Texas Hill Country
frequently asked questions

By Shawn Nicholls,
Staff Writer

AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 7, 2003) -- Where in Texas is the Hill Country?

Claims by the tourist bureaus throughout the Hill Country that it is the "heart of Texas" aren't just good publicity. The Hill Country consists of the central region of the state. Austin makes up the eastern portion, while San Antonio highlights the southern tip. The rest is a collection of small and medium sized cities, each with its own identity and sense of culture that brings life to the entire region.

• Texas Hill Country overview • Significant figures in Texas golf history • Must-play courses of the Texas Hill Country • Best golf schools in the Hill Country

How do I get there?

All of the major airlines can get you into San Antonio or Austin. A rental car and a full tank later you can be exploring the Hill Country from the outside in. Exploring the back roads and the quaint towns with your golf clubs packed in the trunk is the way to go. On the road, Interstate 10 heads north from San Antonio, while Interstate 35 juts out toward Austin.

What can I expect, in terms of golf?

The Hill Country offers a fantastic blend of off-the-beaten-path daily fee courses and sprawling resorts. Daily fee courses include Riverside and Bluebonnet, while the Hyatt, the Westin and Barton Creek lead the list of resorts, home to posh accommodations, a plethora of activities and course by top name designers.

What kind of weather should I expect in the Hill Country?

Well, you are going to Texas after all, and the dog days of summer are toasty, but not unbearably so. And the hot summers yield to pleasant fall and winter months, meaning that while the rest of the country is shivering amid snow and ice, you can find me kicking back on the links.

I am planning on bringing my family to the Hill Country. Are there things to off the golf course?

All of the resorts are brimming with other on-site activities perfect for the whole
family. But the extravagant resorts aren't the only places to find a good time in the Hill Country. A wonderful assortment of hiking trails and watering holes highlight the outdoor options, while antique shops and historic towns and museums lead the indoor list.