DESTINATION GUIDE

Hill Country
is home to some
of Texas' best golf

Claims by tourism bureaus throughout the Texas Hill Country that the region is the "heart of Texas" aren't just good publicity -- they are almost geographically correct. The Hill Country tumbles through the east-central region of the state. Trendy Austin anchors the eastern portion, while stately San Antonio highlights the southern tip. The remainder of the region is made up of small and medium sized cities, each with its own identity and sense of culture. Each bringing life (and golf) to this bucolic land of Blue Bonnets and Mesquite trees.

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The Hill Country offers a fantastic blend of off-the-beaten-path daily fee courses and sprawling resorts. The rocky and rugged terrain of Hill Country courses offer a blend of challenges for golfers. Riverside and Bluebonnet Hill are good examples of this. The Hyatt, the Westin and Barton Creek lead the list of resorts, home to posh accommodations, a plethora of activities and courses by top name designers.

A little country never hurt anyone, and its certainly lends itself to some good golf courses. For years there have been rumblings throughout the golf community about the development and future construction of new courses in Central Texas. In 2002, those rumors finally came to fruition and somewhat reduced the problem of overcrowded courses and limited tee time availability. While the added courses are a relief to local golfers, it makes picking a favorite a very tough decision.

The aforementioned Bluebonnet Hill course features tricky par-3 holes such as its No. 17. The hole features both beauty and resistance. Its beauty is apparent in the 180 yards of water that lies between the tee and green. It's also that same water that provides a considerable test. Don't think you can just pull out a long iron or wood and blast your ball over the water. Being long on this hole can wreak havoc on your score as several mounds protect the back portion of the putting surface with tall grass lurking behind, making a chip shot very difficult. Throw in the fact that wind speed and direction can fluctuate from each swing of the club, and you have a very challenging hole.

San Antonio offers the same challenges. The number of golf courses in the Greater San Antonio area is nearing 60 and that's twice as many as in 1989 and includes five military layouts. One could design his own golf package that ranged in price from expensive to bargain basement.

One illustration is Brackenridge Park Golf Course. With the distinction of being the first 18-hole public golf course in Texas, Brackenridge Park Golf Course was also the site of the first Texas Open, played in 1922, and much of the original course remains in place today. There are plenty of water hazards, bunkers and 100-year-old pecan and oak trees along its fairways ensure a good test of your skills.

Adversity is one thing that most Hill Country courses offer and it's what attracts many visitors. From Austin to San Antonio and everywhere in between, Hill Country golf is some of the best that Texas has to offer.

Hill Country Destination Guide

Kerrville