That’s a great indication of Evergreen Point’s solid routing and combination of challenge and fun.” Evergreen Point GC, which is a daily fee facility, opened for play in 1996. The 6,969-yard track plays to a par of 72 and carries a healthy rating of 73.4 and a slope of 138 from its back set of four tees; its other teeing grounds are carded at 6,389 down to 5,298 yards. Evergreen Point GC is located just minutes from the San Jacinto Battlefield where Sam Houston and his army defeated the Mexican Army to gain independence for Texas. Once owned by Dr. Ashbel Smith, surgeon general of the army of the Republic of Texas and friend of Sam Houston, it was part of the 1,000-acre Evergreen Plantation. 66
The 240-acre property that now contains the course and its facilities was purchased in the mid-1990s by the Hazelwood family to build the golf course in memory of their mother, Betty Hazelwood. Don’t let the beauty of Evergreen Point GC’s tall trees, magnolias, creeks and stone bridges catch you off guard. It’s a demanding course that requires concentration on every shot. Besides the seemingly ever-present water, there are tall trees lining every hole and more than 40 bunkers placed where they can ruin a shot not hit on its intended line. The greens are varied in size and have mostly mild sloping – their quality and consistency have always been a hallmark of the experience at the course. Marr and Riviere were blessed with a site that has more roll and movement than most Houston area courses, and they took full advantage of it. Reed considers the 221-yard par-3 second hole the most challenging on the course, even with the tee shot made less demanding by the loss of trees on the right front. Once the player reaches the green, the slope is deceiving because it sits on a hillside. The 462-yard par-4 third is an eye-opener because of its length, but focus is also needed on the 447-yard par-4 12th which has an approach iover a creek and the 422-yard closing hole, which has the deepest green on the course at 54 yards and has three levels. With water coming into play on fifteen of the eighteen holes, and more than forty bunkers, accuracy is a must. Evergreen Point GC also has a large practice facility, a well-stocked pro shop and the obligatory bar and grill and pre- or post-round chow and libations. There’s a lot of good golf on tap at Evergreen Point GC, but to be successful the player will need to be confident and proficient with the driver. That way he or she will be able to stay away from the gators that populate a handful of the ponds and avoid being bitten by the bogey buy as well.
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Evergreen Point Golf Club Baytown, TX (281) 837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com
E
vergreen 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. Be sure to stop by our fully-stocked pro shop and replenish your equipment because water comes into play on 15 out of 18 holes. Evergreen Point has been rated four stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” list since it’s opening in 1996. 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.
RATES 18 Senior M-Thur $36 $25.87 Friday Golf & Lunch $45.27 STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope Champ 6969 73.4 138 Regular 6389 70.2 133 Senior 5955 68.7 126 Forward 5248 71.4 123 AMENITIES • Bar & Grill • Pro Shop • Practice Facilities PERSONNEL Architects .. Jay Riviere & Dave Marr Director of Golf........... Jeremy Reed Scan QR code to take a Course Tour or make tee times Map Key Number 2
21602 Cypresswood Dr Spring, TX (281) 821-6300
www.cypresswood.com
T
he 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.
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Battleground Golf Course makes for great round but requires solid play By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
W
ith a name like The Battleground at Deer Park, golfers might think that they are going to be faced with a course that can bloody their respective noses when they head to Deer Park for a round on the city-owned track. Instead The Battleground, about a 25 minute drive from Downtown Houston in the city considered the “Birthplace of Texas,” offers golfers of all skill levels a pleasing experience from the first tee to the 18th green while also producing plenty of tests for even the best players. It’s a perfect municipal golf course, offering a little bit of something for everybody – including some of the lowest green fees in the Greater Houston area, a well-paced round on a course that is maintained well and a staff that prides itself on customer service and friendliness. Designed by Tom Knickerbocker and opened for play in 1996, The Battleground plays at 6,944 yards and a par of 72 from its back set of four tees. The tips offer a rating of 73.5 and a slope of 136, which is plenty difficult for low-handicap players but the other tee boxes (6,303-4,779) allow players to bite off as much as they care to chew. The Battleground GC takes its name from the San Jacinto Battleground, the site where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836 located about 10 minutes away. Each hole is named after a person and object affiliated with the Lone Star State’s battle for its own sovereignty, so a bit history can be obtained along with birdies and pars while playing the course. The course’s most challenging holes are its par-4s. All but one of the 10 two-shotters play at 400 yards or more, highlighted by the 444-yard fourth hole (which can play even longer into the prevalent southeast wind) and the slightly downhill 446-yard 14th. The track is lined by pecans and oaks, with water coming into play on 14 of the 18 holes. One of the first big tests at The Battleground is the 388-yard par-4 second, which is played downhill and over a creek that cannot be seen from the tee. 68
The 507-yard par-5 fifth is likely the best hole at The Battleground. Off the tee, one must be wary of the water that lines the right side of the fairway and crosses in front of the optimal landing area. The green can be reached in two stout blows, but the approach is all carry over a pond and around a tall tree at the elbow of the severe dogleg-left and the green is small, surrounded by water and sand and undulating. The Battleground GC’s signature hole is the 17th, a 175-yard par-3 with a wide but shallow putting surface that is multi-tiered. A stairstep waterfall accents the edge of a lake which fronts the green, which is shared with the par-5 10th hole. In addition to the golf course, The Battleground GC includes a training facility with a 60-station driving range with both grass and turf mat tees and three practice holes (a par-3, 4 and 5), practice greens and a spacious clubhouse that houses a full-service pro shop, banquet rooms and features The Republic Grill restaurant. Connecting the course to the rest of the facility’s amenities is an historical pin connected truss bridge characteristic of the popular style that once dotted rural Texas. The bridge, which spans the pound between the first tee and the 18th green, was the last one built in Texas by the Clinton Bridge and Iron Company of Iowa and dates to 1891. The Texas Department of Transportation, in a preservation agreement with the Texas Historical Commission, painstakingly transported it more than 150 miles to this site and it has been recently restored. Your round at The Battleground GC is a plethora of good golf and good times. The bottom line: the layout is nice, the grass is lush, the greens are in good shape and the people who run the place are really nice. It’s worth the trip and a great place to spend the day. If you are going to be in the area for a while and want to stay, the nearby Hampton Inn in Deer Park is a great option. The hotel is spotless and friendly, just a short drive from all the places you need to go in the neighborhood.
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281-370-8900
R
Conroe
La Torretta
70
281-358-1155 WindRose GC
936-448-3027 PUB-Public, M-Municipal, SP-Semi-Private, R-Resort, PV-Private
www.houston.golfersguide.com
2013 ISSUE 1
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
LOCATON
League City 281-557-3300 Bryan 979-776-4653 Houston 713-627-2411 Houston 832-249-6133 Beaumont 409-866 -3883 Houston 281-480-4653 Pearland 713-436-5001 College Station 979-696-2733 Houston 832-203-1518 Houston 832-478-1365 Sugar Land 281-491-1888 The Woodlands 832-585-0505 Webster 281- 332-3332 Houston 281-392-4653 Houston 281-443-2828
Private Courses April Sound CC Bay City CC Bay Oaks CC Beaumont CC Briarcrest CC Carlton Woods Champions GC Conroe CC Deerwood Club El Campo CC Elkins Lake CC 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
2013 ISSUE 1
Montgomery Bay City Houston Beaumont Bryan The Woodlands Houston Conroe Kingwood El Campo Huntsville Katy Richmond Galveston The Woodlands Pearland Houston Houston Hockley Kingwood Magnolia Houston Rockport Houston
Brenham, TX
PHONE RETAILER
Golf Retailers
Big O’s Golf D & J Golf Edwin Watts Golf Edwin Watts Golf Games People Play Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Etc. Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf Galaxy Golf USA Golf Warehouse
(979)-836-1733
936-447-1700 979-245-3990 281-488-9753 409-898-7011 979-776-1490 281-863-5820 281-444-6449 936-756-5222 281-360-1065 979-543-6592 936-295-4312 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
LOCATON
PHONE
Golf Warehouse II Golfsmith
Houston Spring
281-596-9090 281-292-2288
GolfSmith Golfsmith Golfsmith GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec Impact Golf Mulligan’s Golf Sport Shoppe Spring Golf Center Strictly Golf
Houston Houston Webster Houston Houston Webster Houston Houston Houston Houston Spring Houston
713-993-9993 713-334-3334 281-554-9911 713-339-2470 281-866-7299 281-557-0015 713-850-7555 281-597-8008 281-890-6026 281-879-0929 281-288-8685 713-629-4653
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 South Shore Harbour CC League City 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
www.houston.golfersguide.com
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 281-334-0521 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
71
48
109
New Ulm
Industry
109
62 63
1458
Magnolia
41
28
Montgomery
66
38
36 36
Pasadena
18 65 39
Deer Park
2
5 Mont Belvieu
Advertiser’s Directory MAP KEY COURSE
TYPE
FEATURED COURSES 62 Brenham Country Club 4107 Hwy. 105, Brenham, TX 77833
SP
PHONE
WEBSITE
PG.
979-836-1733 www.brenhamcc.com
71
38 Cypresswood Golf Club PUB 713-443-4864 www.cypresswood.com 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77373
67
5
Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex PUB 281-385-6666 www.eaglepointeonline.com 55-57,60 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580
2
Evergreen Point Golf Club PUB 281-837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com 1530 Evergreen Road, Baytown, TX 77523
67
41 Jersey Meadow Golf Course M 713-896-0900 www.jerseymeadow.com 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040 18 The Battleground at Deer Park PUB 281-478-4653 www.battlegroundgc.com 1600 Georgia Ave., Deer Park, TX 77536
19
62-63, 68
36 Timber Creek Golf Club PUB 281-993-1140 www.timbercreekgolfclub.com 64-65 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546 SHOPPING TYPE LOCATION PHONE PG. 28 Edwin Watts ACCOMMODATIONS 63 Best Western Plus 65 Hampton Inn 66 La Quinta
Retail TYPE Hotel Hotel Hotel
Houston Galleria LOCATION Brenham Deer Park Conroe
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
713-627-2411 PHONE 979-251-7791 281-930-9091 800-531-5900
WEB SITE PHONE www.eaglepointeonline.com 281-385-6666 www.timbercreekgolfclub.com 281-993-1140 www.cypresswood.com 281-821-6300 www.deerparktx.gov 281-478-2080
DINING
TYPE
LOCATION
2 Evergreen Bar & Grill 39 The Republic Grill 36 Legend’s Grill
American American American
Evergreen Point Golf Club 281-420-6008 The Battleground at Deer Park 281-478-2089 Timber Creek GC 281-993-1140
REAL ESTATE Texas Star Realty
TYPE Real Estate
52 PG 73 63 59
LOCATION Columbus, TX
PHONE
PHONE 979-732-1850
PG. 67 69 65 PG. 74
Brenham, TX • Washington County (979) 251-7791 • www.bestwestern.com Email: bwbrenham@hotmail.com 1503 Hwy 290 East, Brenham, TX 77833
• Business Center • Free WIFI • Large Outdoor Pool • Offsite Fitness Centers • Complimentary Hot Breakfast with Gourmet Coffees & Fresh Baked Waffles • Full Service Restaurant on Premise • Microwaves & Fridges in all Rooms. 2013 ISSUE 1
www.houston.golfersguide.com
73
TURNING REALTY TO REALITY Listings are centrally located between Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Residential l Farm and Ranch l Commercial
Golf Course Lots Available at The Falls Resort & GC SERVING: AUSTIN COUNTY COLORADO COUNTY FAYETTE COUNTY LAVACA COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY
Darrell Grafe, Realtor (979) 732-1850 darrell@TexasStarRealty.com
SHO TIME MARCH 25-31 Redstone Golf Club
Scan this QR code for tickets and information.
74
www.houston.golfersguide.com
2013 ISSUE 1
The Golf Club and the
TaylorMade R1 are a Heavenly Pairing By Steve Habel/Special to the Golfers Guide
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 shotshape 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
www.teegolfclub.com 1315 W. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78704 512-916-GOLF (4653)
NEW & USED Find us online @ www.teegolfclub.com
Buy • Sell • Trade
The Golf Club Scan for Special Offers
2013 ISSUE 1
www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com
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Voted #1 Golf Resort Course in Texas!
The Destination is worth the journey! Located in Texas' historic Big Bend region, Black Jack’s Crossing is a spectacular mix of mountain, canyon and desert golf holes. The incredible scenic views of the Texas Badlands and the Rio Grande River tend to raise even the top professionals scores. Black Jack's Crossing is the new centerpiece of the Lajitas Resort, the perfect setting for your away-from-it-all golf adventure.
Call (432) 424-5080 today to plan your Texas golf experience! www.LajitasGolfResort.com
www.BlackJacksCrossing.com
Nestled between Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park and the Rio Grande.