Destination: Hill Country

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.

The Hill Country offers a fantastic blend of off-the-beaten-path daily fee golf courses and sprawling resorts. The rocky and rugged terrain of Hill Country golf courses offer a blend of challenges for golfers. Riverside and Bluebonnet Hill Golf Course 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 had been rumblings throughout the golf community about the development and future construction of new courses in Central Texas. 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.

San Antonio offers the same challenges. The number of Greater San Antonio golf courses 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 transportation

San Antonio International Airport has daily flights to and from most major cities. However, if you are more interested in Austin or the area northeast of San Antonio, you have another option. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport services this area with flights from most major airlines to Washington D.C., Los Angeles, New York and most major Midwestern cities.

Hill Country FAQ

What is Hill Country golf like?

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.

What is San Antonio's golf scene like?

With now more than 60 golf courses, it has nearly double of what it had in 1989. San Antonio has its variety, with five military courses, luxurious facilities (Brackenridge, La Cantera) as well as bargain courses.

What is the weather like in Hill Country?

July and August are scorching with an average high of over 95 degrees. Spring months of April and May, as well as the autumn months of September and October bring warm, but bearable temperatures. Of course, you can play all year long with average winter temps in the mid 60s.

How can I see the Alamo?

Admission to the Alamo is free, and is opened every day of the year other than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information go to www.thealamo.org.

What is the cream of the golfing crop in Austin?

The crown jewel of them all is Barton Creek, home to two Tom Fazio designed courses (Foothills and Canyon) that are ranked among the Lone Star States' best. The Palmer Lakeside and Ben Crenshaw Cliffside courses are also highly touted and worth the price of admission.

If and when Barton Creek's upscale layouts put a safety blitz on your retirement budget, Austin is home to a mess of affordable daily fee courses that will keep you from having to resort to the early bird special every night: Bluebonnet is a linksy layout devoid of housing, and Star Ranch and Jimmy Clay and Roy Kizer are two respectable municipal courses. If you can spare an hour drive, be sure to check out Horseshoe Bay Resort's award-winning courses.

What is the Texas Hill Country wine trail?

Hill Country is also known for its wineries. There are 16 wineries in all located throughout Hill Country. For more information: www.texaswinetrail.com.

What else makes Hill Country unique?

Consider it a complete 180º from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Hill Country prides itself on its spacious, beautiful, 14,000 square mile area complete with open land for wineries, fruit-growing and downright relaxation. Don't hesitate to stop by one of the many roadside fruit stands for some home-grown produce.