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Barton Creek Resort

The golf : The self proclaimed “Golf Capital of Texas” is not only the premier golf destination in the state, but one of the most outstanding golf destinations in the world. Four championship golf courses grace the property of this four-star resort that is located just 20 minutes west of downtown Austin.

Palmer Lakeside Course : The former Hidden Hills Country Club opened in 1986, but was taken over by Barton Creek in 1989 and actually resides 25 miles west of the resort itself. The Arnold Palmer-designed course overlooks Lake Travis, with plenty of panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
While Palmer’s design is surprisingly flat considering the terrain, No. 1 is an anomaly as it drops over 70 feet down to a tree-lined fairway. The remainder of the front is dominated by holes that require forced carries, including holes 2-4 that all force shots over water hazards. No. 3 plays 162 yards over water, and No. 4 doglegs downhill over water off the tee. Hole 6 is 565 yards, but No. 7 is the toughest hole, playing 403 yards, doglegging right into a canyon off the tee, and forcing a lay-up. The longish approach must carry the canyon to a green surrounded by trees.
The forced carries continue on the back, highlighted by the popular 201-yard No. 11, considered one of the most beautiful holes in Texas with its scenic tee shot over a pond and creek-lined fairway. The view on No. 14 is nice as well, and you’ll have the added bonus of being able to choose which green to hit into (the one on the right is shorter but the target is smaller).
The 17th is the last of Palmer’s five par 3s, and carries 163 yards over water. The 18th is interesting because of the blind approach shot.
For excursions to Barton Creek, don’t forget about Lakeside. If you’ve been tortured by being holed up at the resort for a few days, it’s worthwhile to make the road trip into Spicewood for the day.

Crenshaw Cliffside Course : Unlike the flashier Fazio Course, Crenshaw’s work at Barton Creek typifies his traditionalist style, a tribute to his dedication as one of the game’s great historians. There’s more of a natural feel to playing on of his courses, and more pure golf enjoyment for the layman because they actually have a chance to hit the wide fairways and monstrous greens.

In fact, the highlight of the Crenshaw course is the massive greens, which make it easier to reach in regulation, but often leave you with putts of a 100-feet or more.

The Hill Country views, while not as dramatic as Fazio, are still prevalent on this track. The most scenic is the 125-yard No. 17, which plays over a huge valley into a green that slopes towards the drop off.

Fazio Foothills Course : The Fazio Course features cliff-lined fairways, along with natural caves and waterfalls. Without delving into the monotonous details, suffice to say that Fazio is one of Texas’ most highly acclaimed courses, receiving nation-wide attention for its scenic layout that has often been considered one of the top places to play in America.

The Fazio Foothills course, established in 1986, ranks at the top of all experts' lists. Golfweek Magazine rates the Foothills among America's 40 best Resort Courses. The course is also named the Best Resort Course in Texas and has the distinction of consistently having several holes listed among the State's most Best or Most Beautiful holes (holes #9, 10, 11, 16, 18) recognized by The Dallas Morning News.

Fazio Canyons Course : The newest addition to the Barton Creek golf mecca is known as The Canyons, a tipped out 7,161 yard, par-72 Tom Fazio masterpiece that is actually two miles from the resort’s clubhouse. Environmentally friendly like the other three tracks, this one was designated in the Certified Audubon Sanctuary System (one of the first in the country), which speaks to the level of care that went into preserving the natural environment.

At Fazio’s disposal was the Short Springs Branch Creek, a scenic limestone bedded feature that rolls through the course, and enhances the oak and sycamore laden fairways. The views on this one are just as tremendous as the others, and the golf community has already heaped heavy praise for the Canyons, with Golfweek Magazine labeling it the #1 Course in Texas for 2002.

The ender is the signature, a 561-yarder that might be the best finishing hole at Barton Creek. The most difficult hole finishes off the front side, a 457-yard par 4.

The details: 512-329-4001. 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX 78735

• www.bartoncreek.com
• Crenshaw Cliffside: Crenshaw-Coore. 18 holes. Par 71. Gold – 6,553 (71.0/124). Red – 4,850 (67.2/110). Price - $$$$.
• Palmer Lakeside: 1986. Arnold Palmer. 18 holes. Par 71. Gold – 6,668 (71.0/124). Red – 5,067. Price - $$$$.
• Fazio Foothills : 1986. Tom Fazio. 18 holes Par 72. Black – 6,956 (74.0/135). Red – 5,207 (70/124). Price - $$$$.
• Fazio Canyons: Tom Fazio. 18 holes. Par 72. Pro – 7,161. Black – 6,690. Gold – 6,370. Red – 5,078. Price - $$$$.

Getting there : From I-35 south , take Hwy 71 west (Ben White) and look for the entrance on the left side of the highway.