Central Texas
Golfer’sGuide
Fall 2012
www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
The Texas Hill Country Starts at Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco, Texas
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CENTRAL TEXAS
GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents
Vaaler Creek Golf Club pg. 8 8
Vaaler Creek Golf Club Vaaler Creek Golf Club continues to impress golfers from Central Texas with its challenging layout and immaculate conditions. It is the first signature design by Michael Lowry, who fashioned a muchtougher-than-it’s-carded 6,874-yard par 72 track among the live oaks and cactus.
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12 AT&T Championship On Tap Bernard Langer, Nick Price and Mark O’Meara continue to have success in the Champions Tour. They are just the start of our legend-studded field for this year’s AT&T Championship, which takes place Oct. 22-28 at TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Canyons Course. 18 Hot Springs Village, Arkansas Hot Springs Village (Ark.) is THE largest gated community in the United States. The Village offers eight 18 hole golf courses, one 27 hole golf complex and all the amenities one would expect from a national getaway.
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28 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. 37 The Texas Hill Country 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. 4
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The South Texas Golf Scene…
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elcome Texas visitors to one of the most pleasant places to play golf. Our courses in San Antonio, Austin and the Texas Hill Country are in spectacular condition. I know you will enjoy your days on the links and thank you for using Golfer’s Guide as your resource for the best golfing experience in Central Texas. The collection of courses in the Hill Country makes a golf vacation to Central Texas a must. Our front cover story details the continued excellence of one of the latest and greatest golf courses, Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco. Vaaler Creek is a visually stunning and uniquely memorable layout that sets out to challenge more avid and accomplished players by pinching landing areas and employing strategically placed hazards, while at the same time achieving playability and enhancing the environment for the average golfer. The transformation of Vaaler Creek continues to grow as they are adding a dynamic pavilion complex that is being constructed between the ninth and 10th hole and will be completed by year’s end. Once completed, their open-air pavilion will greatly enhance Vaaler Creek’s tournament and wedding capabilities. Stay and play packages are available at the Luxury Tuscany Heights Condominiums and are a chip shot away from the clubhouse. So if you’re planning a day or a week in the Texas Hill Country, Vaaler Creek has it all and I highly recommend you put this course at the top of your list to play this year. Sticking with the Hill Country, our special edition of the “Hill Country Golf Trail” will help you make plans for a weekend getaway or just a round of golf in some of the most beautiful parts of Texas. If you have never experienced the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, I recommend you page through the “Hill Country Golf Trail” section in this issue and start making your plans. Something for your fall calendar to attend, the AT&T Championship announced key early commitments for the 2012 tournament. Golf legends Bernhard Langer, Nick Price and Mark O’Meara highlight the field of golfers. The tournament is slated for Oct. 22-28 at TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Canyons Course.
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
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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 CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching an estimated 750,000 readers Issue 3 of 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS For subscriptions or single-copy orders, go to www.golfersguide.com/order Copyright ©2012 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.
Enjoy your golf and holidays, Mike Ratchman Regional Publisher 6
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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. 5,000 Sq.Ft. Golf Store Expert Repairs & Learning Facility Ava Blair We want to Wolf Ranch Shopping Ctr. welcome Ava to Corner of I-35 and Hwy. 29 the Golfer’s Guide Georgetown, TX writing staff and 512-863-4573 look forward to www.golfranchshop.com reading her articles. Ava brings a female Scan for Nick West Offers: Special Offers • Putter Restoration for touch to the guide and will share her $85.00 travel and leisure experiences as she travels • Custom powder coating / throughout the state of Texas. We know detailing for $125.00 you’re going to enjoy reading her adventures • Custom Grinds on Wedges for $12.00 as she makes her stops at some of the Best • Full-service Mitchell Golf Getaways in the Lone Star State. certifi ed repair shop. 2012 ISSUE 3
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Vaaler Creek GC, the little course that can, is all grown up
By Steve Habel Photography by Mark Lindsay
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he original marketing push for Vaaler Creek Golf Club used a Texas football legend, none other than former Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Bob Lily, to turn drivers’ heads toward billboards posted along Hwy 281. But now that the course – the centerpiece for the expansive Rockin’ J Ranch neighborhood about five miles south of town – is grown up and grown in, there’s really no need for a celebrity’s face to draw to players. Yes, Vaaler Creek GC, the little course than can, is now a fixture for great golf and a solid option for challenge and fun in an isolated setting. Vaaler Creek GC has bucked the odds, flourishing and establishing itself at a time when other courses have battled to beat the recent economic trends. The course was voted the nation’s No. 19 best new course for 2010-11 by Golf Digest and the word is spreading about Vaaler Creek GC’s playability and constantly fantastic conditioning. “We were lucky that our owners had a solid plan to bring along the course and
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its amenities bit by bit – it’s a strategy that allowed us to develop a following of golfers as we added to the things they would experience,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek GC’s general manager and head PGA pro. Opened as a nine-hole track in 2007, Vaaler Creek expanded to a full 18 holes in 2009. In the past few years, the facility has added to its off-course amenities, first with condos off its 10th tee for purchase or rental, then with a gleaming pool and most recently, a pavilion near the pool for aftergolf dining, entertaining and specific events – even weddings. Vaaler Creek is the first signature design by Michael Lowry, who fashioned a much-tougher-than-it’s-carded 6,874-yard par-72 track among the live oak and cactus. Lowry routed his course along the rolling scrubbrush-filled prairies and worked in all kinds of cool features: ponds, sand hazards of all sizes, elevated tee shots and undulating, tree-lined fairways. Both nines offer far-horizoned views of the Texas Hill Country. Although there will
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eventually be a slew of homes in the 1,000acre neighborhood, most of the setbacks mean they are out of sight and unobtrusive, adding to the course’s feel of isolation and exclusivity. Given its length, golfers might think they can overpower Lowry’s course, but finding success at Vaaler Creek is a much more subtle endeavor. The course has a wonderful variety of long and short holes and creates shot values with strategic bunkering and the occasional carry over water. The course’s true last-line of defense is its lightning-quick, mounded and segmented putting surfaces, which can turn even the most aggressive player timid and to second-guessing. The round at Vaaler Creek begins with two short par-4s, neither of which is as easy as they seem on the scorecard. No. 1, a 343-yarder, has a broad fairway and a wide-open front to its green, but a pinpoint approach is crucial because of its sloping putting surface. The 350-yard second is played over a huge (currently) dry pond 2012 ISSUE 3
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bed to a slightly elevated green – its front right hole placement is one of the toughest you’ll find anywhere. The 435-yard par-4 third hole is Vaaler Creek’s No. 1 handicap, moving downhill to a narrowing landing area and then slightly uphill to the green. The fourth, a dogleg-right, 587-yard par-5, is played across a narrow creek on either the secondshot layup or (for big hitters) the approach to a back-to-front sloping putting surface. No. 5, a 175-yard par-3, has a huge mound on the green and a yawning bunker to its right side, while the 415-yard sixth turns hard right after passing an outcropping of rock and trees and plays uphill to a shallow, putting surface. You’ll be tempted to swing for the green on the 355-yard par-4 seventh, but beware of the grouping of trees near the right of the green and the bunker that protects at the front. If you get a little momentum from No. 7, take a chance for glory on the 520-yard eighth, which is made shorter by cutting the corner at the right bend of the fairway – just don’t cut off too much. No. 9, a 163-yard par-3, has a huge back-to-front sloping putting surface that demands accuracy. It’s back-left hole placement may be one of the course’s least accessible, as a shot five yards too long will bound off the green to a deep, collection area that almost assures a bogey or worse. The back-nine at Vaaler Creek is a little more mature and not as severe as the newer front-nine. No. 10 is a manageable par-5 with a split fairway off the tee and a huge green protected on the left by one of the course’s largest bunkers. You can grip it and rip it on the 446-yard par-4 11th but remember that the fairway slopes left to right. The 195-yard par-3 12th is Vaaler Creek GC’s longest and brings a huge lake into play, especially when the hole is placed on the left side of the green.
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No. 13, at 462 yards, is the longest two-shotter on the course but it also has one of its widest fairways and is slightly downhill; the approach is to an uphill and plateaued green. Smash a drive either to the right or directly over the tree on the left of the fairway at the 377-yard par-4 14th, but the latter line of attack will bring a huge bunker into play. Take one more club than you would normally on the 185-yard par-3 15th as the green is slightly uphill and there’s more room over the bunker than it looks from the tee. It’s hard to find a better three-hole finish anywhere than at Vaaler Creek GC. The 515yard par-5 16th is played downhill and past a pond on the right to an uphill green guarded at front-left by a huge and deep bunker. The green slopes back toward you when you are in the fairway, and – if the pin is at the right front – there’s a backstop that will cause your approach to roll back toward the hole. The par-4 17th rolls downhill from the tee and plays much shorter than its length (425 yards). The approach is over a babbling stream to an undulating and elevated 10
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green, lines on both sides by trees. Even though the course’s first 17 holes provide its share of thrills and challenge, nothing really prepares you for the 405-yard par-4 18th. The tee shot is best played long and downhill along the left side, but too far to the starboard brings a lake into play. The approach is all carry and downhill over the huge lake, finishing at a putting surface in the shadow of the golf shop. After the round, find the time to enjoy a beverage and a little fellowship on the 5,500-square foot, tree-shaded deck. The new pavilion (set to open this winter) will add even more reasons to hang around Vaaler Creek and will expand the course’s food-service options thanks to an enclosed kitchen and snack bar. “With the pavilion, we will offer a couple of breakfast options for before the round and multiple choices for food at the turn or after the round,” Grosch said. “We will have tables and chairs to sit up to 150 people in the pavilion for tournaments. “Once it’s done, the pavilion will allow us to start holding bigger tournaments, weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners,” Grosch added. “There will be a small stage for bands or tournament scoring, and we plan to have a TV or two in there for our players to be able to watch after playing while enjoying a little food and a few drinks and to settle their bets.” Vaaler Creek GC has become a real favorite for Hill Country golfers and continually draws players from San Antonio (which is some 45 minutes south), from Austin (about an hour’s drive) and from the Highland region (just about a half-hour or so up Hwy 281). The experience is one that you’ll want to repeat again and again.
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830.833.0706
for special weekday and weekend rates go to
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Couples back to defend AT&T Championship title
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red Couples posted the largest winning margin on the Champions Tour last season, winning the 2011 AT&T Championship at TPC San Antonio by an impressive seven strokes. His 54-hole total of 193 set a new tournament record. Even for a guy that has 55 professional wins to his credit, the performance stood out. “I haven’t had a seven-shot lead since ‘92 or ’90 or whenever the heck it was,” Couples told reporters after the victory. “I may never get another one.” Couples will get another chance Oct. 26-28 when the 2012 AT&T Championship returns to the Canyons Course at TPC San Antonio. Couples headlines a star-studded field that includes golf legends such as Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Nick Price and Mark O’Meara. The AT&T Championship is the final full-field event of the Champions Tour season. The final tournament, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, limits its field to the top 30 money winners. All 30 of those top earners have committed to play in this year’s AT&T Championship. “This is the first time we have had the top 30 on the tour committed, which is fantastic for the tournament and all of our attendees,” tournament director Colby Callaway said in a release. “Fred Couples led an impeccably played three days of golf last year. Having the best of the best to play along with him is everything we could have imagined.” Every former champion since 2002 has also committed to play. For the third year in a row, tickets are free to the public at the gates.
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Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center more than just a great course By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
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iven that two of its holes abut the northern feeder road of IH-35 in this northeast San Antonio suburb – and that there is a sign on the highway advertising the course right between those holes – it’s hard to imagine how Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center could be considered secluded. But ask many area golfers about the demanding course and you’re liable to get a blank look or a comment or two about how they’ve never seen Olympia Hills GC other than what they’ve gathered when passing by at 70 miles per hour. It’s time to see and experience Olympia Hills GC for yourself. After a round in which you’ll use literally every club in your bag and you’ll call on shots and skill you didn’t even know you had, you’ll want a lot more of what Olympia Hills GC has to offer. Fashioned by the Finger, Dye, Spann Design Group of Houston and opened for play in February 2000, Olympia Hills GC is an 18-hole, par-72 layout owned and managed by the City of Universal City. Here, among the myriad homes of it’s eponymous and burgeoning neighborhood, the designers took advantage of the site’s rolling and dramatic environment, including sharp terrain, rock outcroppings and ancient live oak trees. It’s these aspects that add to the course’s isolation and seclusion, and help create the course’s difficulty. Playing at an underrated 6,918 yards from its back set of four tees, the course features distinctively different front- and back-nines, holes with drops of up to 60 feet and target golf challenges aplenty. Seven of the holes at Olympia Hills GC
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are defined by the course’s two creeks and three more are made tougher by hazards created by the track’s irrigation ponds. In May 2009, the USGA reassigned Olympia Hills GC a course rating of 74.1 and a slope of 139 from its back tees, making the track the second-hardest course by slope in the San Antonio area. One aspect of Olympia Hills GC that nearly everyone in San Antonio agrees on is this: The front-nine is tougher – or at least more eye-catching – than the back-nine. Nearly all the holes on the front-nine play through thick trees. The back-nine is much more open. Olympia Hills GC also offers one of the premiere practice centers in the area and includes a full-length driving range with sculpted target greens and a 10,000-square foot short-game area. The course also offers private and group instruction by PGA golf professionals. In 2001, Olympia Hills was selected No. 4 “Best New Affordable Public Golf Course” in America by Golf Digest. Olympia Hills was the only course in Texas to make any of the magazine’s lists that year. But Olympia Hills Golf Course and Conference Center is much more than just a great golf course – it’s the hub of the community and a most unique location to host a special event. Breakout rooms are ideally accustomed and situated for company retreats or luncheons or the all-important business meeting. Banquet services are available for larger gatherings, such as weddings and reunions.
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Snow Bird Memberships at a snap shot
Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center is ideal for weddings, quincenearas, corporate outings, meetings and golf tournaments.
Olympia Hills Golf Course and Event Center in Universal City, Texas, was rated #1 “Best New Affordable Public Golf Course” in Texas and No. 4 in America by for 2001.
For Weddings, Tournaments, Banquets & Tee Times Call…
(210) 945-4653 www.olympiahillsgolf.com
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Are you Slicing the golf ball?
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ave you researched all the proper methods in which to hold the club and stand to the ball and still find yourself slicing the golf ball? Have you gone to see a teaching pro and for some reason still find yourself in situations where the ball starts out to the right and continues to slice off to the right? Let’s take a look into the mentality in which you approach the golf swing and see if we can identify why you slice the ball. The Fade Of course professional golfers will preset the club in a manner in which the club face is slightly open and their alignment is left of the target before they begin to swing the club. Before impact they will slightly increase the pressure in which they hold the club to prevent the club head from turning over in the swing. The Draw Exact opposite of the fade in which the professional golfer will align themselves right of the target and keep the club face slightly closed before they begin their swing. Before impact they will slightly decrease the pressure in which they hold the club, allowing it to naturally roll over.
By Tom Olson Director of Play Better Golf Foresight Golf
Your Slice The idea that you hit the golf ball and not swing through the ball is the first fundamental concept that results in your slice. The average golfer slicing the ball may have their alignment correct combined with the proper grip. They even may hold the club at a level six before beginning the initial swing. The slice occurs because the increase in grip pressure is extreme. The level that begins at a six will increase to a 10. This will always result in the club head being wide open during impact. The Fix If you slice the ball you must be very conscious of your grip pressure throughout the entire swing. While swinging the club you should, without a doubt, be able to sense the weight of the club head throughout the entire golf swing. When this happens you will allow the club head to work naturally and turnover without any manipulation. Give this a shot on the golf course and stop slicing the ball! Good luck!
Let 2012 be the year you work on your game, and do it with Foresight Golf! Our Play Better Golf – The Foresight Golf Way is a unique program that provides quality instruction at a˜ ordable rates. For more information about Play Better Golf, visit our websites and click on the Play Better Golf tab. In the San Antonio area, the Play Better Golf program is available at The Bandit, The Buckhorn and The Republic. Scan for Special Offers
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Visit the City of Jersey Village
DISCOVER
STAY | PLAY | SHOP | LIVE 18 Holes of Golf | Sam Houston Horse Track | Endless Shopping at Premier Houston Outlets, Traders Village & Malls | Great Dining Options & Hotels | George Bush International Airport
(713) 896-0900 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, TX 77040 Only minutes from Houston off Hwy. 290.
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Hot Springs V Living the Dream By Ava Blair One Woman’s Paradise
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or residents and visitors alike, Hot Springs Village in Arkansas is the reward for hard work and setting one’s sights on being able to enjoy life to the fullest. It is beautiful and serene, with awesome views of the Ouachita Mountains and 12 lakes. Of its nine golf courses, five are ranked in the top 10 in Arkansas. All of this is in one enclosed community. And if you’re thinking gated community, it is… all 40 square miles and 26,000 acres of it! My trip began with a tour of the village so I could get the “lay of the land.” I experienced first-hand the peaceful settings and a tour of the amenities the village has to offer. We stopped by the Coronado fitness center where you can swim, enjoy the Jacuzzi and sauna, work out, and get a massage and facial. There is a medical facility, a rehab center, and a facility for independent living, assisted living, and full care. I stayed in a gorgeous home provided by Village Villas Vacation Rentals with a golf course view. The expansive deck was perfect for morning coffee and late night star gazing. Every lot backs up to a golf course, lake, mountain-view or green belt forest. I could
Getting up-close with Mickey backstage
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have languished there the whole day, but was informed before my trip that I would be participating in Pickle Ball. My first thought was “this must be some unique Hot Springs celebration” (I’ve been to the Crawfish Ball in Louisiana). God bless Google and You Tube so I didn’t show up in a green cocktail dress! It turns out pickleball is a popular sport and the village has several courts with some very competitive participants. There are also 16 tennis courts and more than 30 miles of nature trails to revel in the perfect weather and clean air. That evening we met with Ken, the owner of Balboa Marina, for a sunset cruise aboard a deck boat. The lakes are spring-fed, so home owners don’t have to worry about the lake level. There were beautiful homes along the lake’s edge, several of which are available for rental. Residents and visitors can take part in boating, skiing, tubing, and fishing for some really nice large-mouth bass or catfish. Don’t have a boat? No problem. The marina rents boats of all sizes and power. We ended the cruise with an impromptu singalong as we pulled into the marina, and was a perfect ending to a perfect day. The breakfast at Mulligan’s (which does an awesome burger too) was fantastic. We sat out on the back patio overlooking the golf course and enjoyed the delicious food and great atmosphere. There are several restaurants in the village with plenty of choices for cuisine, which is great because I would rather not have to cook on vacation. Save an entire day for a trip into Hot Springs. The first part of the day was spent exploring the historic downtown. The town grew around the famous hot springs, where silver screen legends to underworld figures
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gs Village flocked to experience the healing thermal waters as well as illegal gambling that flourished under a forgiving local government. The Gangster Museum focuses on the 1920’s – 40’s era when gangsters such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano visited there. Trying on a fedora (cocked to one side of course) in the gift shop will definitely put you in the spirit of the place. The Ohio Bar is a great place to stop in for refreshment and it is oh so cool! The bar is the original with wood carvings. Note the pictures lining the walls that remind you that the past is alive and well. Mae West was a frequent performer, as well as many blues greats. There is still live music on the weekends. I knew exactly what I wanted to do in the afternoon. One side of the main street is lined with eight architecturally significant bathhouses that were built between 1912 and 1923. We chose the Quapaw which has a modern day spa feel. The mineral hot bath was as soothing and relaxing as it is touted to be. While in the hot bath, I was given as much chilled mineral water as I could drink and I could imagine my body thanking me for the good I was doing it. Then it was on to a massage and my therapist, Gail, did an amazing job. Since my legs were pretty much jelly I wanted to bask in the relaxation of the afternoon for a while longer. I got another huge cup of chilled mineral water and sat on the veranda to watch the interesting parade of people on the main street. Back at the Village an exciting evening awaited us at the performing arts theatre. We got our boots on and headed out to see country music legend Mickey Gilley performin an intimate setting where there is not a 2012 ISSUE 3
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These could be your views too!
Where’s my Fedora?
bad seat in the house. The crowd was very appreciative and showed it with a standing “O”. The theatre has state of the art sound and lighting where you can see all kinds of musical and dramatic presentations. The list of what Hot Springs Village has to offer is too expansive for this article. It is a community that offers all of the conveniences of town living without any of the worries. You get the feeling of living in a national forest with peace, quiet and no pollution. You can sit back and just enjoy, or find something fun to do all day. For anyone lucky enough to live or visit there, you will truly feel like you are living the dream.
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Fabulous
Golfing Teed Up For You in Hot Springs Village! Join the Fun! The Village is home to eight 18-hole golf courses and one 27-hole golf complex. With more than 170 holes, no matter what skill level, you’ll find challenging courses that deliver championship-level playing conditions.
Golf Rates as low as... DeSoto Golf Course
• $59.00 for morning play with cart • $49.00 for afternoon play with cart
Ponce de Leon Golf Course
Golf packages and specials are also availalbe, call or email: 501.922.2858 teetimes@hsvpoa.org
Balboa Golf Course
A limited number of one-year memberships for $535 per couple and $275 per single are available for purchase. Participants are provided use of Property Owners’ Association amenities at property owner rates on our 8 golf courses, tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness facility, outdoor and indoor pools, 11 recreation lakes and more, call or email: 501.922.5519 membership@hsvpoa.org.
Magellan Golf Course
Schedule your tee time: HSVGolfing.com or call 501.922.2858
HSVGolfing.com
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Northcliffe Golf Club
New Management…Best Conditions in the Area GEZ Managed Property
RATES Monday - Friday $30 Seniors and Military $24.50 Saturday and Sunday $39.50 (Tax Included) STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope Blue 6550 71.0 125 White 6080 65.5 119 Gold 5339 66.4 118 Red 4815 64.0 113
Scan for Special Offers
PERSONNEL Director of Golf ................Dave Roberts Superintendent ............... James Fillpot 5301 Country Club Blvd., Cibolo, TX
(830) 606-7351 www.northcli˜ egolfcourse.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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ttention Winter Texans: What to play green? Then load up your clubs and head to Historic Landa Park Municipal Golf Course. We have over seeded the tees, greens and fairways this year and the course is in great shape. The original course was opened in 1938 as a nine-hole golf course and is operated by the city on 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. 2012 ISSUE 3
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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
97
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Bluebonnet Hill gives golfers more bang for the buck By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
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here is nothing that golfers love more than a fun and challenging course played in or under four hours. Add value to the mix and conditions – especially on the greens – that promote good scores and you’ve got a winning formula. Since 1991, officials at Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club in eastern Travis County have used those aspects to entice golfers to their challenging and entertaining course. Set on an often windy hillside overlooking Lake Walter E. Long to the east and with Austin’s downtown on the near horizon, Bluebonnet Hill has earned a reputation as one of the area’s most playable tracks. After Austin’s Morris Williams Golf Course closed for renovations last winter, rounds have increased at Bluebonnet Hill. But the course still adheres to its pace of play policy and never allows fivesomes to assure all players have the best experience possible. Bluebonnet Hill was designed by Jeffrey D. Brauer (who also fashioned Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine as well as Tangle Ridge GC in Grand Prairie, among dozens of others) with help from Horseshoe Bay resident Buster Creagh – one of the course’s ownership group. Over the past two decades, Bluebonnet Hill has undergone a series of tweaks and increased attention to care and conditioning. Carded at just 6,590 yards from its back set of three tee boxes, Bluebonnet Hill will not wow you with its length. Its longest par-4s play right at 400 yards (and there are only two that even approach that length) and the 352-yard 10th hole, which moves downhill from an elevated tee and is usually downwind, can be driven from the tee.
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Creagh, a former golf course operator, always wanted to build his own course. With Brauer’s help on the greens complexes, the duo turned a 142-acre cattle ranch into a course that has a little bit of everything. There are uphill approaches (like on the 544-yard par-5 ninth and the harderthan-it-looks 354-yard par-411th), and downhill drives (the 161-yard par-3 fourth, the aforementioned 10th and – most notably – the 504-yard 12th). There are carries over water (like on Bluebonnet Hill’s 195-yard par-3 signature hole, the 17th) and a green with two hole placements (the 340-yard par-4 third). Bluebonnet Hill offers players of all skill levels a challenging and enjoyable round on the links. And with the most expensive green fees just $39 (with cart) on weekend mornings, the track is surely a value. Also on site is a large practice facility with a picturesque driving range and chipping, sand trap and putting areas as well as a pro shop and a snack bar. For those golfers 55 years of age or older, Bluebonnet Hill offers a senior player card. For $95 plus tax golfers garner five rounds of golf with cart anytime Monday through Friday with no expiration date. The course also has frequent player cards for those under the age of 55. This card is $115 plus tax, includes five rounds of golf with cart anytime Monday through Friday and never expires. Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course is a diamond of a track that you will enjoy playing and wonder afterward why you never played before.
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2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 9:45 AM
Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course… You’ve come to the right place.
Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course, overlooking Lake Walter E. Long (formerly Decker Lake) offers the kind of golf experience golfers are longing to have – a nice, tidy 4 hour round on a course that’s in excellent shape with impeccable 328 Bermuda greens! Surrounded primarily by farmland, the rolling hills of Bluebonnet’s terrain offer the golfer spectacular views of peaceful countryside that is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, located just off Hwy 290, six miles east of I-35. Bluebonnet Hill is a full service facility with driving range, chipping greens, sand bunker, putting green, pro-shop and snack bar. The Professional staff offers instruction suitable for all skill levels.
9100 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
(512) 272-4228 www.bluebonnethillgolf.com 023 Bluebonnet Hill.indd 23
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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 2012 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.
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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
T
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
Map Key Number
85
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.
2012 ISSUE 3
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General Directory COURSE
TYPE
AUSTIN: Avery Ranch Semi-Private Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course Public Falconhead Semi-Private Hancock Park Golf Course Municipal Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Course Municipal Lions Municipal Golf Course Municipal Morris Williams Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Club Public BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Golf Course Resort BASTROP: Hyatt, Wolfdancer Resort Lost Pines Golf Course Public Pine Forest Golf Club Public BLANCO: Vaaler Creek Golf Club Semi-Private BOERNE: Tapatio Springs Resort BURNET: Delaware Springs Golf Course Municipal CANYON LAKE Canyon Lake Golf Club Public CASTROVILLE: Alsatian Golf Course Public CIBOLO: Northcliffe Golf & Country Club Semi-Private COMFORT: Buckhorn Golf Course Public CONCAN: Club at ConCan Resort DEVINE: Devine Golf Course Public FLORESVILLE: River Bend Golf Club Public FREDERICKSBURG: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Municipal GEORGETOWN: Cowan Creek Golf Club Semi-Private Legacy Hill Golf Club Semi-Private White Wing Golf Club Semi-Private HARPER: Hidden Springs Golf Course Public HORSESHOE BAY: Horseshoe Bay Resort Resort Apple Rock Resort Ram Rock Resort Slick Rock Resort KERRVILLE: Scott Schreiner Municipal GC Municipal KILLEEN: The Course of Clear Creek Public City of Killeen Municipal Copperas Cove Golf Course Municipal KINGSLAND: Legends Golf Course Public Lighthouse Country Club Public KYLE: Plum Creek Golf Course Public LAGO VISTA: Lago Vista Semi-Private LAMPASAS: Hancock Park Golf Course Public
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PHONE
(512) (512) (512) (512) (512) (512) (512) (512)
248-2442 272-4228 402-1558 453-0276 444-0999 477-6963 926-1298 386-7077
(800) 646-5407 (512) 308-9653 (512) 321-2327 (512) 321-1181 (830) 833-0706 (830) 537-4197 (512) 756-8471 (830) 899-3301 (830) 931-3100 (830) 606-7351 (830) 995-5351 (830) 232-4471 (830) 665-9943 (830) 216-2800 (830) 997-4010 (512) 864-1244 (512) 864-1222 (512) 864-1244 (830) 990-9500 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 598-8600 (830) 257-4982 (254) 287-4130 (254) 699-6034 (254) 547-2606 (325) 388-8888 (325) 388-6660 (512) 262-5555 (512) 267-1170 (512) 556-3202
COURSE
TYPE
LEANDER: The Golf Club at Crystal Falls Municipal LLANO: Llano Golf Club Municipal MARBLE FALLS: Hidden Falls Golf Club Semi-Private NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bandit Golf Course Public Landa Park Golf Course Municipal PLEASANTON: Pleasanton Country Club Semi-Private PFLUGERVILLE: Blackhawk Golf Club Public ROUND ROCK: Forest Creek Golf Club Public The Golf Club of Star Ranch Semi-Private TeraVista Golf Club Semi-Private SALADO: Mill Creek Inn & Country Club Semi-Private SAN MARCOS: Quail Creek Country Club Semi-Private SAN SABA: San Saba River GC Municipal SEGUIN: Golf Club of Seguin Semi-Private Starcke Park Golf Course Municipal SPICEWOOD: Pedernales Golf Course Public SPRING BRANCH: River Crossing Club Private The Hawk Public SAN ANTONIO: Alamo Golf Club Public Brackenridge Park Golf Course Municipal Canyon Springs Golf Course Public Cedar Creek Golf Course Municipal Golf Club of Texas Public Hyatt Hill Country Resort Resort La Cantera Golf Club Public La Loma Grande Public Mission Del Lago Golf Course Municipal Olmos Basin Golf Course Municipal Riverside Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio Public Silverhorn Public The Palmer Course Public The Republic Golf Course Public TPC San Antonio Resort Windcrest Golf Course Semi-private Willow Springs Golf Course Municipal Woodlake Country Club Semi-Private UNIVERSAL CITY: Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Public UTOPIA: River Oaks Public WIMBERLEY: Quicksand at Woodcreek Public
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PHONE (512) 259-5855 (325) 247-5100 (830) 693-3300 (830) 609-4665 (830) 221-4340 (830) 281-3486 (512) 251-9000 (512) 388-2874 (512) 252-GOLF (512) 651-9850 (254) 947-5698 (512) 353-1665 (325) 372-3212 (830) 303-0669 (830) 401-2490 (512) 264-1489 (830) 904-4653 (830) 885-7495 (210) 696-4000 (210) 226-5612 (210) 497-1770 (210) 695-5050 (210) 677-0027 (210) 647-1234 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (210) 627-2522 (210) 826-4041 (210) 533-8371 210-222-9386 (210) 545-5300 (210) 558-2365 (210) 359-0000 (210) 491-5800 (210) 655-1421 (210) 226-6721 (210) 661-6124 (210) 945-4653 (830) 966-5577 (512) 847-9700
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 4:22 PM
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
2012 ISSUE 3
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Harper
1/16/11
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Castroville
1604
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Comfort
91
2
473
46
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1431
35 1604
85 64
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29725
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Kyle
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Spring Brand
87
68
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2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 5:25 PM
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Advertiser’s Directory MAP KEY
36 41 82 20 2 85 53 20 73 68 86 29 35 85 91 3 64 1 87
COURSE
TYPE
Bluebonnet Hills Golf Delaware Springs GC Hancock Park Golf Course Highland Lake Golf Course Jersey Meadow Golf Course La Loma Grande Lady Bird Johnson Lago Vista Golf Course Landa Park Golf Course Lighthouse Country Club Newport Dunes Golf Northcliff Golf Club Olympia Hills Golf Course Salado Del Rio San Saba River Golf Course Star Ranch The Republic Golf Club The Resort at Tapatio Springs Vaaler Creek Golf Club
MAP KEY SHOPPING
21 2 3 83 80 84
TYPE
Edwin Watts Edwin Watts Edwin Watts Edwin Watts The Golf Club The Golf Ranch
ACCOMMODATIONS
Public Semi-Private Municipal Public Public Public Public Municipal Public Public Public Public Public Public Municipal Semi-Private Public Public Semi-Private
Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail TYPE
YDS./PAR
PHONE
6590/72 6826/72 6029/72 6529/72 6671/71 6857/72 6432/72 6102/71 6138/72 6855/72 6985/71 6532/72 6923/72 6819/71 6904/72 7030/71 7007/71 7007/71 6864/72
(512) 272-4228 22-23 (512) 756-8471 42 (512) 556-3202 40-41 (512) 382-6529 44 (713) 896-0900 17 (210) 222-9386 25 (830) 997-4010 80 (512) 267-1170 44 (830) 221-4340 21 (325) 388-6660 43 (361) 749-4653 2 (830) 606-7351 21 (210) 945-4653 14-15 (210) 222-9386 25 (325) 372-3212 45 (512) 252-4653 24 (210) 359-0000 16 (800) 999-3299 46 (830) 833-0706 8-11
LOCATION
PHONE
Round Rock San Antonio San Antonio Corpus Christi Austin Georgetown
(512) 671-3939 (210) 822-4060 (210) 349-7575 (361) 852-0358 (512) 916-GOLF (512) 863-4573
LOCATION WEBSITE
PG.
PG.
32-35 32-35 32-35 32-35 79 7
PHONE
PG.
Coushatta Casino & Resort Resort Louisiana Coushattacasinoresort.com (800) 584-7263 27 Hot Springs Village Resort Arkansas www.HSVGolfing.com (501) 922-2858 18-20 The Resort at Tapatio Springs Resort Boerne www.tapatio.com (800) 999-3299 46
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SERVICES
CONTACT
At&T Championship ESPN “Golfer’s Guide Radio” iChoose Golf Edwin Watts
TPC San Antonio 1250AM Radio Internet Golf League Catalog
(219) 698-3582 espnsa.com ichoosegolf.com edwinwattsgolf.com
PG.
12-13 26 5 47-54
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You’re Invited to
The Texas Hill Country
Trail
Look Inside for your
exclusive invitation
to experience the finest collection of
golf courses in the Texas Hill Country Look inside… Vaaler Creek • Lago Vista • Highland Lakes The Resort at Tapatio Springs • San Saba River Lighthouse Country Club • Delaware Springs • Lady Bird Johnson Scott Schreiner • Hancock Park Golf Course
037 HillCountry Cover.indd 37
9/28/12 11:03 AM
Hill Country
Heaven
Greets Winter Golf Visitors to Magical Texas Region By Art Stricklin
N
o matter how hard you might look in the South Central portion of the vast state of Texas, you won’t find any signs for the city limits of, “Hill Country, Texas” There is no such destination located on any state map, but this rolling and scenic area, stretching for hundreds of miles from the state capital of Austin and radiating through San Antonio and South Texas, is a very real and magical area for Texans and thousands of winter visitors. As much of a state of a golfing mind as a physical destination, it’s laid right down in the center of the supposedly arid and flat state with rolling hills, thundering waterfalls and almost an embarrassment of green grass riches of top golf resort and public courses. The wintertime weather is usually perfect for Texas travelers or annual visitors, better known as Winter Texans in these parts. These regular visitors come armed with golf clubs, RVs and plenty of room for Texas-style Mexican food, better known as Tex-Mex and Lone Star-sized steaks. “There is really nothing like the Hill Country,” said longtime local pro Brent Buckman, who first came to the area in
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1981. “It has a variety of good courses, good golfing weather and is just a good place to be.” That’s exactly what hundreds if not thousands of winter Texans have found on their annual fall and winter visits. Among the area’s most popular courses and resorts are longtime Austin area favorite Lago Vista and Highland Lakes Golf. There is San Saba Golf Course in the city of the same name, Hancock Park in Lampasas, Delaware Springs in Burnet, Lighthouse Country Club near Marble Falls and San Antonio-area favorites Tapatio Springs and Vaaler Creek Golf Club. In fact, it could be called the Hill Country Trail, no sign limits either, just great golf, great times, great weather and more the next day just like you had the day before. One of the most advanced and longest running resorts is the Resort at Tapatio Springs in Boerne, less than an hour west from downtown San Antonio. The resort, which opened in the 1980s, has greatly benefited from the addition of the Ridge 9 golf course from original architect Bill Johnson, giving Tapatio Springs 27 holes of premium golf.
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2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 9:55 AM
Each of the nines, Ridge, Lakes and Valley has its own characteristics primarily based on its name, but the Ridge offers plenty of stunning views with its constant elevation changes. All three layouts still draw plenty of deer at sunset to watch the golfers complete their day. Boerne sits at a slightly higher elevation than San Antonio and produces a summer and fall temperatures of 5-7 degrees cooler, making it a favorite of Northern golfers along with hundreds of Canadians, hence the Canadian Maple Leaf waving proudly next to the Stars and Stripes and Texas flag. Another great addition have been new owners including country music superstar George Strait and businessman Tom Cusick, who helped rescue the resort from financial trouble. They are gradually restoring the resort to its previous heights including the Ridgeview Condos, which sit next to the eighth and ninth holes of the Ridge course and offer 1,100 square feet of prime accommodations, including private balconies for all units along with a swimming pool and private parking. Lago Vista Highland Lakes was originally designed in the late 1970s by Texas architects Leon and Charles Howard and was recently acquired by the City of Lago Vista, who are busy restoring the course with its majestic Hill Country views including Lake Travis. San Saba River Golf Course is an 18-hole course featuring 6,904 yards of play from its back tee and is known as one of the best kept secrets in Texas. The course, located outside the city on Highway 190, is in the Northernmost part of the Hill Country. Adjacent to the course is the San Saba River RV Park and clubhouse facility. Golf packages, which include course play and lodging reservations, are also available. The 18-hole Hancock Park course at the Hancock Park Golf Club facility in Lampasas, Texas,
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features 6,029 yards of golf from the back tees for a par of 72. The course, owned and operated by the city of Lampasas, has a course rating of 68.2 and it has a slope rating of 118. Designed by Jeff Willey, the Hancock Park golf course opened in 1945. Delaware Springs in Burnet is a fairly new addition to Hill Country golf, but takes full advantage of the scenic surroundings in the Highland Lakes Region. Nearby is Lighthouse Country Club located in Kingsland, Texas, at the headwaters of Lake LBJ. Formerly known as Packsaddle Country Club, the course was completely renovated and re-routed in 2006 by Jerry Slack and Leon Howard. With multiple teeing areas and contoured fairways, the par 72 course offers golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to have an enjoyable experience. The par 72 Vaaler Creek golf course was designed by Michael Lowry and JR Newman. It features well-placed bunkers and beautiful water-features to provide a challenging yet relaxing round of golf. The back nine opened in 2007. The front nine was opened July 4, 2009. The course features spectacular panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, an abundance of live oaks, and rolling topography just perfect to fit the Hill Country scope and charm. From one end of the Texas Hill Country to the other, there is plenty of great golf, great resorts and great Texas food plus off-course entertainment. Combine that with excellent year around golfing weather and an easy laid-back, lifestyle and there is little not to like about this vastly underrated Texas golfing region ready for another winter invasion.
9/28/12 9:56 AM
Finding golf’s roots, a great round at Lampasas’s Hancock Park Golf Course By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide
I
t would be easy to call Lampasas’s Hancock Park Golf Course a hidden jewel of Texas golf. For seven decades, the game’s roots and a great round of golf have been offered here at the northern edge of the Texas Hill Country, set just south of town about an hour’s drive northeast from Austin and half that from Killeen and Fort Hood. Built in 1945 as a nine-hole track and marshaled under the watchful eye of one of the state’s grand golf families, Hancock Park GC was expanded to an 18-hole facility in 1996. At 6,029 yards from its back set of three tees, the course might be overlooked as out of step with the modern demands of the game, where length is held in higher regard that course management. But such a generalization would be foolhardy. In fact, Hancock Park GC is a course that should be used as a template to bring players back to golf and a training ground for those that want to learn the game. It’s a not a huge challenge to score well here and the test is not so much of one where players might get discouraged, but you will have to hit a lot of good golf shots to be successful. “Hancock Park is just a little country course, played by the locals and people who love the game and understand that it doesn’t have to be about pretense,” said 40
040 Lampasses Edit.indd 40
Van Berry, who grew up playing golf at the course and is now its general manager. “There are plenty of things out there to grab and keep your attention, but we don’t try to be anything we are not.” Through its fi rst few decades, Hancock Park GC was managed by A.C. January, father of legendary golfer Don January, who garnered the 1967 PGA Championship amongst his 10 career PGA wins. Its two sides play and feel completely different – with front-nine made up of the newer, and more modern, holes. The round begins with five straight par-4s, none more than 355 yards in length. Hancock Park GC’s toughest – and most talked about – hole is No. 2, a slight dogleg-left whose landing area is lined by trees and Sulphur Creek on the left, by more trees on the right and ends at a shallow island green. The back-nine also features one of the toughest (and longest) par-3s anywhere – the 221-yard 17th. The green here seems like it’s in the next county, and accuracy as well as length is demanded by the hulking tree on the right and the row of storage sheds on the left that narrows the hole’s sightlines. Hancock Park GC’s sports a dual personality and the need to work the ball both ways around large, mature trees to greens that are varied and demanding. Those aspects alone are enough to keep a golfer’s attention – no matter his or her prowess at the game. Playing here is worth the trip. After the round, you’ll feel a lot better about your game and golf in general, which in itself is worth its weight in gold.
www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 9:56 AM
Hancock Park Golf Course
H
ancock Park Golf Course is located in Central Texas (60 miles Northwest of Austin on Hwy 183). The Golf Course surrounds beautiful Sulpher Creek, which 11 of the 18 holes come into contact with. Hancock Park GC measures back 6,000 yards from the championship tees and par is 72. From the ladies tee the course plays 4,782 yards and par is 74. The course rating is 68.2 with a slope of 118. Hancock Park is a municipal golf course and is open to the public. The course offers some unique challenges in the midst of its tall, shady pecan trees. The front nine shines with lots of variety and changing elevations. The back nine is flatter but features numerous trees and narrow risk/reward opportunities. The greens are small, elevated and hard to hit. The course is open seven days a week from daylight until dusk. You can find a 2-for-1 weekday coupons online at www.cityoflampasas.com. If you’re passing through Lampasas, do yourself a favor and play a quick 18 at this course. It’s hard to find a better course for the money. There also is Boone RV park right across the street.
2012 ISSUE 3
041 Lampasses GCF.indd 41
www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
Lampasas, TX (512)556-3202 RATES
Weekday Weekends (Mon-Fri) (Sat-Sun, Holidays) 18 Holes $30 $35 9 Holes $17.50 $20.50 Twilight $25 $28 Seniors/Military $27 $32 Tee times required on weekends and holidays STATISTICS Par: 72 Champ White Red (Par 74)
Yards Rating Slope 6029 68.2 118 5288 65.3 109 4782 68.1 121
PERSONNEL Manager ....................... Van Berry Superintendent .....Ronnie Beavers Map Key Number
43
41
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Delaware Springs Golf Course
R
ated four out of five stars on Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” list, Delaware Springs Golf Course is a Hill Country classic cradled by a variety of native trees and accented by charming scenery. The beautiful 6,891-yard par-72 track unfolds onto gently rolling hills and offers golfers scenic vistas at every turn, making it as picturesque as it is challenging. The aesthetic value is just one reason why Delaware Springs has become a Hill Country favorite. Visitors are often impressed by the attitude of the golf course staff, a friendly and courteous crew that makes strangers feel right at home. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, the facility features a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar and dining room overlooking the 18th green. To enjoy Hill Country golf at its finest, come visit Delaware Springs Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of Burnet. Course designers Dave Akland and Dan Procter named each hole after a local feature, such “Mountain View” and “Roon the Bend” because of it’s sharp dogleg right. Few homes line the holes. 42
042.Delaware Springs GCF.indd 42
www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
Burnet, TX
(512) 756-8471 www.delawaresprings.com RATES Weekday Weekend STATISTICS Par: 72 Black Blue White Red
18 9 Twlight $35 $19 $25 $45 $23 $33 Yards Rating Slope 6891 72.0 127 6329 70.3 121 5829 68.2 110 4931 66.8 106
PERSONNEL Architect ......................Bunker Hill Director of Golf............ Doug Fipps Superintendent ........... Jason Kelly Course Record .....Kyle Jerome, 62
Scan for Special Offers Map Key Number
41
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 9:58 AM
Lighthouse Country Club/Open to the Public
E
stablished in 1968 and located in the rolling hills of Kingsland, TX Kingsland, Texas, Lighthouse Country Club offers 18 (325) 388-6660 holes of fun-filled golf that serves up twists and turns www.lighthousecountryclub.com to make for one heck of an enjoyable round. In 2006, the golf course was completely renovated and re-routed by Jerry RATES Weekday Weekends (Mon-Fri) (Sat-Sun, Holidays) Slack and Leon Howard. Featuring smooth rolling Tifeagle 18 Holes $37 $52 greens and serpentine fairways, and broad vistas of Pack9 Holes $25.50 $32 $48 saddle Mountain, the course plays to 6,855 yards from the Senior (65+) $32 Juniors $5+tax $5+tax tournament tees. The recently renovated clubhouse at Lighthouse is the PERSONNEL Director of Golf...............Josh Ellis perfect watering hole for a post-round libation or a perfect Assistant Golf Professional ...........Chase Watson place to hang your hat for a casual lunch. Also, the charmSuperintendent ....... Jarrett Eledge ing clubhouse at Lighthouse offers a popular venue for your LIGHTHOUSE GRILLE & LOUNGE next wedding, reception or special event. Open The Lighthouse is also a great place to hone your game. Mon-Sat 11-9 pm Sun 11-3 pm Home to a complete practice facility (with a double-ended Available for Tournaments, driving range), 10,000-square-foot putting green and a prac- Banquets and Outings. Catering available. tice facility area with chipping green, you may just end up with a short game that will make even Gentle Ben proud. Please come out and see for yourself why Lighthouse 43 Map Key Number Country Club is the place to be!
2012 ISSUE 3
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www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
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9/28/12 9:59 AM
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 multilevel, 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. For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call
Same Day Special! 36 Holes – $52 • $2 Beers
44
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512.267.1170 or go to
www.lagovistagc.com
www.golfersguide.com/central-texas
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 10:01 AM
San Saba River GOLF COURSE
Voted one of the best places to play six years in a row by Golf Digest Green Fees
Tournament Schedule – 2011 April 21-22 ...................4-Person Scramble May 19-20................... 3-Person Scramble June 9-10 ............. Guys & Dolls Scramble July 21-22 .................... 2-Person Scramble August 18-19 ................ 3-Person Shamble August 25-26 .............Club Championship September 8-9 ............2-Person Low Ball October 20-21............... Individual Stroke For more information or to sign-up Please call 325-372-3212
18 holes with cart $30 9 holes with cart $21
18 holes with cart $35 9 holes with cart $26
All Prices are Per Person
Snowbird Special Play All Day
$25
Monday – Friday Only Excluding holidays. Coupon required. Expires 2-1-2013.
Bring an RV, Stay & Play at the San Saba River Golf Course & RV Park 1 mile east of town on Hwy 190 turn left on CR 104-102 1/2 mile Scan for Special Offers
www.golfsansaba.com 045.SanSab ad.indd 45
723 CR 102 • San Saba, TX 76877
325.372.3212 9/28/12 10:02 AM
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Houston
Fall 2012
Golfer’sGuide
ÂŽ
www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
The Battleground at Deer Park
also inside:
The Republic Grill
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
’m sure everyone here in Texas is sighing with relief right now. Yes, those 100plus temps will be gone for a long time. Whether you’re a local or traveling into the Lone Star State, thumb through this issue of Golfer’s Guide. There are lots of great courses featured inside as well as where to stay. Many courses have had recent changes this year ranging from major renovations to new programs to new management. Our cover this season features The Battleground Golf Course and Republic Grill that continues to earn rave reviews. This public course was designed by Tom Knickerbocker in 1996 which offers a championship layout that will please all golfers with a history lesson at each hole. Also, you don’t want to miss out on The Republic Grill’s oversized deli sandwiches, rib eyes, clubhouse wrap, salads or the omelet bar. Overlooking No. 9 and the No. 18 green, the restaurant has many breakfast and lunch options. You can’t beat their new $5 menu. Just a few minutes from downtown Houston, The Battleground at Deer Park is well worth experiencing any day of the week. Also, be sure to check out Tirrel Baymon’s golf tip. Are you slicing your tee shots and losing power? If so, his tip can help. Be sure to download our digital edition at www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast and download our mobile app, m.golfersguide.com. . Melanie Grafe mgrafe@golfersguide.com www.Houston.GolfersGuide.com
HOUSTON
GOLFER’SGUIDE
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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 3 of 3 ANNUAL EDITIONS For subscriptions or single-copy orders, go to www.golfersguide.com/order Copyright ©2012 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.
281-478-4653 56
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www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 4:24 PM
HOUSTON
GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents Battleground Golf Course pg. 58
58 Ready for Battle? Voted One of the Top Businesses The Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park offers impeccable course conditions, phenomenal customer service and an overall golf experience second to none.
in 2012 - Sweet Jacks
65 Eagle Pointe Golf Club Avid golfers in the Houston area yearning for a pure golf experience can look no further than Eagle Pointe.
65
68 Golf Tip Are you slicing your tee shots and losing power? Tirrel Baymon, director of Play Better Golf at Cypresswood Golf Club, has a few tips to help your swing. 69 The Republic Grill After your round at The Battleground Golf Course, be sure to check out The Republic Grill. Find an extensive selection of food along with a new $5 menu. 74 Directory & Maps Looking for the best golf courses in Texas? Find the state’s best listed in our directory and then locate the facility using our map.
69
The Republic Gri
79 Titleist Unveils 913D2 and 913D3 Drivers T shelves HE B AT T L E G R O U N D AT D E E R PA R K The hottest drivers on the market hit store Nov. 1, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Find NEW HOURS complete details on the two drivers inside.
UNIQUE MENU
2012 ISSUE 3
Lunch Buffet/Menu57 www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast Monday-Friday. 11am-2pm $5 Lunch Special Breakfast
057.TOC.indd 57
9/28/12 4:30 PM Friday-Saturday 7am-11am
The Battle Golf Course at Deer Park
T
he Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park is a complete public golfing facility located just 20 minutes from downtown Houston offering impeccable course conditions, phenomenal customer service and an overall golf experience second to none. The Battleground Golf Course and Republic Grill has been voted one of the top businesses in the area by Cumulus Media listeners and is excited to offer the highest quality of service and products to all who come through the doors.
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Houston-area golfers have long known the Battleground is a true championship test, not only on the golf course but in challenging your Texas history. Each of the 18 holes has been named after a historic event or person in regards to Texas history. The signature par 3 hole, the Yellow Rose, was named after the legend of Emily Morgan. She is presumed to be the mixed-race beauty that Santa Ana spent his moments with before the attack at San Jacinto. It has a stair step waterfall that accents the edge of a lake that fronts
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2012 ISSUE 3
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tleground
nown
but h a Texas
nd be
ack fall nts
the green. The putting surface is slightly elevated though not very deep, making club selection a top priority. Adding to the challenge is the double green shared with a par 5 named after none other than General Santa Ana himself, which makes the landing area look larger from the tee than it actually is. While attacking the pin is always an option, care must be exercised to avoid disaster. Besides being the “place to play� and the place to refresh yourself on your Texas history, the Battleground Golf Course is also 2012 ISSUE 3
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the perfect place to host your next golf tournament or corporate outing. Tournament packages include greens fees, cart, range balls and professional services specific to your tournament. In addition to your regular tournament services, the Republic Grill is ready to assist you in all of your food and beverage needs. With catering services available for up to 200 people, they can provide you with anything you might need. To compliment your round of golf, the Republic Grill at Battleground Golf Course is one of the finest restaurants in the area.
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The Republic Grill offers a variety of food on the menu, from a sizzling Jack Daniels rib-eye to mile-high deli sandwiches. Offering a daily lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday that is sure to please as well as a new $5 menu. If lunch isn’t your thing, then stop in on Friday or Saturday mornings from 7-11 a.m. and enjoy a full service breakfast buffet. With made-to-order eggs, omelets and all-you-can-eat bacon, sausage, southern style hash brown potatoes and biscuits and gravy, this is one breakfast buffet that is sure to get you going before your round of golf. The Battleground Golf Course offers a complete practice facility with a spacious grass tee or, if needed, turf mats for when the conditions are a little less than favorable. The practice facility also has three practice holes, a par 3, par 4 and 5. There is a chipping green with a sand bunker to perfect your chip and sand shots. You can purchase practice balls by the bucket or a 60
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practice membership featuring unlimited practice balls, or upgrade to a membership that provides the balls and ongoing access to the practice holes. Before you get out on the course be sure to stop by the pro shop. It is always well-stocked with whatever you might need on the course. They have a variety of golf balls, gloves, shirts, jackets, hats, tees, sunglasses and even new golf shoes before you hit the course. For more information about the Battleground Golf Course or Republic Grill log on to www.deerparktx.gov/battleground or contact the pro shop at 281-478-2080.
Deer Park, TX
(281) 478-4653 www.deerparktx.gov/battleground
www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
2012 ISSUE 3
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Darrel l Grafe Realtor (979) 732-1850
dgrafe@TexasStarRealty.com
TURNING REALTY TO REALITY LISTINGS ARE CENTRALLY LOCATED BET WEEN HOUSTON, AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO
SERVING: AUSTIN COUNTY Relocating COLORADO COUNTY Second Home FAYETTE COUNTY Selling your property Call us Today! LAVACA COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY Residential l Farm and Ranch l Commercial Golf Course Lots Available at The Falls
WWW .T EXAS S TAR R EALTY .com
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Stephen F. Austin Golf Club Come Play at SFA!
“Best Places to Play in USA” – Golf Digest
S
tephen F. Austin Golf Course is conveniently located only minutes west of Katy, exit FM 1458 off IH-10, where the rolling Hill Country begins. You don’t have to drive far to play a scenic course on the Brazos River outside of the city where friendly service makes golfers feel at home. Watch the deer as you play the course’s tight, tree-lined fairways and fast, elevated greens. SFA State Park nearby for the campers.
San Felipe, TX (979) 885-2811 sfaustingc.com
STATISTICS Par: 71 Yards Rating Slope Blue 6017 69.7 123 White 5718 68.2 122 Red 5258 69.0 116 PERSONNEL Gen. Mgr. & Head Pro ....Bobby Browne Teaching Pro .......... Matt Schroeder Superintendent ......... Doug Browne Assistant Pro ................ Chris Ryan AMENITIES • 18-Hole Golf Course • Banquet Room • Driving Range & Instruction • Full Service Restaurant • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop www.facebook.com/ SFAustinGC
Scan for FREE Golf Map Key Number
8
Bluebonnet Country Navasota, TX
(936) 894-2207 www.bluebonnetcountrygc.com
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luebonnet Country of Navasota is now operated by Eagle Golf of Dallas. Nestled in majestic pines and oaks, Bluebonnet has been given a total makeover with $100,000 in improvements to the course. Located between College Station and Conroe, and a scenic drive from Houston, approximately 65 miles from Hwy 290 and the Beltway, they can accommodate your special events and tournaments. And with a new, friendly staff, there’s never been a better time to play Bluebonnet Country or discover it for the first time.
GREENS FEE Call pro shop for current specials STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope Blue 6483 71.7 139 White 6389 70.5 137 Gold 5955 67.1 121 Red 5248 66.1 117 AMENITIES • 18 Holes • Pavilion • New Fleet of Carts • Online Tee Times • Memberships PERSONNEL Architects ..................... Jay Riviere
Map Key Number
62
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GANTZ MANAGEMENT GROUP Good Golf with Great Service Doesn’t have to be Expensive
www.texasnationalgolfcourse.com 936-856-7262 • WILLIS
Enjoy our Member for a Day Program
www.goosecreekcc.com 281-424-5534 • BAYTOWN
Country Place Golf Club www.countryplacegolfclub.com 713-436-1533 • PEARLAND
Log on to each course’s website for their online specials, or call for tee times
For Your Next Tournament Contact Ryan Dorsey 713-436-1533 or Cody Schiamara 936-856-7262
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Timber Creek Golf Club
B
eneath the towering Oaks and sturdy Pines that permeate Timber Creek Golf Club, golfers are enjoying the game like never before. “People who play here frequently call this their club and have a sense of belonging,” general manager Mike Griswold said. “They don’t pay dues to get that.” The course’s culture is equaled if not surpassed by the design of Jay Riviere, who incorporated dense woodlands, winding creeks and rock outcroppings to create a splendid layout just 20 miles from downtown Houston. “Our course isn’t target golf, but the fairways are really defined,” Griswold said. With its classic Clubhouse Pub atmosphere and an eclectic menu that appeals to virtually every taste, the Legends Grill at Timber Creek is the place to meet. The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can custom design a program for beginners, recreational players or highly skilled players who are in need of a tune-up. The Academy also offers Custom Club Fitting, the latest in high-end clubfi tting technology. Bring your group to Timber Creek for an outing or a tournament that provides a country club experience at a public course price. From its outstanding course conditions to its food and beverage facilities, from its fully-stocked golf shop to its legendary service, Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood rivals any private club in Texas. Timber Creek Golf Club…Where You Belong.
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Friendswood, TX
(281) 993-1140 www.Timbercreekgolfclub.com
DIRECTIONS: 1-45 S., exit and turn right on FM 2351, turn right at 2nd light RATES: Call the Pro Shop or visit online for specials AMENITIES: • 27 hole golf course • Golf Academy • Legends Restaurant & Bar • Fully Stocked Pro Shop • 200-seat pavilion for tournaments and events • Online Specials and EClub PERSONNEL Architect ...................... Jay Riviere
www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
Map Key Number
36
Holiday Gift Cards
2012 ISSUE 3
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Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex
Home to the annual STPGA Foundation Pro Am
A
vid golfers in the Houston area yearning for a pure golf Mont Belvieu, TX 281-385-6666 experience set apart from the city and brimming with www.EaglePointeOnline.com secluded, natural surroundings can find that true, undisturbed feeling at Eagle Pointe Golf Club. RATES 18 Twilight* $30 The par-71 Rick Forester design located less than 35 minutes Mon-Thur $40 Fri $45 $35 from downtown Houston off I-10 in Mont Belvieu, is equal parts Sat-Sun-Hol $55 $35 *Twilight valid after 2 p.m. peaceful, eye-catching and playable. The course’s distinguishable STATISTICS characteristics are its rolling fairways, stunningly tall pines, Par: 71 Yards Rating Slope dramatic elevation changes and an abundance of water. With no Black 7077 73.2 128 Blue 6502 70.9 121 homes on 17 of the 18 holes, golf is what you get at Eagle Pointe. Green 5927 68.0 116 The trademark of Eagle Pointe is its steeply tilted, unduRed 5213 67.4 113 PERSONNEL lating greens that will challenge even the most expert players. Architect ...................Rick Forester Strategically speaking, it’s important to place your approach Director of Golf............. Jeff Strong shots below the hole at Eagle Pointe because of the quickness of Course Record ...........Chip Craig & Shawn Stefani, 63 the putting surfaces. AMENITIES The facility also offers a • Online Tee Times • Meeting/Banquet Rooms state-of-the art fitness center • Outdoor Pavilion and an 8,000-square-foot • Two Restaurants Scan with tournament pavilion that smart phone • Recreation Complex & Wave Pool • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop for Online would be the perfect place for • Memberships Available Tee Times corporate outings, weddings or 5 Map Key Number www.facebook.com/ charity events. EaglePointeRecreationComplex
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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
HAMPTON INN DEER PARK STAY AND PLAY PACKAGE Our hotel conveniently located in Deer Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, has teamed up with The Battleground Golf Course, to offer any golf enthusiast the best alternative in our area to enjoy the game. In our package we are offering two nights lodging, one round of 18 holes, cart, and personalized golf balls. Combining the comfort of our Hampton 100% Customer Satisfaction quality lodging and the incredible popular and highly revered by the local golfers The Battleground Golf Course, offering a demanding championship layout among tall pine, oak and manicure gardens. With a well-stocked pro shop and The Republic Grill with a wide assortment of menu options, this is a perfect package. Call today for more information on our packages, 281-930-9091. 66
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2012 ISSUE 3
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Course S Course
TEE TIM Book on www.eve or call (2
The Battleground at Deer Park Stay n Play Packages with Hampton Inn
T
he Battleground is a complete public golfing facility specializing in tournaments and corporate outings. Offering a demanding championship layout, The Battleground is staffed by event specialists who are available to assist you in coordinating every detail of your event from computerized pairings and scoring to personalized cart signs, scorecards, rule sheets and tournament result scorecards. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, The Battleground makes your event easy to plan and thoroughly enjoyable for all. Whether you are looking for a simple golf outing, a friendly place to eat, a corporate or social event then visit or call The Battleground at Deer Park. We have a spacious room to accommodate golf outings, parties, weddings and corporate meetings. The Republic Grill has a wide assortment of menu options for your event and our well-stocked pro shop is a perfect place for your guests to shop. Gift Cards now available
Deer Park, TX (281) 478-4653
www.deerparktx.gov/battleground
AMENITIES •Full-Service Restaurant •Fully-Stocked Pro Shop •3 Holes Practice Course •Driving Range •Lessons • Gift Cards •Beverage Cart •Snack Bar • Complimentary Shuttle STATISTICS Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope Black 6942 73.5 136 Gold 6303 70.5 125 Blue 5526 67.1 119 White 4779 69.4 115 PERSONNEL Architect .......... Tom Knickerbocker Teaching Pro ..........Jimmy Williams Superintendent ............ Jeff Wilson
Scan for Online Tee Times
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Map Key Number
18
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The standard accelerated pitch shot.
T
he standard pitch is in which you can not bump the ball onto the green and let roll out. This usually requires more ball flight than roll out when approaching the hole. The number one fault in the standard pitch shot is the inconsistent impact. We tend to either hit the ground before the ball or sometimes just the back of the ball resulting in a shot in which the ball rolls over green at an extremely fast pace. We call that shot “thin” or a “skull”. Let’s take a look into the common mistakes in technique which result in the inconsistent impact and then FIX IT! THE PROBLEM Take a look at your pitch shot technique 1. Is your club head square to the target? 2. Are you bringing the club head back with minimal wrist hinge? 3. Where is the club head in relation to your target line when you bring the club back to nine o clock? THE SOLUTION 1. At address your club face should be slightly open. (We want to take the leading edge of the club out of the swing.) 2. At address cock your wrist straight up towards your chest without moving your arms. (This Drill will blend the proper wrist cock into our backswing. It is important that you feel the proper sensation of the wrist cock for this shot.) 3. Take the club head back to nine o clock with the proper wrist cock. (Notice how the club head should either be on
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By Tirrel
Baymon
Director of Play Better Golf at Cypresswood Golf Club 713-443-4864 tirrelb@foresightgolf.net
4.
your target line or just a touch outside of it. When this is done correctly notice the angle that is created in your right hand as a result of your wrist cock.) Finally swing through the ball with a little body pivot and try not to release the club head so much through swing. (Maintain the angle that is created with your right hand. Don’t throw the club head at the ball.)
FINAL SHOT SUMMARY The proper pitch shot will fly higher and land relatively soft. The average golfer does not incorporate the proper wrist hinge movement blended with the take away. Usually what I see on the practice green is minimal wrist hinge and the club head moving more inside the target line on the back swing. The reaction to this in the downswing will be a flip or throw of the right hand. We have to rely on timing to get the desired result. Our new technique will allow the bounce of the club to give us room for error through the impact zone. Remember to keep the club head accelerating and to properly pivot through the ball. Keep accelerating and Good Luck!!
www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 10:16 AM
Voted One of the Top Businesses in 2012 - Sweet Jacks
The Republic Grill T H E B AT T L E G R O U N D AT D E E R PA R K
NEW HOURS UNIQUE MENU Lunch Buffet/Menu Monday-Friday. 11am-2pm $5 Lunch Special
Breakfast
Friday-Saturday 7am-11am
Brunch
Sunday 11am-2pm
SCAN TO VIEW MENUS
069 Republic Grill.indd 69
Catering available for your next social or corporate event, accommodating up to 200 guests
(281) 478-2089
1600 GEORGIA AVE, DEER PARK, TX
www.deerparktx.gov/republicgrill
9/28/12 10:17 AM
Delivering More than You would Expect
D
id you celebrate National Golf Day this spring? Are you one of the 26 million golfers in America that enjoys the golf as a past time? If not, that doesn’t mean you have to find another venue for your corporate meeting or event. Some may shy away from a golf club because the perception it’s just for golfers or it’s too formal, or some other reason. Timber Creek Golf Club is one of a few public facilities that presents country club curb appeal with the depth of a classic clubhouse atmosphere without being private. “We find it very successful for our clients to have an out-of-the ordinary business meeting at Timber Creek,” general manager Mike Griswold said. “It’s an effective business tool that keeps clients and employees entertained and coming back.” The level of service is very personalized and each guest has a sense of belonging. Timber Creek caters to all sizes and types of events. Business meetings with 16 to 34 guests are well-executed inside the clubhouse. With this size of group, guests may order off the menu or a planned box lunch or buffet with the option of afternoon golf for entertainment. No clubs, no experience, no problem. David Pilsner, PGA member and director of golf at The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can customize lessons reinforcing the fundamentals, etiquette and understanding of golf individually or as a group. Practice on a lit driving range, putting green or inside the academy with start-of-the-art equipment to assist in your swing. There are numerous outstanding hotels in Friendswood and nearby Clear Lake for those coming in from out of town. Enjoy Kemah Boardwalk, Gulf Grayhound Park (the world’s largest and No. 1 greyhound racing operation), Space Center Houston, shopping and much more. For more information to plan your corporate group event at Timber Creek Golf Club, call (281) 993-1140 or visit www.timbercreekgolfclub.com.
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BRENHAM H ere’s another reason to stroll into the beautiful city of Brenham for a day or overnight. Bring your golf clubs and play a round of golf at Brenham Country Club. Enjoy the excellent 18-hole golf course in the rolling hills northeast of Brenham off FM 105. An exquisite facility for social and corporate events for up to 300 guests is also available. For a limited time, play 18 holes Tuesday through Thursday for only $35 or nine for $20 and the cart is free. For a wedding packet or to make a tee time, call (979) 836-1733 or visit www.brenhamcc.com.
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EXPERIENCE THE SENSE OF PLACE BEYOND THE GREEN
Brenham, TX • Washington County (979) 251-7791 • www.bestwestern.com Email: bwbrenham@hotmail.com 1503 Hwy 290 East, Brenham, Texas 77833 • Business Center • Free WIFI • Large Outdoor Pool • Offsite Fitness Centers • Complimentary Hot Breakfast with Gourmet Coffees and Fresh Baked Waffles • Full Service Restaurant on premise • Microwaves & Fridges in all rooms
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Comfortable and relaxed accommodations are an integral part of your vacation story whether it’s for business or for the entire family. Travel to Brenham and book your stay at Comfort Suites (Hwy 290 & Hwy 36, Brenham) or Best Western Plus (Hwy 290 in Brenham). Both hotels are located about 10 minutes from the semi-private Brenham Country Club and the Brenham airport where you can go back in time at the Southern Flyer restaurant. Red Room Restaurant is conveniently located next to the Best Western Plus and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Best Western Plus offers more to the traveler with better comfort, space and design. Comfort Suites is “your suite success” with larger rooms, premium bedding and free hot breakfast. Brenham is just one of the many hidden treasures between Houston and Austin, only about an hour to each. Washington County offers an array of fun and history. Experience wine trails, great restaurants, golf, spas, shopping and antiquing, and live music and festivals throughout the year. Explore over 10 must see towns including Burton, Warrenton, Round Top, Sealy, Bellville and many in between. Round Top widely known for its antique shows also offers performances and cultural events throughout the year at the Round Top Festival Institute. Kick up your boots in Bellville, at the annual Austin County Fair in October, Market Days on the Square every month, Small Town Christmas and Country Antiques Festival. Don’t forget to bring your golf clubs on this trip, The Falls Resort and Golf Club will test your skills on its 18-hole championship course with dining at the Cascades and the 9-hole course in historic Bellville. You’ll fi nd the oldest operating cotton gin in America in Burton. Try the best Texas Brisket in this area, you mouth won’t stop watering.
• • • • • •
Brenham, TX • Washington County (979) 421-8100 • www.choicehotels.com Email: comfortsuitesofbrenham@hotmail.com 2350 S. Day St., Brenham, Texas 77833 Business Center Free WIFI Large Indoor Pool with heated Jacuzzi Suites with Mini Refrigerator Offsite Fitness Centers Complimentary Hot Breakfast
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General Directory RETAILER
LOCATON
Alvin Golf & CC
PUB
Alvin
Augusta Pines
SP
Spring
PUB
Port Arthur
Babe Zaharias GC
PHONE RETAILER
281-331-4541 Melrose GC 832-381-1000 Memorial Park GC 409-796-1327 Moody’s Gardens GC
Bay Forest GC
PUB
La Porte
Bayou Din GC
PUB
Beaumont
409-796-1327
M
Texas City
409-739-9622
Bayou GC
281-471-4653
LOCATON
PHONE
PUB
Houston
M
Houston
713-867-0386
PUB
Galveston
409-683-4653
Newport GC & Conf.Center PUB
281-847-1214
Crosby
281-328-3576
Semi
Portland
361-643-6057
PUB 281-337-1459 Oakhurst GC 281-859-8188 Pasadena Municipal GC M
Porter
281-354-4653
Houston
281-481-0834
North Shore CC
Beacon Lakes GC
PUB
League City
Bear Creek Golf World
PUB
Houston
Belle Oaks GC
PUB
Beaumont
409-796-1311 Pecan Lakes GC
PUB
Navasota
936-870-3889
Bellville GC
PUB
Bellville
PUB
Houston
713-462-4914
Blaketree National GC
PUB Montgomery
979-865-9058 Pine Crest CC 936-449-4907 Quail Valley GC 936-894-2207 Raven Nest GC 979-836-1733 Rayburn Country 409-840-9440 Red Wolf GC 281-458-1350
Bluebonnet Country GC PUB
Navasota
Brenham CC
SP
Brenham
Brentwood
SP
Beaumont
Brock Park GC
M
Houston
PUB
Coldspring
M
Anahuac
Clear Creek GC
PUB
Houston
Columbia Lakes
PUB West Columbia 979-345-PUTT
Cape Royale GC Chambers County GC
Columbus GC Country Place GC
M
Columbus
SP
Pearland
Cypress Lakes
PUB
Cypress
Cypresswood GC
PUB
Spring Dickinson
936-653-2388 Redstone GC 409-267-8235 River Point GC 713-738-8000 River Ridge GC 979-732-5575
Sharpstown GC 713-436-1533 281-304-8515 Sienna Plantation 281-821-6300 Southwyck GC
409-698-2444
Huffman
281-324-1841
PUB/PV
Humble
281-459-7800
PUB
Richmond
281-343-9995
PUB
Sealy
800-553-7517
PUB Channelview M
Houston
713-988-2099
SP
San Felipe
979-885-2811
281-385-6666 Swanson Golf Center 281-837-9000 Texaco GC
Pub
Houston
281-440-1308
PUB
Houston
713-453-7501
Baytown
Fox Creek GC
PUB
Hempstead
M
Freeport
979-233-8311
PUB
Spring
281-225-1200
979-826-2131
Texas A&M University GC PUB College Station 979-845-1723 Texas National GC
Willis
936-856-4233
713-649-8089 The Battleground at Deer Park PUB SP 281-424-5534 The Falls Resort & GC
PUB
Deer Park
281-478-4653
New Ulm
979-992-3123
281-343-9999 The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch PUB
Katy
281-395-4653
SP
Baytown
Greatwood GC
PUB
Sugar Land
Green Caye GC
PUB
Dickinson
Gus Wortham GC
M
Houston
Henry Homberg GC
M
Beaumont
Hermann Park GC
PUB
Houston
Heron Lakes GC
PUB
Houston
High Meadow Ranch GC PUB
Magnolia
281-337-2021 The Links at West Fork PUB Conroe 713-928-4260 The Village GC PUB Panorama Village 409-842-3220 The Wilderness PUB Lake Jackson 713-526-0077 Timber Creek GC PUB Friendswood 281-807-0207 PUB Humble 281-356-7700 Tour 18 Houston 281-304-1400 Travis B. Bryan GC
Houston National GC
PUB
Houston
Idylwild GC
PUB
Sour Lake
Iron Oaks GC
PUB
Jersey Meadow GC
PUB
Kingwood Cove GC
PUB
La Torretta Legendary Oaks GC Longwood GC
R PUB PUB
M
409-753-2521 Waller CC PUB Beaumont 409-866-9191 Wedgewood GC PUB Jersey Village 713-896-0900 West Brazos Golf Center PUB Kingwood 281-358-1155 Westwood Shores GC PUB Conroe 936-448-3027 Wildcat GC PUB Hempstead 979-826-4001 WindRose GC PUB Cypress 281-373-4100
936-760-1776 936-856-5531 979-297-4653 281-993-1140 281-540-1818
Bryan
979-823-0126
Waller
936-931-3335
Conroe
936-441-4653
Brazoria
979-798-4653
Trinity
936-594-9172
Houston
713-413-3400
Spring
281-370-8900
281-693-4653 PUB-Public, M-Municipal, SP-Semi-Private, R-Resort, PV-Private
Meadowbrook Farms GC PUB
Katy
74
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074-075 Directory.indd 74
281-452-2183
281-337-3031 Stephen F. Austin GC
PUB
Goose Creek GC
Brookeland
281-778-GOLF
Evergreen Point GC
Houston
R PUB
713-436-9999
PUB
M
936-438-8588
Pearland
PUB Mont Belvieu
Glenbrook GC
281-403-5910
Huntsville
PUB
Dickinson CC
Freeport GC
Missouri City
PUB Missouri City
Eagle Pointe GC
Gleannloch Pines
River Terrace GC
M PUB
2012 ISSUE 3
9/28/12 4:25 PM
PRIV
Brenham Country Club Semi-Private Club
18 Holes $35 / 9 Holes $20 Free Cart Tues-Thurs Wkend 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
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
League City Bryan Houston Houston Beaumont Houston Pearland College Station Houston Houston Sugar Land The Woodlands Webster Houston Houston
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
2012 ISSUE 3
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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
(979)-836-1733 Brenham, TX
PHONE RETAILER
LOCATON
PHONE
Houston Spring Houston Houston Webster Houston Houston Webster Houston Houston Houston Houston Spring Houston
281-596-9090 281-292-2288 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
281-557-3300 979-776-4653 713-627-2411 832-249-6133 409-866 -3883 281-480-4653 713-436-5001 979-696-2733 832-203-1518 832-478-1365 281-491-1888 832-585-0505 281- 332-3332 281-392-4653 281-443-2828
Golf Warehouse II Golfsmith GolfSmith Golfsmith Golfsmith GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec GolfTec Impact Golf Mulligan’s Golf Sport Shoppe Spring Golf Center Strictly Golf
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
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.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
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
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(281) 930-9091
(281) 478-4653
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Stay & Play at The Battleground
New Ulm
Industry
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houston.golfersguide.com
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28
2011 ISSUE 1
41
Montgomery
2011 ISSUE 1
Magnolia
60
27
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Deer Park
houston.golfersguide.com
36 36
Pasadena
2
61 2
5
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Mont Belvieu
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Directory MAP KEY
COURSE
TYPE
FEATURED COURSES 60 Bluebonnet Country PUB 4505 Old Bridge Rd, Navasota, TX 77868 62 Brenham Country Club 4107 Hwy. 105, Brenham, TX 77833
SP
PHONE
WEBSITE
PG.
936-894-2207 www.bluebonnetcountrygc.com 62 979-836-1733 www.brenhamcc.com
71, 75
27 Country Place Golf Club SP 3123 Flower Field Ln., Pearland, TX 77584
713-436-1533 www.countryplacegolfclub.com 63
38 Cypresswood Golf Club PUB 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77373
713-443-4864 www.cypresswood.com
68
5
Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex PUB 281-385-6666 www.eaglepointeonline.com 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580
2
Evergreen Point Golf Club PUB 1530 Evergreen Road, Baytown, TX 77523
65
281-837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com 66
61 Goose Creek Country Club SP 281-424-5534 www.goosecreekcc.com 5000 Country Club Drive, Baytown, TX 77521
63
41 Jersey Meadow Golf Course M 713-896-0900 www.jerseymeadow.com 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040
17
8
62
Stephen F. Austin Golf Club Park Rd. 38, San Felipe, TX 77473
PUB
979-885-2811 www.sfaustingc.com
37 Texas National Golf Club PUB 8720 Club House Dr., Willis, TX 77378
936-856-7262 www.texasnationalgolfcourse.com 63
18 The Battleground at Deer Park PUB 1600 Georgia Ave., Deer Park, TX 77536
281-478-4653 www.battlegroundgc.com 58-60, 67
36 Timber Creek Golf Club PUB 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546
281-993-1140 www.timbercreekgolfclub.com 64, 70
SHOPPING
TYPE
LOCATION
PHONE
28 Edwin Watts
Retail
Houston Galleria
713-627-2411
ACCOMMODATIONS
TYPE
LOCATION
PHONE
63 Best Western Plus 64 Comfort Suites 65 Hampton Inn
Hotel Hotel Hotel
Brenham Brenham Deer Park
979-251-7791 979-421-8100 281-930-9091
GOLF ACADEMIES / INSTRUCTION
WEB SITE
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
PG.
PG.
281-385-6666 281-993-1140 281-821-6300 281-478-2080
DINING
TYPE
LOCATION
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
LOCATION Columbus, TX
077. Directory.indd 77
www.golfersguide.com/houston-gulf-coast
72 73 66
PHONE
www.eaglepointeonline.com www.timbercreekgolfclub.com www.cypresswood.com www.deerparktx.gov
2 Evergreen Bar & Grill 39 The Republic Grill 36 Legend’s Grill
2012 ISSUE 3
34
PHONE
PHONE 979-732-1850
PG. 66 69 70 PG. 61
77
9/28/12 4:26 PM
News Course Info and More!
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GOLFER’SGUIDE 078 ENewsletter.indd 78
9/28/12 11:36 AM
The Golf Club
T
Titleist unveils 913D2 and 913D3 drivers
he hottest driver on the market hit store shelves Nov. 1, just in time for the holiday shopping season. The new 913D2 and 913D3 drivers from Titleist carry a suggested retail price of $499 and can be purchased at The Golf Club, located in Austin. Designed and built for more speed and more distance, the new drivers deliver more performance through a combination of new innovations and Titleist’s SureFit Tour hosel technology. Featuring a high-speed, forged face insert, the new drivers are the fastest, most consistent drivers Titleist has ever designed, delivering maximum ball speeds over a large area of the face. They are also Titleist’s most playable and forgiving drivers, primarily the result of improved launch conditions from a lower, more optimal center of gravity (CG) position, a new rear SureFit Tour weight and the fitting precision provided by the SureFit Tour adjustable hosel. The 913D2 driver features a 460cc full-pear shaped head designed for maximum forgiveness and a slight draw bias, while the 913D3 has a 445cc classic-pear shape that is forgiving with tour-inspired workability. Unlike the 910 series, both D2 and D3 models now offer the same launch and spin characteristics to provide maximum fitting fl exibility. Fourteen players put new 913 drivers into play the first week they were available at the PGA Tour’s AT&T Classic in late June. Twenty-six players used 913 drivers about a month later at the PGA Championship, and the momentum only continues to build. Players gaming 913 drivers have already combined for five victories on the PGA, European and Web.com tours. For more information on The Golf Club call (888) 453-0102 or log on to www.teegolfclub.com.
www.teegolfclub.com 1315 W. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78704 512-916-GOLF (4653)
NEW & USED Find us online @ www.teegolfclub.com
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Scan for Special Offers
079.Golf Club.indd 79
9/28/12 10:20 AM
Play A Round. Then Play Around.
Alles in Fredericksburg! Find it “all in Fredericksburg.” The $2 million renovation of the Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course and more extras than you’d expect. Play on re-contoured fairways built to USGA standards with 48 challenging bunkers, water in-play on over half the holes, lush Champion Ultra Dwarf underfoot and spectacular Hill Country views. Plus, your 19th hole is Fredericksburg! Enjoy our scrumptious cuisine, award-winning brew-pub, winery tours and live music. Or the 150 boutiques and art galleries, hiking, spas, museums and more. As far as getaways go, it’s your ace in the hole.
VisitFredericksburgTX.com | 866 997 3600 | Text “Fred” TO 45384 01-GolfrsGde-4.875x7.75-Oct12.indd 1
080 fredricksburg.indd 80
9/21/12 12:39 PM
9/28/12 10:21 AM