Houston Golfer's Guide Summer 2012

Houston

Summer 2012

Golfer’sGuide

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houston.golfersguide.com

The Falls

R e s o rt & G o l f C lub New Management in New Ulm, Texas

also inside:

Travel to Sealy, TX | Map and Directories

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

W

elcome to our Summer/Fall issue of Golfer’s Guide.

What a great time to experience more, play more and relax more. Take a look inside this issue for many choices to include on your golf excursion this season. We also highlight your local junior golf camps on Page 18.

If you’re thinking of traveling in Texas, don’t wait to experience Hill Country golf in Sealy and New Ulm at The Falls Resort and Golf Club, Stephen F. Austin Golf Club and River Ridge.

These three tracks are nestled in the Gateway to the Hill Country. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else. On the cover, The Falls, now managed by Troon Golf, recently opened Splash Falls Condos, kid’s water center. and new golf packages are posted online. Read more on pages 4-11.

Scan the barcodes inside this issue for more information on what you are reading. Download our digital issue at www.houston.golfersguide. com for more news and features or to plan your next tee time. Also be sure to read the results on the STPGA Foundation Pro Am that was held to benefit junior golf at Eagle Pointe Golf Club at www.houston.golfersguide.com.

Thank you for reading this issue of Houston Golfer’s Guide. Enjoy your summer. .

Melanie Grafe mgrafe@golfersguide.com www.Houston.GolfersGuide.com

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HOUSTON

GOLFER’SGUIDE

“America’s leading regional golf publications” GOLFER’S GUIDE, INC. PO BOX 5926 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29938-9790 (843) 842-7878 • Fax (843) 842-9387

STAFF

Regional Publisher: Melanie Grafe P.O. Box 262 Industry, TX 78944

Phone: (979) 732-1909 Fax: (979) 357-4606 Email: mgrafe@golfersguide.com CEO: Marc A. Frey mfrey@golfersguide.com Managing Editor: Lance Hanlin lhanlin@golfersguide.com Production Director: Brad Kelley bkelley@golfersguide.com Contributing Writer: Steve Habel

CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching 750,000 readers.

Issue 2 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.

2012 ISSUE 2

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HOUSTON

GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents The Falls Resort and Golf Club, Stephen F. Austin GC and River Ridge pg. 4-11

4

Escape to Sealy Planning a summer vacation? Travel in Texas to historic Sealy and New Ulm, two great options. Golfers have three Hill Country golf courses to play. From vineyards to the Colonial Capital of Texas and from golf to motorsports, there’s something for everyone.

9

World-Class Management Company Now at The Falls This may be your ticket. With exceptional golf, outstanding Stay and Play Golf Packages and a new Splash Falls, Troon is transforming The Falls into the best place to stay, play and to call home.

14 Eagle Golf of Dallas Adds Another Hidden Gem Deciding where to host your golf outing or play a new course. Bluebonnet Country now has many reasons to come play their course in Navasota.

9

20 Directory & Maps Comprehensive listing of featured courses.

96 Texas Star Realty Specializing in country homes, farms and ranches west of Houston.

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experienceTexas at The Falls Resort & Golf Club

“The Gateway to the Hill Country” is where you’ll find The Falls, the Cascades Restaurant and a beautiful, private residential community. Experience true Texas hospitality along with tranquil surroundings, picturesque views of the rolling hill country with an

Golf Memberships, Stay & Play Packages and Group Outings are available!

array of cascading waterfalls and a championship golf course that makes up The Falls Resort & Golf Club.

NEW ULM, TX

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T H EFA L L SR E S O RT.COM

T H E F A L L S R E S O R T & G O L F C L U B I S M A N A G E D B Y T R O O N G O L F,® THE LE ADER IN UPSC ALE GOLF COUR SE M ANAGEMENT

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TROON GOLF & TEXAS

A Great Fit! W

ith the addition of The Falls Resort & Golf Club to their Texas portfolio, Troon Golf is proudly managing one of the best kept secrets in the state.

Nestled in the sleepy town of New Ulm, TX lays a golf course carved out of heavily dense cedar, pine and oaks that combines natural beauty and challenge so well it could have only been designed by Jay Riviere & Dave Marr. However, with five sets of tees all ages and skill levels can enjoy the beauty of cascading waterfalls, rolling terrain and abundant wildlife here at The Falls Resort & Golf Club. “Troon Golf’s mission is to create extraordinary guest & Member experiences by delivering superior service, amenities, and playing surfaces at every facility in our portfolio – this is exactly what we plan to do at The Falls” says General Manager Jason Sanders.

Group Events: Being roughly equidistant to Houston, Austin and San Antonio as well as boasting lodging, meeting space, food outlets, amenities, and an unbelievable golf course on-site makes The Falls a perfect place for your next corporate event, charity tournament, family reunion, etc. Get a quote today by calling Group Sales @ 979.992.1811.

Family Friendly: Troon Golf is heavily involved in growing the game and The Falls is on board. Juniors play free after 3:00 pm daily with a paying adult!

Complimentary Callaway junior rental clubs can be reserved for your child when you make your tee time as well. Our PGA professionals have multiple junior clinics planned for the summer and after golf the kids can enjoy one of the resort’s pools or brand new splash pad!

For more information on our facility, make a tee-time, or download The Falls mobile golf app please visit www.thefallsresort.com or call 979.992.3123

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Stephen F. Austin Golf Club San Felipe, TX

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.

(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 8

Map Key Number

Big City Selections Small Town Values

Located in Industry, TX 13 miles S. of Brenham 7 miles N or New Ulm 29 miles NW of Sealy

979-357-2171

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1515 Hwy 290 W Brenham, TX

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979-836-1615 www.tegelertoyota.com 11

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Remember Rule of Thumb in Golf Grip

H

olding the golf club is the most important aspect of the golf swing.

The incorrect hand position will have a direct effect on the curvature of the shot. In the golf swing, our main goal is to be as natural as possible and have no tension and or manipulation in the setup.

Let’s take a look in further detail on the manner in which we approach the grip.

Stand straight up with your arms hanging down naturally. Notice that the back of your hands are facing 30 degrees out in the opposite direction.

LEFT HAND FIRST 1. Place your left hand on the club with that same relationship. The back of your palm facing out 30 degrees to the right of the Target. NEVER AT THE TARGET! 2. You will notice that your pointer finger and thumb are relatively the same distance down the grip.

3. The thumb in your left hand should go down the right side of the golf club handle.

RIGHT HAND SECOND 1. The middle of your right hand, inside the palm, will come into the side of your thumb in the left hand. You will notice it fits like a puzzle.

2. The right hand should have the pointer finger and the thumb relatively the same distance down the grip. The pointer finger should be a touch fur-

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012. Lesson Edit.indd 12

By Tirrel Baymon Director of Play Better Golf at Cypresswood Golf Club 713-443-4864 tirrelb@foresightgolf.net

ther down the handle than the thumb.

The thumb in your right hand should sit on the left side of the golf club handle.

When holding the club correctly you will give yourself the best opportunity to hit the ball straight. Each hand will form a V shape between the thumb and pointer finger in each hand. Both Vs will point in between your right shoulder and right ear.

3.

THE 3 MAIN METHODS OF HOLDING THE GOLF CLUB 1. Baseball Grip: All 10 fingers are holding the club.

2. Interlocking Grip: The pinky in your right hand and the pointer finger in your left hand will connect when the pinky slides underneath the top portion of your pointer finger. From this point, you will notice that your pinky finger is in between your pointer and middle finger of your left hand.

3. Overlap: The pinky finger in your right hand will rest on top and in between the pointer and middle finger of your left hand.

FINAL RULE OF THUMB Each grip has a relationship with hand size.

The baseball grip will prove more successful for people with smaller hands. The overlap will prove more successful for people with bigger hands. The interlocking grip is better suited for the average hand size. A good grip is the key to consistent shots. Good luck!

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Timber Creek Golf Club

B

eneath the towering Oaks and sturdy Pines that perFriendswood, TX (281) 993-1140 meate Timber Creek Golf Club, golfers are enjoying www.Timbercreekgolfclub.com 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 DIRECTIONS: 1-45 S., exit and layout just 20 miles from downtown Houston. turn right on FM 2351, turn right at “Our course isn’t target golf, but the fairways are really 2nd light defined,” Griswold said.

RATES: Call the Pro Shop or visit online for specials With its classic Clubhouse Pub atmosphere and an AMENITIES: eclectic menu that appeals to virtually every taste, the Leg• 27 hole golf course ends Grill at Timber Creek is the place to meet.

• Golf Academy The Golf Academy at Timber Creek can custom design • Legends Restaurant & Bar • Fully Stocked Pro Shop a program for beginners, recreational players or highly • 200-seat pavilion for tournaments skilled players who are in need of a tune-up. The Academy and events also offers Custom Club Fitting, the latest in high-end club- • Online Specials and EClub fi tting technology.

PERSONNEL Architect ...................... Jay Riviere Bring your group to Timber Creek for an outing or a tournament that provides a country club experience at a 36 Map Key public course price. From its outstanding course conditions Number 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.

Great Gift Idea

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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 YardsYards Rating Rating SlopeSlope 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

60

Blaketree National Golf Club Montgomery, TX

936-449-4907 www.BlaketreeGolf.com AMENITIES • Blakey’s Grill • Beverage Cart • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Driving Range • Stay-n-Play - Magnolia Cottage

Stay n Play Packages

B

laketree is an excellent location to host your next golf tournament. You’ll be surprised at the elevation changes throughout the course and its proximity to Houston. Imposing trees, sparkling lakes and rolling terrain make Blaketree National Golf Club one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in all of Texas.

Carved through a thick forest, Blaketree has grass and sand bunkers, fast greens and risk reward shot choices that make playing the course a remarkable golf experience.

Join us for our monthly 2 man scramble and skins game the last Sunday of each month.

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STATISTICS Par: 71 YardsYards Rating Rating SlopeSlope Pro Tees 7196 75.2 139 Gold 7006 74.6 135 Green 6505 72.1 130 White 5946 68.2 120 Red 5040 68.5 114 PERSONNEL Architect .................. Thomas Blake Director of Golf ... Jim Bob Jackson

Scan with your smartphone for the Best Green Fees & Book a Tee Time” Map Key Number

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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* Mon-Thur $40 $30 The par-71 Rick Forester design located less than 35 minutes 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, undulating Red 5213 67.4 113 PERSONNEL greens that will challenge even the most expert players. Strategically Architect ...................Rick Forester speaking, it’s important to place your approach shots below the hole at Director of Golf............. Jeff Strong Course Record ...........Chip Craig & Eagle Pointe because of the quickness of the putting surfaces.

Shawn Stefani, 63 The facility also offers a state-of-the art fitness center and an AMENITIES 8,000-square-foot tournament • Online Tee Times • Meeting/Banquet Rooms pavilion that would be the perfect • Outdoor Pavilion place for corporate outings, • Two Restaurants Scan with weddings or charity events. smart phone • Recreation Complex & Wave Pool • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop for Online Register today for Summer • Memberships Available Tee Times Junior Golf Camp!

5 www.facebook.com/ EaglePointeRecreationComplex

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• Player

The Battleground at Deer Park Walk 18 for $20

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.

• Walk 18 for $20 anytime • $5 Lunches (Mon.-Thur.)

Scan for Online Tee Times

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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 •Beverage Cart •Snack Bar 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 Map Key Number

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Evergreen Point Golf Club

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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 fullystocked 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.

FRIDAY SPECIAL

18-holes & lunch $45.27 + tax 2012 ISSUE 2

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

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Baytown, TX

(281) 837-9000 www.evergreenpointgolf.com TEE TIMES Book online at www.evergreenpointgolf.com or call (281) 837-9000.

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 • Fully-Stocked Pro Shop • Texas Size Practice Facilities • Golf Lessons PERSONNEL Architects .. Jay Riviere & Dave Marr Director of Golf........... Jeremy Reed Course Superintendent....Dennis Klene Course Record ....Shawn Stefani,63

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Register for Junior Tours Online Junior golfers ages 6-18 wishing to participate in the Southern Texas PGA’s summer 2012 Junior Tour, Junior Links Tour and Little Linksters programs may now register online at www.stpgajuniorgolf.com.

A new series of tournaments dubbed the “Prestige Tour” has been added to the STPGA’s offerings for 2012. The new series is available to youngsters ages 10-18 and has been created to provide advanced juniors the opportunity to compete at a high level on several of southern Texas’ premier golf courses.

All three programs operate throughout southern Texas and are administered through seven “metro areas”— Austin, Beaumont, Bryan/College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.

STPGA Little Linksters, Junior Links Tour, Junior Tour and NEW FOR 2012 Prestige Tour. For more information, visit www.stpgajuniorgolf.com

2012 Summer Junior Camp Schedule The Battleground at Deer Park

Training Facility Ages 7-16 Contact: Jimmie Williams Session 1: June 19-22 Session 2: July 17-20 Session 3: July 24-27 Time: 8:30-12:00 $150 per session To register, call (281) 478-4653

The Falls Resort & Golf Club Ages 6-10 Session I: June 6-8 Session II: July 11-13 Time: 8:30-10:30 Cost: $60.00 per session To register, call (979) 992-3123

Cypresswood

Ages 7-17 June 5-28 (Tues &Thurs) Cost: $50 per person To register, call (281) 821-6300

Eagle Pointe Golf Club

Ages 6-18 Session I: June 4-7 Session 2: June 18-21 Session 3: July 9-12 Session 4: July 23-26 Session 5: August 6-9 $150.00 per session (4 hours instruction each day with lunch, cap, shirt, one daily admission to the Wave Pool) To register, call (281) 385-6666

Jersey Meadow Golf Course Stephen F. Austin Golf Club Ages 7-17 Session 1: June 25-29.

Session 2: July 23-27 Time: 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. $150.00 per session To register, call (713) 896-0900

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Ages: 7-14 June 4-7 Time: 9-11am Cost: $100 To register, call (979) 885-2811

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Evergreen Point Golf Club Ages 8 to 16 Session I: June 18 – 21 Session II: June 25 – 28 Time: 10am - 12 pm Cost: $100 per session To register, call 281-837-9000

Timbercreek

Ages 5-12 Session 1: June 4-7 Session 2: June 11-14 Session 3: June 25-27 Session 4: July16-18 Time: 8:30-11:30 Cost: $120 3-day camp / $150 4-day camp, per session To register, email dpilsner@ timbercreekgolfclub.com or call (281) 734-0177.

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Happy Hour 2pm-5pm

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

Weekend Breakfast S unday Brunch Golf & Breakfast Package $5 Lunch (Mon-Thurs 11AM-2PM) Scan to view the full menu and lunch specials

Accommodating up to 200 guests for events jelbert@deerparktx.org

(281) 478-2089 1600 GEORGIA AVE, DEER PARK, TX

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General Directory RETAILER

LOCATON

Alvin Golf & CC

PUB

Alvin

Augusta Pines

SP

Spring

Babe Zaharias GC

PUB

Port Arthur

Bay Forest GC

PUB

La Porte

Bayou Din GC

PUB

Beaumont

Bayou GC

M

Texas City

Baywood CC

SP

Pasadena

Beacon Lakes GC

PUB

PHONE RETAILER

LOCATON

281-331-4541 Meadowbrook Farms GC PUB

League City

832-381-1000 Melrose GC 409-796-1327 Memorial Park GC 281-471-4653 Moody’s Gardens GC 409-796-1327 Newport GC & Conf.Center 409-643-5850 North Shore CC 281-487-0050 281-337-1459 Oakhurst GC 281-859-8188 Pasadena Municipal GC

PHONE

Katy

281-693-4653

PUB

Houston

281-847-1214

M

Houston

713-867-0386

PUB

Galveston

409-683-4653

PUB

Crosby

281-328-3576

Semi

Portland

361-643-6057

PUB

Porter

281-354-4653

M

Houston

281-481-0834

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

Bluebonnet Country GC PUB

Navasota

936-894-2207

Brenham CC

SP

Brenham

979-836-1733

Brentwood

SP

Beaumont

409-840-9440

M

Houston

281-458-1350

PUB

Coldspring

Brock Park GC

Raven Nest GC Rayburn Country Red Wolf GC

M

Anahuac

936-653-2388 Redstone GC 409-267-8235 River Point GC

Clear Creek GC

PUB

Houston

713-738-8000 River Ridge GC

Columbia Lakes

PUB West Columbia 979-345-PUTT River Terrace GC

Cape Royale GC Chambers County GC

Columbus GC

M

Columbus

Country Place GC

SP

Pearland

Cypress Lakes

PUB

Cypress

Cypresswood GC

PUB

Spring

Dickinson CC

PUB

Dickinson

Eagle Pointe GC

PUB Mont Belvieu

Evergreen Point GC

PUB

Baytown

Fox Creek GC

PUB

Hempstead

Freeport GC

M

Freeport

PUB

Spring

Glenbrook GC

M

Houston

Goose Creek GC

SP

Baytown

Greatwood GC

PUB

Sugar Land

Green Caye GC

PUB

Dickinson

Gus Wortham GC

M

Houston

Henry Homberg GC

M

Beaumont

Gleannloch Pines

979-732-5575 Sharpstown GC 713-436-1533 Sienna Plantation 281-304-8515 Southwyck GC 281-821-6300 Stephen F. Austin GC 281-337-3031 Swanson Golf Center 281-385-6666 281-837-9000 Texaco GC 979-233-8311 Texas National GC

PUB

Houston

Heron Lakes GC

PUB

Houston

281-807-0207 Tour 18 Houston

High Meadow Ranch GC PUB

Magnolia

Houston National GC

PUB

Houston

281-356-7700 Travis B. Bryan GC 281-304-1400 Waller CC

Idylwild GC

PUB

Sour Lake

409-753-2521

Iron Oaks GC

PUB

Beaumont

409-866-9191

Jersey Meadow GC

PUB Jersey Village 713-896-0900

Kingwood Cove GC

PUB R

Conroe

Legendary Oaks GC

PUB

Hempstead

Longwood GC

PUB

Cypress

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281-403-5910

Huntsville

936-438-8588

R

Brookeland

409-698-2444

PUB

Huffman

281-324-1841

PUB/PV

Humble

281-459-7800

PUB

Richmond

281-343-9995

PUB

Sealy

M

PRIV

800-553-7517

PUB Channelview Houston

281-452-2183 713-988-2099

PUB Missouri City

281-778-GOLF

PUB

Pearland

713-436-9999

SP

San Felipe

979-885-2811

Pub

Houston

281-440-1308

PUB

Houston

713-453-7501

PUB

Willis

936-856-4233

281-225-1200 The Battleground at Deer Park PUB Deer Park 713-649-8089 The Falls Resort & GC SP New Ulm 281-424-5534 The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch PUB Katy 281-343-9999 The Links at West Fork PUB Conroe 281-337-2021 The Village GC PUB Panorama Village 713-928-4260 The Wilderness PUB Lake Jackson 409-842-3220

Hermann Park GC

La Torretta

Missouri City

979-826-2131 Texas A&M University GC PUB College Station 979-845-1723

713-526-0077 Timber Creek GC

Kingwood

M PUB

281-358-1155

281-478-4653 979-992-3123 281-395-4653 936-760-1776 936-856-5531 979-297-4653

PUB Friendswood

281-993-1140

PUB

Humble

281-540-1818

M

Bryan

979-823-0126

PUB

Waller

936-931-3335

PUB

Conroe

936-441-4653

West Brazos Golf Center PUB

Brazoria

979-798-4653

PUB

Trinity

936-594-9172

PUB

Houston

713-413-3400

PUB

Spring

281-370-8900

Wedgewood GC

Westwood Shores GC

936-448-3027 Wildcat GC 979-826-4001 WindRose GC

281-373-4100 PUB-Public, M-Municipal, SP-Semi-Private, R-Resort, PV-Private

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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

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

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

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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Directory MAP KEY

COURSE

TYPE

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FEATURED COURSES 24 Blaketree National GC PUB 936-449-4907 4430 S. FM 1486, Montgomery, TX 77316 60 Bluebonnet Country PUB 936-894-2207 4505 Old Bridge Rd, Navasota, TX 77868 38 Cypresswood Golf Club PUB 281-821-6300 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77373 5 Eagle Pointe Golf Club & Recreation Complex PUB 281-385-6666 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu, TX 77580 2 Evergreen Point GC PUB 281-837-9000 1530 Evergreen Road, Baytown, TX 77523 41 Jersey Meadow Golf Course M 713-896-0900 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, TX 77040 7 River Ridge GC PUB 800-553-7517 3133 Brazos Oak Lane, Sealy, TX 77474 8 Stephen F. Austin GC PUB 979-885-2811 Park Rd. 38, San Felipe, TX 77473 18 The Battleground at Deer Park PUB 281-478-4653 1600 Georgia Ave., Deer Park, TX 77536 26 The Falls Resort & Golf Club SP/Resort 979-992-3123 1750 North Falls Drive, New Ulm, TX 78950 36 Timber Creek Golf Club PUB 281-993-1140 4554 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546 SHOPPING TYPE LOCATION 28 Edwin Watts 29 Edwin Watts

Retail Retail

Houston Galleria Houston

RESORTS & ACCOMMODATIONS TYPE LOCATION 45 Americas Best Value Inn Hotel Sealy 24 Blaketree National Golf Club Resort Montgomery 26 The Falls Resort & Golf Club Resort New Ulm 48 Holiday Inn Express Hotel Sealy 59 Stephen F. Austin State Park RV & Campsites San Felipe 46 Super 8 Hotel Sealy SERVICE LOCATION PHONE 50 City of Sealy Sealy, TX Southern Texas PGA 28 Tegeler Chevrolet Industry, TX 27 Tegeler Toyota Brenham, TX 57 Texas Historical Commission 58 San Felipe de Austin San Felipe GOLF ACADEMIES / INSTRUCTION

WEBSITE

PG.

www.blaketreegolf.com

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www.bluebonnetcountrygc.com 14 www.cypresswood.com

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www.evergreenpointgolf.com 17 www.jerseymeadow.com www.riverridgegolfclub.com

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www.timbercreekgolfclub.com PHONE

13 PG.

713-627-2411 832-249-6133

88 89

PHONE 979-885-3707 936-449-4907 979-992-3123 979-877-0700 www.tpwd.state.tx.us 979-885-2121 WEB SITE

PG. 5 14 9 8 8 8 PG.

979-885-3222 832-442-2404 979-357-2575 979-836-1615

www.VisitSealy.com 4-11 www.stpga.com 18 www.tegelerchevrolet.com 11 www.tegelertoyota.com 11 7 979-885-2181 7 WEB SITE PHONE

Eagle Pointe Player Development Jeff Strong, PGA www.eaglepointeonline.com 281-385-6666 Golf Academy at Timber Creek David Pilsner, PGA, www.timbercreekgolfclub.com 281-993-1140 Play Better Golf at Cypresswood Golf Club www.cypresswood.com 281-821-6300 The Battleground School of Golf Jim Williams www.deerparktx.gov 281-478-2080 DINING TYPE LOCATION PHONE PG. 2 Evergreen Bar & Grill American Evergreen Point Golf Club 281-420-6008 17 39 The Republic Grill American The Battleground at Deer Park 281-478-2089 19 52 Maribelli Italian Sealy 979-627-7665 7 53 Cazadores Mexican Sealy 979-885-3211 8 54 Cazadores Mexican Katy 281-693-2122 8 55 Cazadores Mexican Houston 713-682-2404 8 56 Cazadores Mexican Houston 713-465-9377 8 51 Tony’s Restaurant American Sealy 979-885-4140 6 REAL ESTATE TYPE LOCATION PHONE PG. Texas Star Realty Real Estate Columbus, TX 979-732-1850 96

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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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Central Texas

Golfer’sGuide Summer 2012

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Lajitas

G o l f R e s o r t & S pa

Play on Top of The World

also inside:

Jersey Meadow Golf Course City Close, Country Quiet!

The Resort at Tapatio Springs George Strait Invites You “Here for a Good Time”

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The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce presents the

9th Annual James Avery Hill Country Golf Classic November 9 - 11, 2012

3 great courses...3 great days of golf in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!!

Two-Person ~ Best Ball ~ 54 Holes $20,000+ in Hill Country Certificates

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Place Overall + Flight Winners Each Day!!!

.

Early Entry Deadline: Friday, Oct. 12th Late Entry Deadline: Friday, Oct. 26th

$ 595 per team $ 745 per team

Thursday, November 8th

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Registration & Welcome Reception at Inn of the Hills Resort

Friday, November 9th ~ Sunday, November 11th Each team plays one course each day.

Hospitality provided Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Register online at www.hillcountrygolfclassic.com or contact the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce at (830) 896-1155.

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CENTRAL TEXAS

GOLFER’SGUIDE Contents

Black Jack’s Crossing pg. 32 32 Golf Where Texans Escape Play some great golf in the last of the Old West at Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa. Check out the resort’s latest masterpiece – Black Jack’s Crossing. Set against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of the Big Bend National Park, the course is a must-play for every Texan.

42 A Challenge Awaits at Jersey Meadow At just 6,671 yards from the back tees, Jersey Meadow Golf Course is short by today’s standards. Still, the par-71 track carries a stout rating of 73.3. Learn why it’s one of the stiffest challenges in the Houston area.

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50 ‘King of Country’ has High Hopes for Tapatio Springs Country music legend George Strait and Hill Country entrepreneur Tom Cusick recently acquired the The Resort at Tapatio Springs. Now they plan on transforming it into a national destination.

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58 2nd Annual Cash for Cancer Golf Tournament The second annual Cash for Cancer 2-person scramble is set for Sept. 29 at Vaaler Creek Golf Course in Blanco. More than $6,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. Bring a team and have a fun time while supporting a good cause.

74 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.

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The South Texas Golf Scene…

G

reetings from Central Texas! I hope you enjoyed the spring weather. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that some of this carries over into the summer months. But let’s be real, summer is summer in South Texas and if you’re a home grown Texan that doesn’t stop you from playing golf or visiting your favorite resort. So run your fingers through this issue of the Golfer’s Guide and select from some of the best golf courses and resorts to swing into summer with.

A great place to start is with our cover story, Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa, which is nestled between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Lajitas Golf Resort features the Black Jack’s Crossings golf course, a 7,413-yard Lanny Wadkins signature design that has received rave reviews across Texas. This semi-private 18-hole championship Big Course is worthy of the Big Bend, with breathtaking mountain holes and spectacular desert holes, one after another.

For your stay, the Lajitas Resort offers a variety of guest rooms to accommodate your personal needs. Each accommodation is individually designed — no two rooms are alike — and combine cozy chambers with Spanish accents and rough-hewn furnishings with a cowboy flair.

Our feature story is Jersey Meadow Golf Course in Jersey Village, Texas. Located just northwest of Houston, Jersey Meadow Golf Course continues to offer a challenge for golfers of all ability levels and has been doing so since the late 1950s. Municipally owned by the City of Jersey Village, Jersey Meadow has undergone renovations in the summer of 2004 when new Champions Bermudagrass was installed on all greens and the clubhouse was renovated as well.

So if a vacation or business trip takes you to the Houston area, bring your sticks and tee it up at Jersey Meadow Golf Course.

The Resort at Tapatio Springs is our inside story and one we have been waiting on for a long time. Things sure have changed since George Strait and Tom Cusick have taken ownership of this Boerne, Texas, resort. Accommodations at Tapatio have been totally renovated and a facelift has been given to the clubhouse and dinning areas. Most important, all the necessary changes are being made to revive one of the most beautiful 27 holes of golf in the Texas Hill Country. So if you’re traveling to Central Texas this summer swing on by The Resort at Tapatio Springs, who knows who you might run into.

Golfer’s Guide will continue to strive to bring you the most comprehensive source of golf information in Central Texas. Visit us online at www.centraltexas.golfersguide.com when planning your next golf adventure.

Have a Great Summer.

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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

STAFF

Regional Publisher:

MIKE RATCHMAN P.O. BOX 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78131-0652

Office: (830) 964-2152 FAX: (830) 964-2153 mratchman@golfersguide.com

CEO: Marc A. Frey mfrey@golfersguide.com Managing Editor: Lance Hanlin lhanlin@golfersguide.com Production Director: Brad Kelley bkelley@golfersguide.com Contributing Writer: Art Striklin, Steve Habel and Ava Blair Creative Marcede Pullen CIRCULATION 300,000 per year reaching an estimated 750,000 readers Issue 2 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.

Mike Ratchman Regional Publisher

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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 look 512-863-4573 forward to reading www.golfranchshop.com her articles. Ava brings a ladies touch Scan for Nick West Offers: Special Offers • Putter Restoration for to the guide and will share her travel and $85.00 leisure experiences as she travels throughout • Custom powder coating / the state of Texas. We know you’re going to detailing for $125.00 enjoy reading her adventures as she makes • Custom Grinds on Wedges for $12.00 her stops at some of the Best Golf Getaways • Full-service Mitchell in the Lone Star State. certifi ed repair shop.

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A trip to is really getting away from it all

By Steve Habel

G

olfers love serene and isolated courses, places where you can almost hear the grass growing and the loudest sounds are the babbling of creeks, the cry of a hawk flying high overhead and the occasional crunch of soft spike on the cart path.

If getting away is really your bag, you’ll love the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa. Set in the Big Bend region of Texas on the border with Mexico on the southwest corner of the Lone Star State, it’s roughly 300 miles as the crow files from El Paso and about as remote a place as there is in America.

The resort is the home of a fabulous new golf course – Black Jack’s Crossing – designed by World Golf hall of famer Lanny Watkins.

It is a wildly beautiful natural region, with a complex and fascinating history.

The landscape in the Big Bend is not for the faint of heart or the thin-skinned. Here in the few places flat enough to pitch a

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tent, build an adobe house and eventually a posh resort, the land rolls away on both sides of the Rio Grande, and it takes a different attitude to exist, more less thrive.

Comanche once roamed through these passes that separate the Chisos and Davis Mountains. It’s a place where General “Black” Jack Pershing forded the river in search of the infamous Pancho Villa, who led raids across the Rio Grande. The old Lajitas Trading Post, dating back to the 1800s on the site, has been converted to a Longhorn museum and the golf course’s pro shop.

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

The Lajitas Resort has a history all its own, with past lives as a luxury cowboy hotel and an insulated getaway for the

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uber-rich before the economy clanged to a halt in the mid 2000’s. The resort’s new owner, Dallas billionaire Kelcy Warren, has taken a new tack, opening the property to visitors from far and wide.

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

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

Lajitas means flat stones and the course’s routing takes advantage of the dramatic drops from tee to fairways and vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

There are at least seven elevated tees and on a clear day you feel as if you can see the 2012 ISSUE 2

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edge of the world in almost every direction.

The tee shots are exhilarating — a few drop as much as 180 feet from tee to green.

“Kelcy (Warren) and I went hiking in the area around Lajitas, and we were knocked out by some of the views we saw from the mountains,” Watkins said. “We had enough land to do two courses because there was so much to work with, but it was just a matter of getting all the holes to fit together for a spectacular sight that gets better as you go from hole to hole.”

Black Jack’s Crossing is carded as a par 72 and at 7,413 yards from its back set of four tees. Watkins decided to grass the course from tee to green on the course with paspalum, which should thrive in the arid conditions.

Much of the credit for the current look and playability of the golf course must be heaped on Mike Hummel, Black Jack’s Crossing’s superintendent. Hummel is putting to use years of knowledge gained from

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experience working on remote golf projects like Santa Pazienza and Le Paradis in Brazil and courses such as Royal St. Kits and Mahogany Run in the Virgin Islands.

“Mike’s experience in those challenging locations is really paying dividends at Lajitas as evidenced by the vast improvement in our golf course’s turf conditions,” said John Finley, Lajitas’ new general manager. “Mike is a student of soil science. He prefers to let his work speak for itself.”

Black Jack’s Crossing’s fairways are generous but sometimes seem small due to the elevation changes and the multiple forced carries. The greens are medium in size but challenging and fast with great undulation.

The first three holes of Black Jack’s Crossing play in the Rio Grande river valley and then the routing climbs into the mountains and foothills. Five holes bring the river back into view, and each hole seems to bring another interesting and unique geological formation or a different color into view.

The 466-yard opening hole, which may be the flattest hole on the course, is nonetheless one of the track’s most difficult,

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moving past a set of bunkers to a wellprotected putting surface. And the 212yard second is no pushover, with a tee shot over the desert and between bunkers and the back to a front-sloping green.

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

The 166-yard par 3 No. 5 hole requires a precise shot across a deep ravine to a putting surface guarded by two steep and deep bunkers in front, a rocky ledge in back and a deep arroyo around the front and right side.

It’s desert target golf at its best.

The tee shot on the 444-yard par 4 seventh is elevated and features a narrow landing area over a deep arroyo. The green and its surroundings are at an angle left of the fairway, and must again be played over the arroyo. Not only is the green downhill and guarded by two steep and deep bunkers, but it’s heavily contoured, making putting a challenge.

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

No. 12 — at just 357 yards — is the shortest par 4 at Black Jack’s Crossing but is one of its toughest because of the need for precision to avoid its bunkers and because the green slants dramatically back to front. The 13th is another dramatic par 3 (167 yards) with a two-club drop to a small green with huge

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bunkers fore and aft.

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

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

Getting to Lajitas is half the fun and worth the trouble. But to make this trip worthwhile, the golf course and other amenities have to be special. They are.

of the Cavalry Post or Officers Quarters to the elegance of the new Boardwalk Suites or to the Cowboy bordello interiors of the Badlands Hotel.

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

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

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

Lajitas is a revived ghost town converted into a classy, Old West-style resort community alongside the Rio Grande which has Old West charm blended with modern-day luxury. Four unique buildings offer several lodging choices and a range of prices. The resort offers 103 distinct and unique rooms featuring the cowboy chic 2012 ISSUE 2

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And play some great golf in the last of the old west

B

lack Jack's Crossing is the new masterpiece in West Texas designed by hall of fame golfer Lanny Wadkins. The course is set against the back drop of the majestic mountains of the Big Bend National Park -- a place every Texan should visit.

“It is the most spectacular site in Texas,” Wadkins said. “I don’t think there is anything like it anywhere in the state. I’ve seen a lot of courses but never one like this, you won’t believe some of the views from the mountains.”

The course is already becoming known as one of the most incredible golf experiences in Texas - ask anyone who has played it.

After your round, there are numerous other ways to pass the day. In addition to the golf, folks can ride horses, play 'real cowboy' at the cowboy action shoot, bike, hike or shoot sporting clays.

Be sure to bring your camera!

1-877-lajitas or 432-424-5080 for the golf shop Go to our website for special promotions

www.lajitasgolfresort.com

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Lajitas

Golf Resort & Spa: More Than a place for golf and the guys

By Ava Blair One Woman’s Paradise

T

he prospect of spending vacation time at a golf resort may fill many a woman’s heart with apprehension.

My first thought was, “Great. Four days of golf (I don’t play), what will I do?”

Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa is located in southwest Texas, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park. On the drive there (and it takes a while), I was looking out at the endless landscapes of sun-drenched painted rock desert and rugged mountains, thinking to myself, “I am not a roughing-it type of girl!”

I do enjoy having an adventure, but I also want the comforts I am accustomed to.

As I walked into the main lobby, cool stones and fountains greeted me, and our luxurious accommodations quelled any notion that I would be left wanting for anything.

Modern and wellappointed, our quarters (as the folks at Lajitas like to call their rooms) would meet the needs of the most demanding Cowboy Doug making noise traveler. at The Starlight Theatre

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Breakfast and dinner are served at the Candelilla Café. Although the menu is somewhat limited, the offerings are varied for any taste and are very well-prepared. The chefs are inventive and creative, so expect the unexpected. The restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by views through every window of the nearby mountains and the stark, but lovely, terrain. You will want to take your time eating and have that extra cup of coffee in the morning just to sit and enjoy the vistas.

A sojourn onto Black Jack’s Crossing golf course is a must, even if you do not play golf. The views from the upper-elevation holes are serene and beautiful. The contrast between the fairways and greens against the desert and mountains is spectacular. There are several spots where you can see the Rio Grande flowing, sometimes at little more than ankle deep, through steep canyons that separate the United States from Mexico.

The air is clean, and the quiet is overwhelming. It is a morning or afternoon well spent and you may just be inspired to try sailing a ball or two over a canyon just to see if you can. Take extra balls though; there is no going and looking for stray ones, unless you are a fan of rattlesnakes and scorpions.

The resort’s Thirsty Goat Saloon is a great place to unwind and enjoy a cool drink. There is both indoor and outdoor seating with a layout that makes socializing

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“Tongue in cheek” in Terlingua

with other guests easy. Local musicians perform in the evening, and you will most likely end up owning their CD to remember the great time you had there.

On the main boardwalk of the resort you can stroll over to Christina’s World, a charming boutique that carries a quality assortment of regional jewelry, art, crafts, clothing and accessories. Most offerings are Native American or Mexican-inspired, and there are some really unique collectables. Where else can you purchase a wide brim straw hat and a javelina nativity set in the same place? A visit with the staff will be educational as well, since most of the merchandise has a particular history to go along with it.

Be sure to visit the activities director on your first day. Janelle will walk you through everything the resort has to offer, as well as off-resort activities. She can make all of the arrangements for you, from the equestrian center (a true West Texas cowboy/girl experience) to ATV excursions to river rafting. She will also book your spa appointments for you, and can even answer any questions you have about the local nightlife.

I embarked on the ATV tour of the desert, and it was a beautiful, smooth ride with just a few challenging spots to add some thrills. I also took advantage of the spa and received the most relaxing, yet exhilarating, massage I have ever experienced. The spa also offers luxurious facials and body treatments, so you can truly feel like you’ve been on vacation when you are done.

While staying in Lajitas, make the short drive to Terlingua. The little mining town from 2012 ISSUE 2

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the turn of the 20th century is now a haven for artists, bohemians and musicians. There is a general store connected to the Starlight Theater, which is a restaurant and live music venue. You are sure to hear some great music and can dance the night away if you choose.

Facing the mountains, the long patio is a gathering spot for locals and visitors.

You can hear some of the best story telling from people of all walks of life while watching the sunset colors wash over the mountains. You won’t find the latest designer handbag, but you will find delightful hand woven bags and clothing. You won’t see the newest Broadway play, but you will be treated to spectacular sunsets behind the mountains. And there is no Tiffany’s here, but look up into the night sky and there will be a trillion sparkling stars to gaze at.

Lajitas is a place to truly get away from it all. I spent four days there and went from wondering how I was going to fill my days to not having enough time to do all I wanted. I never got to spend time at the beautiful pool, or take that horseback ride or make the drive into Big Bend. But I did get to escape from my everyday work week and find a vacation spot that, as one local told me, is like a vortex. The desert, mountains and history just suck you in and make you want to stay… or at least come back real soon.

Touring with Red Rock Outfitters

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Eliminate the Chicken Wing and Add Some Beef to Your Swing

O

ne of the most common and damaging swing faults I see with average to high handicap golfers is the chicken wing follow-through. Essentially, this is where the golfer’s elbows separate at waist height on the follow-through, causing a chicken wing-like appearance of the lead arm. Hitting powerful, consistent shots is simply not possible if this occurs during your swing.

When we watch touring professionals on television each week, we see all kinds of idiosyncrasies and variations in their swing angles, grips, set-ups and more. But one thing most of them have in common is they rotate their arms in a similar fashion during their swing. With a few rare exceptions, they keep their arms spaced consistently throughout their swing, and they rotate their arms so the club swings around, not over, their shoulders on a consistent path. This is one of the major producers of consistency with the swing arc, club path and clubface alignment at impact.

If you happen to have a chicken wing or arm separation on the follow-through of your swing, you can fix it in a relatively short period of time. Try this and see if it helps: Simulate the proper arm swing

By Tom Olson Director of Play Better Golf Foresight Golf

rotation with a baseball-like swing first.

Take your normal stance, stand erect, and swing the club horizontally around your chest. Rotate your hips and shoulders back and through as you swing the club on a horizontal plane similar to a baseball swing. Feel your lead arm rotate over your back arm on the backswing, sense the back arm folding and do the reverse on the follow-through. Get your hands and wrists to cross over near the point of impact or where the ball might be positioned. Sense how your back elbow folds and is under your lead arm on the backswing and the reverse on the follow-through. Now bend forward into your normal set-up and swing the club down to the ground, using the same arm rotation. Relax your arms and hands using short swishing swings first, then build up to fuller swings.

The next time you get a chance, notice the arm rotation of a better player’s swing. I know that incorporating this swing fundamental into your swing will improve your ball striking and bring you a great deal more satisfaction and enjoyment from this wonderful game.

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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www.pecanvalleygc.com

Foresight Coastal Golf Oso Beach Golf Course and the Lozano Golf Center are the mainstay of public golf in Corpus Christi. Incredibly popular and highly revered by the local golfers and the Winter Texans that make their way south every year, the courses have seen a resurgence in play due in large part to improved course conditions and customer service. And, it’s not just the locals taking notice. Golf coaches from as far away as La Vernia were noticing improvements on the courses and the professional operations as their teams competed in a tournament at both courses last year. Foresight Golf, which now manages both courses, strives to return the courses to the terrific conditions they sported when people like Hogan, Snead, Nelson and Zaharias walked their fairways. This goal seems to be on track as The Lozano Golf Center was awarded the “Best Course” title in the Corpus Christi Caller Times “Readers Choice Awards.” Stay tuned for more improvements this year as the plans start taking shape to renovate the Lozano 2012 ISSUE 2

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Executive Course and practice area into an even better facility to learn, practice and grow in the game.

Oso Beach Golf Course: 5601 S. Alameda Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 826-8010 phone • www.osobeachgolf.com Lozano Golf Center: 4401 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78405 (361) 826-8016 phone • www.lozanogolfcenter.com

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Expect to be

Challenged Jersey Meadow Golf Course

By Steve Habel Special to the Golfer’s Guide

A

n old saying tells us to “never judge a book by its cover.” Remembering that axiom while standing on the first tee at the underrated Jersey Meadow Golf Course should help golfers focus on the often-testing task ahead, and afterward, put their round into a little more perspective.

The first dichotomy about the challenge at Jersey Meadow, set in the City of Jersey Village, a suburb of Houston, shows up on the course’s scorecard. At just 6,671 yards from the back tees, short by today’s standards, the par-71 track carries a stout rating of 73.3 and a slope of 136, plenty challenging enough for any level of golfer.

Standing on the tee at the opening hole, the player can see that Jersey Meadow has very little change in elevation, an aspect it shares with most other Houston-area courses. The challenge here is making sure shots are placed in spots where you can attack the interesting and demanding greens complexes, and making putts once you get to the putting surfaces.

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d

Lynn Parker, Jersey Meadow’s head professional and a former LPGA player, calls her golf course “sneaky” hard.

“The course demands careful ball placement, especially off the tee,” Parker said. “In many places there is just no room to miss because water or trees or bunkers and even out of bounds comes into play.”

Often times, municipal golf courses are watered down to allow every level of golfer a playable experience and to move golfers around the course expeditiously.

But this course, redesigned by master golf architect Carlton Gipson, can be as difficult as the player wants it to be. Choosing the right tee to play is paramount to success.

“The course can be stretched out to give even the low-handicapper a good test,” Parker said. “Golfers are encouraged to bring all their weaponry — they’ll need everything they have in their bag to be successful out here.”

Jersey Meadow is tough but not impossible. Water comes into play on 12 holes and players will face a handful of forced carries, including crossing the water twice on the final hole. The course is carded with four sets of tees; the most popular are the whites (6,161 yards) and the golds (5,764 yards) to square the challenge across the spectrum of skill level.

Located on part of what was once a 1,236-acre ranch owned by Clark W. Henry, Jersey Meadow is nestled among mature live oak groves. The ranch was originally home to the F&M Dairy and one of the world’s largest and best herds of Jersey dairy cattle. Henry and Leroy Kennedy began a joint land venture that took the old ranch and laid the groundwork for what would become the City of Jersey Village.

In the late 1950s, a parcel of land of the original ranch was earmarked for an employee-only course for Cameron Iron Works. That course would eventually

se

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become Jersey Meadow Golf Course.

Through the late 1980s Gipson redesigned the track and helped make it the outstanding test of golf it is today.

In the summer of 2004, the greens were resodded with Champions Bermuda and the clubhouse and driving range were renovated and updated. Jersey Meadow Golf Course was ranked in Golf Digest magazine’s list of Best Places to Play in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The course offers a pleasant round of golf in the traditional sense. There’s a good mix of long and short par 4s at Jersey Meadow to help keep the player’s focus and interest. Five of the two-shotters (including the 444-yard second hole and the better-getit-right-or-pay 434-yard 10th) are more than 415 yards from the back tees.

That difficulty is balanced by the fact that all three of the par-5 holes on the course (the 473-yard No. 1, the 519-yard seventh and the 513-yard 13th) can be 44

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reached in two shots and can relinquish birdies if played with a little moxie. Jersey Meadow’s par 3s are never a bargain. At 165 yards, the sixth is the shortest, but its long and narrow green is well protected, so it is no easy par.

The first hole plays to a tree-lined fairway (get used to that) and moves left to right. A well-struck and well-positioned drive will leave a mid to long iron approach to the elevated green with a few devious hole placements.

No. 2 is the course’s longest par 4 and has one of the tightest fairways on the course. The 415-yard third is also a devilishly difficult par 4. Bunkers left and trees right off the tee narrows the hole and an elevated green is fronted on the right by a pond.

The 383-yard par-4 fifth hole challenges players to hit an accurate drive, as two lakes skirt the right side of the fairway and a large fairway bunker guards the left side.

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sh rsey At ut its ed, so

No.8, at 416 yards from the back tees, doglegs left and over water and is one of the most thought-provoking holes on the course. A lake cuts through the fairway about 150 yards from the green, so any well-struck tee balls that veer left could find a home with the fishes in the reed-filled water.

The back-nine begins with a 434-yard hole that demands accuracy, as the par 4 has out-of-bounds on the right from tee to green and a green that can be as much as three clubs difference, depending on wind and hole placement.

The three-hole stretch that includes holes 13-15 asks the player for his or her best game but also provide a real possibility to score. The 513-yard par-5 13th usually plays downwind and is reachable in two with a good drive. Beware the lake that runs up the left side as well as the

three bunkers that surround the elevated putting surface.

No.14 comes back the opposite direction, so the 394-yard par 4 often plays into the wind. It plays tight off the tee with houses on the right and drives hit too far left will find the lake, which continues to be a factor all the way to the green. The 15th – again playing downwind and long at 416 yards – is a real chance to grip it and rip it, but stay

eft oned roach us

4 on oa and e and ght

enges lakes large

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with the nearby Comfort Suites Houston NW that includes special rates for lodging, green fees and cart fees and offers club rental. Contact the course at (713) 896-0900 or the hotel at (713) 856-5005 for more information. away from the out of bounds on the right side.

The closing hole at Jersey Meadow is one of its toughest. The 399-yard par 4 plays straight toward the clubhouse on the horizon and has forced-carries over water on both the tee shot and on the approach. A 240-yard carry is needed from the back tees to traverse a wide creek that slices across the fairway. A pond fronts the putting surface about 65 yards short of the elevated green, which is the most shallow on the course and sandwiched with bunkers on both sides.

Jersey Meadow has the largest senior golf association in the Houston area with more than 500 members. The group is very active, and its twice-monthly tournaments (which are done the first and third Tuesday of the month) regularly fill to full-field capacity. Events are handicapped and flighted.

The course also has two ladies associations, one on Mondays for the serious golfer and another on Wednesdays or Thursdays that is great for newer players. Its men’s association plays twice per month (a combination of Saturdays and Sundays) and uses a variety of formats (some team, some individual). All are handicapped and flighted.

Jersey Meadow Golf Course offers stay and play packages in conjunction 46

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Jersey Meadow Golf Course 8502 Rio Grande • Jersey Village, TX 77040 www.jerseymeadow.com Request for a Tournament or Outing, call (713) 896-0900 Location: Approx. 20 minutes from downtown Houston, 1 mile North of Hwy 290 / 3 miles West of Beltway 8 • • • • • • •

Online Tee Times 18 Hole Golf Course Range and Practice Area Clubhouse The Backyard Grill Large Banquet Room Memberships Available

Nearby Airports: Intercontinental (21 miles) and Hobby Airport (29 miles) Approximate Drive Time From Selected Cities: Austin 2 ¼ hours • Dallas 3 ½ hours Fort Worth 3 ¾ hours • Galveston 1 hour Downtown Houston 20 minutes • San Antonio 2 ¾ hours Statistics Par: 71 Blue White Gold (M) Gold (W) Red

Yards Rating Slope 6600 73.3 136 6161 70.7 129 5764 69.0 124 5764 74.3 134 5151 70.7 126

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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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The Resort at

Tapatio Springs

back in swing, right on cue

E

ven the greatest song takes a lot of work before the verses, harmony, music and melody come together. But once they do, there can be magic in the offering and memories are there to be made.

It’s a process country music legend George Strait is intently familiar with and has been able to utilize on the way to almost 60 No. 1 hits and a place in the pantheon of his profession. Now Strait, along with his partner and Hill Country entrepreneur Tom Cusick, is putting that formula to work on their newest project, the rebirth, rebranding and revitalization of The Resort at Tapatio Springs in Boerne.

The high-profile pair acquired the 31-year-old, 250-acre Tapatio Springs Golf Resort in April of 2011. They are well into their plans to reposition the development as a national destination.

“Tom and I watched what was happening at Tapatio Springs, and we always believed it could be a real jewel,” says Strait, who has sold more than 68.5 million albums in the United States and who still has a home in San Antonio. “We have begun our master plan and want the end

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Owners George Strait and Tom Cusick

result to be extraordinary.”

Founded in 1981, the Resort at Tapatio Springs includes 27 holes of golf, a hotel and more than 20,000 square feet of convention and meeting space. Set west of Boerne, about a half-hour’s drive from the Alamo City, Tapatio Springs has in recent years suffered from uncertainty, rumors, a lack of maintenance and a golf course that was always struggling to get the water it needed to be really great.

Those water issues have been solved and parts of the Bill Johnson-fashioned courses have been resodded and brought closer to the pristine conditions Strait and Cusick expect.

The efforts have been aided by a wetter-thannormal winter and spring, along with plenty of cool days to allow the courses’ turf to thrive.

“George and I have made a personal commitment to eliminate the issues that have hindered Tapatio Springs in the past

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and to work to make the property into the for that right now.” showplace it should be,” Cusick said. “We Water comes into play in some shape are taking Tapatio Springs to a completely or form on 16 of the resort’s 27 holes and new level, and making it a point of pride more than 80 sand bunkers are placed for members and guests, homeowners and around the routings. the entire Boerne area.”

The Lakes nine features memorable The hiring of former La Cantera Resort back-to-back two-shotters. The 371-yard fifth general manager Tony Cherone to a likehole plays through a chute of trees off the position at The Resort at Tapatio Springs tee down to a fairway at least 40 feet below, is an indication that Strait and Cusick are with ever-present Frederick Creek looming putting all the correct pieces in place. on the left. No. 6 is longer, at 396 yards, and Cherone, a 39-year employee of Starwood features another downhill tee shot that must Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, opened and be long in order to give the player a reasonmanaged La Cantera for 15 years until his able approach uphill over the trees and creek retirement in Sept. 2011. It took a special to the slightly elevated putting surface. place and a special offer from the two new The Valley nine brings water into play owners to bring Cherone to Tapatio Springs. on virtually every hole, including the fine “I am drawn to the newness, excitement stretch that begins at its 158-yard parand potential that exists with the revitaliza3, uphill third. No. 4 is also uphill and tion of Tapatio Springs,” Cherone said. “The resort holds a special place in the hearts of many, and I’m happy to bring my experience to the table.”

The Resort at Tapatio Springs’ offers golfers three distinct ninehole routings, all challenging in different ways. The resort’s original “Lakes” and “Valley” nines, opened for play in 1981, were Hill Country Dinning at its best! once ranked among the top ten golf courses in Texas by the Dallas Morning News. The two original courses were joined by the toughas-nails “Ridge” nine in 1999.

“We think the layout — especially the original 18 (Lake and Valley) — is a solid, challenging and fun,” Strait said. “It might require a little tweaking here and there, but we don’t have any plans Relax at the 19th hole HillCountry Style

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Senic views will capture your heart.

short (293 yards) but the tee shot is blind and the fairway tends to move shots not hit to the perfect spot either left or right into trouble. The 559-yard par-5 fifth is downhill and doglegs left to the creek, then turns back uphill through a chute of trees and bunkers to a narrow green.

The Ridge nine varies radically from the Lakes and Valley. After the initial hole, the topography changes dramatically offering rocky target golf to the extreme. Holes 2-7 are highlighted by spectacular elevation changes from tee to green. There are three outstanding par 3s, all of which begin from tee areas carved into hillsides and play a club or two less downhill to their putting surfaces. The 201-yard third and 155-yard seventh holes have ponds situated in front to make things even more interesting.

Many consider the Ridge nine unforgettable and unique, while others believe that it is too tough of a test for the average golfer. Fans of the blind golf shot will be pleased with this nine-hole configuration, as there are numerous examples both off the tee and on the approach. The elevated tee boxes provide awesome views, and it’s not uncommon to be hitting your tee shot from high above down into a valley loaded 52

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with herds of axis or whitetail deer.

The first step in Tapatio Springs’ renovation included renewing the resort’s 112 rooms, the lodging and clubhouse exterior (done with more than 1,000 tons of rock and columns), the meeting facilities and golf pro shop.

The resort opened the fabulous La Cascada restaurant to bring complete resort amenities to Tapatio Springs. Other dining amenities include Five Points Grill in the center of the golf course.

If you love golf and want to stay outside the hustle and bustle of a big city, this is a great place for you. And like a great song that becomes more recognizable and robust with age, the experience at The Resort at Tapatio Springs is one that will grow on those that venture inside its canyon walls.

Tapatio springs offers luxary suites

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Where the Hills Meet Heaven ...

RE•NEWED, RE•OPENED & READY FOR YOU!

2012 Introductory Specials

Stay and Play . . . Couples Get Away Call for Info

Straits and Cusicks Celebrate Grand Opening

www.tapatio.com 800-999-3299 1 Resort Way Boerne, TX 78006

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Lago Vista Golf Courses

Highland Lakes 512.382.6529

Lago Vista 512.267.1170

For other offers, tournaments and banquet information call

Same Day Special!

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Northcliffe Golf Club

New Management…Best Conditions in the Area RATES Monday - Friday Seniors and Military Saturday and Sunday STATISTICS Par: 72 Blue White Gold Red

GEZ Managed Property $30 $24.50 $39.50 (Tax Included)

Yards Rating Slope 6550 71.0 125 6080 65.5 119 5339 66.4 118 4815 64.0 113

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Childhood course of PGA Tour player Jimmy Walker

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Landa Park Golf Course New Braunfels, TX

(830) 221-4340 www.nbtexas.org/index. aspx?nid=423

T

he Landa Park Municipal Golf Course is located in historic Landa Park. The original nine hole course was opened by the City of New Braunfels in 1938 and the 61-acre layout is credited to a group of citizens that oversaw the course construction. In 1972 the course was redesigned to 18-holes and expanded by a beautiful 52 acres. The 18hole facility features 6,138 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 68.9 and it has a slope rating of 116.

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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

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Course management among the pecans at San Saba River Golf Course

By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide

A

round at the San Saba River Golf Course asks golfers for every aspect of their game. There are instances when the big drive to a wide fairway is en vogue and just as many times when placement off the tee is paramount to success.

Because San Saba River has two distinct personalities and challenges aplenty it’s a blast to play and a challenge to master. But thanks to some tree trimming on the pecan tree-lined backnine and the continual maturation of the mostly wide-open (and newer) front-nine, the course provides loads of satisfaction, enough so that players from far and wide are making the trip to the sleepy seat of San Saba County in Central Texas.

San Saba River’s original nine holes (now the back-nine) was designed in 1972 by a group of local businessmen who liked to play golf and didn’t want to drive west to Brady or southeast to Lampasas to tee it up. They found a pecan orchard just east of town on the San Saba River and went to work, cutting a path through the trees next to the river.

It didn’t take long for the course to become a part of the region’s fabric and a draw for visitors who would travel from just about anywhere to get a chance to test their games and their precision in the pecans. The par 72 San Saba River is carded at 6,904 yards from the tips.

The 18-hole course is actually a combination of two nine-hole tracks and was expanded in 1986 by golf course architect Sorrell Smith on land south of the original nine holes. The new nine, which 56

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is much more open, was routed in a plain and several irrigation ponds were dug and filled with water from the river and from the town’s effluent to keep the course green and growing.

San Saba River is not a course for the weak of heart or for the unaccomplished player, especially if it is attacked from the back set of four tee boxes. From the tips, the track has four par 4s of 400 yards or more (three of those, including the massive 448-yard No. 8, are on the newer, frontnine), two 580-yard par 5s and the colossal 625-yard No. 9, one of the longest threeshot holes in the Lone Star State.

While the course’s longer holes are on the front-side (which plays at 3,628 yards), the back-side at San Saba River sports the holes that pulls in the best players from the region and beyond. The lion’s share of the track’s more than 2,700 mature pecan trees are on the back-nine and if the player struggles with his control he or she might need a calculator to tally the damage.

San Saba River Golf Course, located just east of Highway 190 in the land where the Texas Hill Country is at its northernmost point, is renowned for its challenging routing and its quiet, scenic beauty. Owned and operated by the city of San Saba, the course has been voted a “Best Place to Play”

by Golf Digest magazine.

Facilities located on the course grounds include the club’s pro shop, driving range, short-game practice area and putting green. Golf packages, which include course play and lodging reservations, are also available.

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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

18 holes with cart $30 9 holes with cart $21

For more information or to sign-up Please call 325-372-3212

18 holes with cart $35 9 holes with cart $26

All Prices are Per Person

Play All Day

$25

Monday – Friday Only Excluding holidays. Coupon required. Expires 9-31-2012.

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

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723 CR 102 • San Saba, TX 76877

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Send donations to: P.O. Box 310652 New Braunfels, TX 78130

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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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6/2/12 1:20 PM

The Hawk at Rebecca Creek

T

he Hawk at Rebecca Creek, located just 30 minutes Spring Branch, TX (830) 885-7495 north of San Antonio on Highway 281, is now under www.thehawkgolfclub.com new ownership. Under the leadership of general manager Bryan Holley, The Hawk is committed to a return to yesteryear, when impeccable course conditions, helpful and friendly staff and a wealth of activies and ammenities were the rule and not the acception.

With a constant series of upgrades and refurbishments, 18 9 Twlight The Hawk is in better shape than it’s ever been. With some of RATES Weekday $2999 $2599 $20 99 the most reasonable rates in the state, every golfer can afford Weekend $29 $2699 $25 Twilight rates valid after 1 p.m. to experience this secluded golfing gem.

STATISTICS The professional staff offers clinics throughout the year, Par: 72 Yards Rating Slope private lesssons customized to meet your individual needs and Black 6863 73.0 127 Blue 6486 72.0 122 a complete USGA Handicapping System. The golf shop feaWhite 6011 69.0 119 tures a full line of golf equipment Red 5250 67.5 113 and apparel at reasonable prices as PERSONNEL Architect ............. George Hoffman well as custom fitting for equipDirector of Golf.......... Bryan Holley ment, special orders and anything Head Professional .......Doug Dahle Superintendent ...........Doug Dahle else you need to look and play your Scan for Course Record .. Robert Staton, 66 best.

Special 43 Offers

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Map Key Number

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6/2/12 1:21 PM

Tilly’s dilly: Fort Sam Houston GC’s tough par 4s and solid design provide top golf experience

By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide

S

an Antonio golf is defined by its past and the contributions from a number of the world’s greatest course designers.

Both those attributes come into play at the excellent pair of courses at Fort Sam Houston, on the Alamo City’s near-Northside, where history is a player in every foursome.

The two 18-hole tracks — La Loma and Salado Del Rio — feature holes from the base’s original routing as drawn up and put to work by Golden Age golf architect A.W. Tillinghast. Tilly’s original course (opened in 1937) was the host site for the Texas Open in the 1950s and 60s; Fort Sam Houston is the still the only military track to host a PGA Tour event.

A 1976 redesign that added another 18 holes to the installation’s facility split Tillinghast’s work into two separate routings. Some of the original holes were lengthened to be more of a challenge to the modern player and his new-fangled equipment and balls. Both courses have undergone significant refreshenings by the Kevin Tucker Design Group.

Eleven of the original Tillinghastdesigned holes (Nos. 1-10 and 18) are now the backbone of the La Loma course; the other seven are among the holes on Salado Del Rio and make up holes 1 and 13-18 on that layout.

The Tillinghast-designed holes are mostly straight and long, with rolling fairways made more challenging by numerous knolls and small mounds. Their putting surfaces, which roll true but can be difficult due to their subtle breaks, are protected by round sand bunkers.

Despite the Tillinghast pedigree, La Loma and Salado Del Rio have their own 62

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character and quirks. Both also are defined by a series of tough par 4s, an aspect that is always the backbone of the best golf courses.

The cream of La Loma’s Tillinghast holes might be the 419-yard par-4 sixth, which sweeps around a tree on the right and downhill past a series of bunkers in the landing area. The green is protected by a lone bunker at front-left. The newer holes on La Loma are routed through a tree-filled, low-lying area and have more movement and changes in elevation.

La Loma plays to a par of 71 and at 6,819 yards from its back set of four tees.

It carries a rating of 73.0 and a slope of 126 but is considerably tougher when the wind kicks up and forces the golfer to make calculated choices.

Salado Del Rio’s main feature is thick wetlands that define the course’s edges and occasionally encroach into play. Most of the fairways are lined with mature trees, adding to the experience, and the holes along the Salado Creek are a perfect balance of scenery and shot making requirement. Tillinghast’s holes are the standouts on Salado Del Rip as well, which plays to a par of 72 and at 6,857 yards.

The course is rated at 72.6 and sloped at 126 from its back set of four tees.

Fort Sam Houston Golf Club also includes a practice chipping green, lighted driving range, private cart storage and a wonderful cafeteria and restaurant.

There has never been a question about the challenges and playability of the two courses. The condition, the layout, the location and the affordable cost to play the tracks at Fort Sam Houston make them even more of a must-play.

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

2012 ISSUE 2

6/2/12 1:21 PM

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 can play out of, some 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 2

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All Inclusive Golf Package

Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls and Complimentary Hot Breakfast & Lunch Buffets

For Reservations:

(512) 252-Golf (4653) Book Online at :

www.Starranchgolf.com Located just north of Austin off the 130 Toll Road. – 2500 FM 685 Hutto, TX 78634 Now Booking 2012 Golf Outings Call 252-4653 ext. 2 for details.

Call About Our 2012 2012 Group Specials

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6/2/12 1:27 PM

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 $16+tax $26+tax greens and serpentine fairways, and broad vistas of Pack9 Holes $10+tax $14+tax saddle Mountain, the course plays to 6,855 yards from the Senior (65+) $14+tax $24.50+tax Juniors $5+tax $5+tax tournament tees.

The recently renovated clubhouse at Lighthouse is the PERSONNEL General Manager/ perfect watering hole for a post-round libation or a perfect Director of Golf................. Al Pryor Assistant Golf place to hang your hat for a casual lunch. Also, the charmProfessional ..................Josh Ellis ing clubhouse at Lighthouse offers a popular venue for your Superintendent ....... Jarrett Eledge next wedding, reception or special event.

LIGHTHOUSE GRILLE & LOUNGE The Lighthouse is also a great place to hone your game. Open Mon-Sat 11-9 pm Home to a complete practice facility (with a double-ended Sun 11-3 pm driving range), 10,000-square-foot putting green and a prac- Available for Tournaments, Banquets and Outings. tice facility area with chipping green, you may just end up Catering available. 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 2

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6/2/12 1:28 PM

SantA Fe Golf Trail

offers great value in nearby New Mexico

By Art Stricklin

A

s golfing neighbors, New Mexico has certainly proved to be a heck of a lot friendlier than the old codger who always forgot to return the mower, the sister who always messed up the bathroom or the brother who beat you up when the parents weren’t looking.

New Mexico has given us the Santa Fe Golf Trail, the close-in collection of nine value-priced golf courses, five around the capital city of Albuquerque, for close-in Texans.

It’s perhaps the most authentic, certainly the most value-priced, and among the most scenic golf trails around the central city of New Mexico.

Authentic? You can’t get much more authentic than driving Titlist Pro-V1s on the same spots where cattle were once driven.

Value-priced? Finding a triple-figure green fee is about as tough as finding anybody to say a good word about a Yankee outsider or some local without a hankering for green chile old-style Mexican food.

Scenic? They’ve got mountains on all sides with beautiful vistas, large elevation

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changes and constant swirling box winds.

All Texas airlines offer plenty of round trips to Albuquerque, about the only place in the state you can fly to on commercial flights, with plenty of economical choices.

The closest course to the airport, and certainly one of the best and toughest, is the University of New Mexico Championship Course, known locally as Red Course or the Monster.

This par 72 Robert Lawrence design not only serves as the home course for the UNM Lobos, but has hosted an NCAA championship and is open to the public.

It plays at 7,279 yards from the back tees with equal challenges of long, rolling fairways, small greens, sand bunkers and water. It has been ranked as one of the top 25 public courses in the U.S. and the panoramic view from the first tee could be enough to convince you the ranking was too low.

The various Indian tribes which have congregated in the central New Mexico area also control many of the top trail courses in the area, many of which come

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

2012 ISSUE 2

6/2/12 1:29 PM

xico

complete with casinos.

Such is the case with the Twin Warriors, Sandia and Santa Ana golf clubs. Twin Warriors, a Gary Panks high desert design, was good enough to attract the PGA Club Professional Championship in 2003 and 2000. It also hosted the amateur Trans-Miss.

The par 72 layout can play as long as 7,707 yards from the back tees with some of the best sweeping views of the mountains, the Rio Grande River and the Albuquerque skyline. There are also several water features which come into play on different holes.

The GPS yardage system, great course conditions and the nearby Hyatt Resort and Spa make Twin Warriors a battle you don’t mind fighting.

Twin Warriors Hyatt Tamaya offers a huge lobby with a Texas-sized Sports Bar with pool tables and lavish outside views.

There is a large spa, two pools, kids activities and plenty of hiking and biking trails to thrill the non-golfers as well.

The nearby sister course, Santa Ana Golf Club, is another fine 27-hole examination of public golf. The three nine hole courses -- Tamaya, Cheena and Star -- offer outstanding linksstyle golf, complete with desert views, mountains in the distance and plenty of water to entice and trouble you.

Santa Ana played host to the Nationwide (then Nike) Tour in New Mexico for five years and also hosted the New Mexico Open from 20012004. Its challenging desert conditions, greenside bunkering and dramatic sloping offer sub-80 scores only to the most skilled and honed golfers.

Sandia, located in the Northeast side of the city, is one of the newer courses in the area with the par 72 Scott Miller

066-067 Sante Fe Golf Trail.indd 67

design opening in mid-2005. The conditions for a course this new are outstanding as is the routing which goes near the mountains with plenty of natural and manmade water. The par 4 18th hole plays downhill to a large lake which guards the right half of the green. It can be a wonderful or watery end of your round.

Other local members of the trail include the 27-hole Paa-Ko Ridge, the only Golf Digest 5-Star rated course in the state, and Iseleta, located south of downtown.

Other courses closer to Santa Fe, an hourplus drive away, are Towa and Black Mesa.

Time on the Santa Fe Trail can be music to the ears of eager golfers riding the range in a way their forefathers never imagined 150 years ago. For more information, call (866) 465-3660 or go online to www.golfonthesantafetrail.com.

6/2/12 1:30 PM

THE BEST SPORTS STATION IN SAN ANTONIO Sponsored by

GOLFER’S GUIDE RADIO Every Saturday 8-9 am

Mike Ratchman Dave Roberts

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SHOW

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6/2/12 1:35 PM

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 070 Bluebonnet Hill.indd 70

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6/2/12 2:14 PM

News Course Info and More!

Receive exciting golf information delivered to your inbox including golf course feature articles, local golf news and events, video golf Instruction and golf vacation feature articles. The Golfer’s Guide Newsletter is sent twice a month from GolfersGuide.com.

GOLFER’SGUIDE 071 ENewsletter.indd 71

6/2/12 2:15 PM

Delaware Springs GC still going strong as course celebrates 20 years of play

By Steve Habel Special to The Golfers Guide

I

t’s been nearly 20 years since Delaware Springs Golf Course in Burnet welcomed its first players. The past two decades have been good to the course. Known for its challenging but infinitely playable routing and excellent conditioning, Delaware Springs has stayed on the short list of the best municipal courses anywhere.

The course has never been better as new turf on its putting surfaces and its collars installed last spring has taken a firm hold and has Delaware Springs looking forward to a busy summer season.

Last spring, course officials at Delaware Springs converted its putting surfaces to Champion Bermuda, which thrives in the summer heat. A year into the life of the course’s new greens (and buoyed by the soaking rains of the spring of 2012) everyone has been extremely pleased at the way the putting surfaces have matured and improved the overall golfing experience at course.

“It was a leap of faith to change the greens, especially when we were in the middle of the drought last spring,” said Doug Fipps, Delaware Springs director of golf. “We knew it would take a little time for the turf to take hold, but our greens are better than they’ve ever been.”

The layout at Delaware Springs (designed by architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor, protégés of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore) fits the rolling terrain seamlessly.

Delaware Springs plays at 6,829 yards from the back set of four tees. The course is nestled into the rolling hills and oak trees and during a round players will encounter lush fairways, strategically 72

072 Delaware Springs.indd 72

placed with bunkers and large greens that slope severely.

Eight of the track’s holes have no bunkers, but where bunkers are utilized, they are used to great effect, both artistically and strategically. Axland and Proctor also used the site’s trees to their advantage, and on several of the course’s holes, strategically placed trees become the focal point for the player.

During a round, players will encounter numerous chances to bump and run shots to the putting surfaces and even a few par 4s (namely 9 and 17, both of which are carded at 310 yards) that offer risk/reward options. The meat of the challenge at Delaware Springs is its long two-shotters, as the course has four par 4s that play at 425 yards or more.

Delaware Springs’s toughest stretch is its third, fourth and fifth holes – par 4s of 425 and 477 yards, respectively, and a tougher-than-it-seems par 3. Golfers that get through this stretch at par or better can take a lot of momentum into the sixth, a reachable-in-two 490-yard par 5.

This summer, the course will have its usual full schedule of tournaments, including one for a handful of the area’s top players (the Bring Your Best Golf tournament July 28-29, where three-player teams will play without handicap and in one championship flight) and the annual Seton Care-A-Van tournament on Aug. 4, when 230 players teeing off in a.m. and p.m. shotgun starts come together to raise funds for the operation of a mobile health unit for those in need.

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

2012 ISSUE 2

6/2/12 2:17 PM

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.

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

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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 Pecan Valley Golf Club Public 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

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

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) 333-9018 (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

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LOST P Hyatt Re (512) 30 MANOR Shadow (512) 27 TEMPLE Sammo (254) 77

The Perfect Drive – Course Directory COURSE

TYPE

PHONE

THE COAST Alice Municipal Golf Course Brownsville Golf Center Buccaneer Bay Public Golf Course Colony Creek Country Club Corpus Christi Country Club Cottonwood Creek Golf Course Edinburg Municipal Golf Course El Campo County Club Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course Ganado Golf and Country Club Goliad Country Recreation Association Grande Caribbean at Dune Crest Harlingen Country Club L.E. Ramey Golf Course Newport Dunes Padre Isles Country Club Palm View Golf Course Rio Colorado Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club The Victoria Country Club Tierra Del Sol Golf Club Tierra Santa Golf Club Treasure Hills Country Club Village Executive Golf Course Valley International Country Club

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

(361) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (956) (409) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (361) (361) (361) (956) (979) (956) (361) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956)

664-7033 541-2582 790-7513 576-0018 991-2811 428-7758 381-1244 543-6592 542-9861 771-2424 645-2144 749-1974 412-4110 592-1101 749-4653 949-8056 687-9591 244-2955 943-5678 573-3712 702-2320 973-1811 365-3100 968-5331 546-5331

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

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

(956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956) (956)

686-8801 787-0910 541-2582 581-7408 428-0766 381-1244 423-2010 541-0394 412-4110 943-7520 565-3351 316-0444 585-6330 928-0440 581-6267 381-0964 687-9591 350-4000 689-9904 548-0191 580-8770 943-5678 216-5970

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Alpine

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1604

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1

473

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Co. Rd. 2

57

46

20

1431

3

29725

73 35 1604

85 64

43

Kyle

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620

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130

21

41 Falls Marble Leander 84

Spring Brand

87

68

2342

47

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Gore Rd.

40

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Advertiser’s Directory MAP KEY

36 41 20 2 50 85 20 95 73 68 96 86 29 35 97 85 91 57 3 43 64 1 87

COURSE

TYPE

Bluebonnet Hills Golf Public Delaware Springs Golf Course Semi-Private Highland Lake Golf Club Public Jersey Meadow Golf Course Public La Cantera Golf Club Public La Loma Grande Public Lago Vista Golf Course Municipal Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa Public Landa Park Golf Course Public Lighthouse Country Club Public Lozano Golf Center Public Newport Dunes Golf Public Northcliff Golf Club Public Olympia Hills Public Oso Golf Course Municipal Salado Del Rio Public San Saba River Golf Course Municipal Silverhorn Golf Club Public Star Ranch Semi-Private The Hawk Public The Republic Golf Club Public The Resort at Tapatio Springs Resort Vaaler Creek Golf Club Semi-Private

YDS./PAR

PHONE

6590/72 6826/72 6529/72 6671/71 6535/71 6857/72 6102/71 7081/72 6138/72 6855/72 7027/72 6985/71 6532/72 6923/72 6223/70 6819/71 6904/72 6922/72 7030/71 7074/72 7007/71 6504/72 6864/72

(512) 272-4228 (512) 756-8471 (512) 382-6529 (713) 896-0900 (210) 558-4653 (210) 222-9386 (512) 267-1170 1-877-LAJITAS (830) 221-4340 (325) 388-6660 (361) 826-8016 (361) 749-4653 (830) 606-7351 (210) 945-4653 (361) 826-8010 (210) 222-9386 (325) 372-3212 (210) 545-5300 (512) 252-4653 (830) 885-7495 (210) 359-0000 (800) 999-3299 (830) 833-0706

MAP KEY SHOPPING

TYPE

LOCATION

PHONE

21 2 3 83 80 84

Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail

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

Edwin Watts Edwin Watts Edwin Watts Edwin Watts The Golf Club The Golf Ranch

ACCOMMODATIONS

TYPE

Coushatta Casino & Resort Resort Hot Springs Village Resort 95 Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa Resort 1 The Resort at Tapatio Springs Resort

LOCATION WEBSITE

Louisiana Arkansas Lajitas Boerne

CONTACT

Cash for Cancer Golf Tournament ESPN “Golfer’s Guide Radio” iChoose Golf Hill Country Golf Classic Tournament Edwin Watts

077.Directory.indd 77

70 72-73 54 42-47 94 62-63 54 32-36 55 65 41 29 54 60 41 62-63 56-57 55 64 61 40 50-53 49

Vaaler Creek Golf Club 1250AM Radio Internet Golf League Kerrville Catalog

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

(830) 833-0706 1250theZone.com ichoosegolf.com 830-896-1155 edwinwattsgolf.com

21 Retail (512) 6 2 Retail (210) 8 3 Retail (210) 3

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SERVICES

2012 ISSUE 2

PHONE

PG.

PG.

58-59 68 26 27 79-90

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a. RAZR FIT | driver #30693

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b. RAZR FIT | fairway #30708 Aggressive VFT Technology allows for precision shaping of the face thickness in each club { 3 & 5 } RH LH Sr Women #31038 { 3 & 5 } W RH

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$249.99 ea c. RAZR X BLACK | driver #30709 Designed for golfers who want the ultimate in speed and accuracy off the tee { 8.5˚, 9.5˚, 10.5˚, 11.5˚ & 13.5˚ } RH Sr { 9.5˚ & 10.5˚ } LH Sr Women #30728 { 10.5˚, 11.5˚ & 13.5˚ } W RH { 10.5˚ } W LH

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e. RAZR X HL | irons #31165 Low center of gravity makes the sweet spot more accessible at lower impact locations { 4 iron, 5-PW, AW, SW } RH LH Women #31166 { 4 iron, 5-PW, AW, SW } W RH LH 5-PW $449.99 STL $599.99 GRA 4 iron, AW, SW $75.00 STL $100.00 GRA f. RAZR X BLACK | irons #31161 Accuracy now goes farther than ever { 3, 4, 5-PW, AW, SW, LW } RH Sr { 4, 5-PW, AW, SW } LH Sr Women #31163 { 4, 5-PW, AW, SW, LW } W RH LH 5-PW $522.99 STL $672.99 GRA 3, 4, AW, SW, LW $87.00 STL $112.00 GRA

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a. R11S | driver #31083 Adjust the loft up or down (+1.5˚) with Flight Control Technology (FCT) { 9˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ } RH Sr { 9˚ & 10.5˚ } LH Sr Women #31084 { 10.5˚ & 12˚ } W RH

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Adjust the loft up or down (+1.5˚) with Flight Control Technology (FCT) { 14˚ strong 3wd, 15.5˚ 3wd, 17˚ 4wd, 19˚ 5wd & 22˚ 7wd } RH Sr W { 15.5˚ 3wd & 19˚ 5wd } LH Sr Women #31129 { 3, 4, 5 & 7 } W RH

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$249.99 ea c. ROCKETBALLZ | driver #31087 Flight Control Technology (FCT) allows you to easily adjuct loft (+1.5˚) { 9.5˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ } RH Sr { 9.5˚ & 10.5˚ } LH Women #31088 { 10.˚ & 12˚ } W RH

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d. ROCKETBALLZ | fairway #31125 Boosts ball speed dramatically for more distance

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f. ROCKETBALLZ | irons #31149 Individually engineered to promote more distance, improved accuracy and great feel

} LH Sr

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a. CLEVELAND CLASSIC | driver

a.

Inspired by tradition, driven by technology Classic 270 #31090 { 9˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ } RH { 9˚ & 10.5˚ } LH Classic 290 #31091 { 7.5˚, 9˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ } RH { 9˚ & 10.5˚ } LH

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b. PING G20 | driver #29167 For all ability levels, the external weighting of the G20 driver helps launch the ball high with low spin for maximum distance and accuracy { 8.5˚, 9.5˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ } RH LH Sr b.

$299.00 ea

c. COBRA AMP | driver #30885 E9 Face Technology with Dual Roll { 8.5˚, 9.5˚, 10.5˚ & 11.5˚ } RH { 9.5˚ & 10.5˚ } LH Women #30923 { 13.5˚ } W Not Shown

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d. ADAMS SPEEDLINE FAST 12 | driver #31001 New Graffaloy Pro Launch shaft with Speed Coat Technology { 8.5º, 9.5º & 10.5º } RH { 9.5º & 10.5º } LH Draw #31007 { 9.5º, 10.5º & 12.5º } RH Women’s #31006 { 10º, 12º & HL } RH d.

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f. PING G20 | irons #29158 PING designers engineered extreme forgiveness and predictable distance control into the G20 irons { 4-PW, UW, SW, LW } RH LH Sr 4-PW $612.50 STL $787.50 GRA UW, SW, LW #29162 $87.50 STL $112.50 GRA f.

g. CLEVELAND CG BLACK | irons #30047

g.

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i.

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i. COBRA AMP | irons #30922 Multi-alloy design positions weight to provide explosive long irons and consistent short irons { 3, 4-PW, GW, SW, LW } RH Sr Women #30925 4-PW, GW $699.99 STL $799.99 GRA $799.99 GRA 5-PW, GW, SW (senior & women’s) GW, SW, LW #30921 $88.99 STL $99.99 GRA

j. NIKE VR_S | irons #31169 Nike’s fastest irons go farther than ever { 4-PW, 3 iron, AW, SW } RH LH Women #31173 { 5H, 6H, 7-PW, SW } RH 4-PW, AW $599.99 STL $699.99 GRA $87.99 GRA 3 iron, SW $74.99 STL 5H, 6H, 7-PW, SW (women’s) $799.99 GRA

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6 079-090.EdwinWatts.indd 85

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a. TITLEIST Pro V1® #27708 { Hi number balls #27709 } .................$47.99 dz Pro V1X™ #27710 { Hi number balls #27711 } ................$47.99 dz Velocity #31043 { Double Digit #31044 } ..........................$26.99 dz NXT® Tour S #31041 { Tour S Yellow #31042 } .............$31.99 dz NXT® Tour #31040 .................................................................$31.99 dz DT® SoLo #31045 { Yellow #31046 }................................$19.99 dz

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f. NIKE GOLF 20 XI-S #27499 ........................................................................$45.99 dz 20 XI-X #27500.........................................................................$45.99 dz Power Distance .........................................................................$15.99 dz { Soft #26693, Long #26694, Women #26695 } Vapor Black #31228 ................................................................$24.99 dz

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Edwin Watts Golf 214.383.3001

Map Key Number 12

Allen • 209 North Central Expressway 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry the best equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff is ready to help you choose the right club to fit your game on our state of the art simulators.

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25

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Edwin Watts Golf 817.731.4441

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Edwin Watts Golf 832.249.6133

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89

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Edwin Watts Golf Map Key Number 15

903.561.8851

Tyler • 410 West SW Loop 323 800.874.0146 • edwinwattsgolf.com We carry the best equipment from the finest names in golf with something for every skill level and price range. Our expert staff is ready to help you choose the right club to fit your game on our state of the art simulators.

Golf lessons are available along with full service club repair.

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Through the

Eyes of the

PHOTO BY JOHN LOOMIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Shark Greg Norman shares his perspective on wins and losses, golf course design and more

As a touring professional, Greg Norman was one of the most prolific international players in golf history. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was the world’s top-ranked golfer for 331 consecutive weeks. He also maintained active memberships on the PGA, European and Australian tours.

His build, blond hair and aggressive style on the golf course earned him the nickname The Great White Shark, a predator common to Norman’s native waters of Australia. Norman followed up his 25-year playing career with a successful business in golf course design.

The Shark took a few minutes to speak with Golfer’s Guide about his playing career, course design and the growth of the game.

Golfer’s Guide: Greg Norman Golf Course Design has been in business a quarter of a century now. You’ve designed more than 70 golf courses on six continents that have won numerous prestigious awards for design, and many of the projects bearing your name have garnered awards for environmental stewardship. Norman-designed golf courses have hosted sanctioned events on the PGA, Nationwide, European and Australasian tours.

What is your general design philosophy? Is there a particular legacy you like to leave behind with every golf course you design?

2012 ISSUE 2

091-093 Greg Norman.indd 91

Greg Norman: I am chairman of the advisory council for the Environmental Institute for Golf, and I have always taken a least-disturbance approach to golf course design. I am a firm believer in using what Mother Nature has given me on a particular site. I try to move the least amount of dirt, not only to keep costs down, but also to keep the course as natural and as visually pleasing as possible.

In the old days, the architects whom we now consider the masters only had a horse-drawn plow. They didn’t have bulldozers to push dirt around, so their approach sometimes seems

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minimalist when we consider it today. But I love their philosophy, and I continue to put it into practice today. Historically, this approach has resulted in a course that blends seamlessly with its surroundings and appears as if it has been part of the landscape for generations.

Practical least-disturbance design also helps to make the golf course more sustainable over time for the owners. I’m very proud of the fact we have about 38 jobs under contract right now, even in this tough economic environment. Not all of them are under construction, but we continue to sign jobs. It’s a very, very tough environment, but for us to be able to say that we have almost a dozen golf courses under construction right now is fantastic in this environment. That’s what I like. Your credentials speak for themselves.

GG: Your name was on the final list of eight architects being considered to design the 2016 Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro, a job that eventually was awarded to a relative unknown, Gil Hanse. What did you think of that selection, and what advice would you give Hanse?

GN: Look, any one of the eight of us, there is no question, can design and build a great golf course for the Olympics. That was not a concern that I had. What I thought was the most important part was the legacy mode.

We’ve got to remember that golf is only in the Olympics for 2016, so it’s important that we keep golf in the Olympics in 2020 and beyond. To me, part of the responsibility in designing the golf course was to make sure that you were out there promoting and pushing the game of golf in the Olympics for the next four years until 2016. Beyond that, I would hate to see golf just disappear after one time in the Olympics, because I think if it does, it’s going to be another 100 years before you see it reappear in the Olympics, and that would be a crying shame. So to me there was a lot more criteria as far as I was concerned to the responsibilities of getting the design job, because like I said, any of the eight of us could have designed a great 92

091-093 Greg Norman.indd 92

golf course for the Olympics. Gil uses the word “minimalistic.” Well, my design mantra for my entire design life has been “leastdisturbance approach.” I’ve been saying that on every project I do. So that’s part of the responsibility of creating sustainable golf courses, not just for the environmental standpoint, but also just for the cost of construction. The less you disturb, the more natural it remains from an environmental standpoint, but also it looks mature the day you walk out on it for the first tee shot.

GG: During your playing career, you maintained an active membership in the U.S., European and Australasian Tours, and your businesses — clothing, golf course design, wine sales, clothing, etc. — take you all over the world. Clearly you are as closely tied to international golf as anyone. What are some trends in golf around the rest of the world that people in the United States need to know about? Is the game of golf growing? Is there a next, great emerging destination?

GN: Where I love seeing the growth, honestly, is in countries like South America and in China, even though the Chinese have got this moratorium on building golf courses that’s still in place. I think there’s going be a tremendous opportunity there in the future.

But then you look at Eastern Europe, and look what’s happening in Turkey. I’m proud of a project we’ve got going in Jordan, just a magnificent project we have going there.

So then you look at India, and I look at my homeland, which is still churning out golf courses. And the Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia.

You’ve got to understand the market and where the market is. There is a bit of a shift toward the Third World parts of the globe right now. The Vietnamese government has been very emphatic in saying they would like to see 70 more golf courses in their country, because they think golf is great for their country, maybe because it brings tourism and real estate development, because for the Chinese it’s easier to get down there to play in the warmer climates during the winter.

centraltexas.golfersguide.com

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Everything is cyclical. You only have to go back 20 or 30 years to see what happened in Japan, when golf boomed in Japan in the ’80s. And the development of golf was extremely expensive, but the Japanese golfers went out there and they just love the sport, and the game of golf just took off. And over time, the cycle switched. Golf came into America. We saw the boom where we were building 400 golf courses a year, for year after year. The striking difference between now and what you saw in those days is that today, people use the word “sustainable” in a much more emphatic way than before, where you wonder, “Are we building sustainable golf courses that can weather the storm?”

I think we made that mistake, especially here in the United States in the ’80s, when they spent with unlimited budgets and they exceeded unlimited budgets. You had golf courses where the maintenance costs to look after the golf courses on an annual basis are extraordinarily high, and the costs got handed down to the members. The member has to absorb the cost of maintaining this expensive golf course, so it doesn’t become sustainable. One of the things that’s happened: Other countries have noticed what’s happening in the United States, when you start closing down golf courses at a rate of 160, 162 per year, like what happened last year in the United States. So you’ve got basically a 562-course turnaround from the mid-’80s until now in 2012. That is a huge number. A number you cannot turn away from. So these other countries, where we go, they have observed that, and they are aware of that. The word “sustainability” is very much in the forefront of everyone’s mind as they go forward and build golf courses.

So you don’t just go down there and blast away and have an unlimited budget and just exceed budgets. People are much more financially and fiscally responsible. Now, and I say this in all honesty, shame on our architects and designers in the ’80s for doing what they did to create this. And now we, as designers, have to change our philosophy—and I 2012 ISSUE 2

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have always been that way, because I wasn’t designing golf courses back in those days—to where we do make sure that this great game of golf continues to grow on a regular basis and on a fiscally sustainable basis as well.

GG: You were the player who most dominated world golf between the eras of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods — the No. 1 ranked player for 331 consecutive weeks. You won two British Opens, 20 PGA Tour events and 70 more on various international tours. Now you’ve turned 57 and have had several surgeries recently. Is there a set plan for your playing career during the next five years or so?

GN: I plan on playing some golf this year.

How much, I do not know. But I will plan to probably play six or eight golf tournaments, probably, something like that. I am back healthy again, and my body is allowing me to practice again. I don’t like practicing on the range 10 hours a day, but I will be out on the golf course for sure.

GG: Considering your immense breadth of business interests, do you ever plan on slowing down, or do you plan to continue working as hard as ever?

GN: I just love doing what I’m doing. I think I’ve had a lot to do in my life, my business life. I enjoy doing what I’m doing.

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity of building my enterprise to where it is today. I think the opportunity to grow my brand on a global basis is really in its infancy, and I think there are huge opportunities for my brand outside the United States as well. So I see a really good future for us, I really do. We’ve weathered the bad storm. We’ve adjusted our business model, like I said. It was painful at times, because it’s the first time I’ve ever laid off people in my life, and it hurt a lot of people. But at the same time, you’ve got to adapt to it, and we adapted extremely well.

We survived it, and now we see the adjustments we made are going to be very beneficial toward the growth and development of the company.

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The Golf Club

T

New facility, new TaylorMade technology highlight new year for Austin’s most trusted name in golf equipment

he Golf Club, Austin’s most trusted source for golf equipment, has moved to a new location at 1315 W. Ben White Blvd. with an expanded inventory of the hottest new clubs and the most affordable and best selection of used equipment. And while the facilities may be new, they’ve maintained the same attention to detail, customer loyalty and fair pricing that has sustained them for many years.

In 2012 The Golf Club will be fitting many of their customers with the radical new clubs from TaylorMade.

The new RocketBallz series, includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons that have revolutionized the way clubs are designed and manufactured, and have already caused a stir on the Professional Tours. The “tune-able” RocketBallz driver provides extreme distance, and is engineered with Flight Control Technology for easy face angle and loft tuning. Built for speed, power and ridiculous distance, the RocketBallz Driver is available in RBZ and RBZ Tour models.

“I actually laughed the first time I hit this 3-wood,” said the already long-hitting Justin Rose of the RocketBallz fairway metals. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Carrying a 3-wood 284 yards? Those are driver numbers. Bring on the par-5s.”

And the RocketBallz irons have certainly earned their name. Engineered with metalwood construction and fast-flexing faces, golfers can attack from anywhere, confidently, with maximum ball speed and pinpoint accuracy. The RBZ irons’ thin, fast-flexing face promotes high ball speed, long distance, and improved accuracy.

“We already have the best service, and now we have one of the largest inventories in the area,” said owner/operator John Rowsey. “We have smaller overhead and lower costs and we’re able to pass those savings along to our customers.” Add to that the personalized service and an easy-to-access location in South Austin, and you can see why The Golf Club is getting so much attention.

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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