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Circle Country Club

The golf : After years of construction delays and environmental hassles, Circle C’s Jay Morrish design finally opened in 1993 just 20 minutes south of downtown Austin. Considered one of the best public courses in Austin, golfers are drawn to the Circle’s proximity to the city, as well as the serene setting that is void of houses.

Morrish’s design is also popular because of its mostly flat, wide-open layout, which makes it fair for the laboring hack who struggles to keep it in the fairway. The generous fairways are lined with beautiful oaks, and the large, undulating greens provide welcome targets. Water isn’t a big factor, coming into play on only 4 or 5 holes.

On the front, No. 3 is one of the only respites from the trees, but has a ravine lining the left side of the 193 yards of fairway and bunkers. Hole 4 is a tough par because it goes 446 yards, but No. 7 is rated the most difficult, playing 542 ayards.

The back nine is known for its numerous doglegs. Every hole (even the par 3s) bends at least a little on the back, giving the advantage to shot-makers over long knockers. No. 11 stands out because of its 513-yard double dogleg that actually offers a decent birdie opportunity if you play it smart. Hole 13 is a nice hole, playing 168 yards over water, and it’s followed by perhaps the most difficult hole on the course: the 591-yard No. 14. Your tee shot must be pured on 14 to put yourself in good position to attack the remainder of this long dogleg right.

Toward the very end of the round you’ll finally have to face the water, with Nos.16-18 all involving water hazards. Morrish didn’t leave any room for error on the 200-yard-plus 16th hole, which requires a perfect tee shot to avoid a big number. The ender is the best hole, playing 386 yards with water on the right. It forces a painful risk-reward decision that will result in a long approach if you decide not to cut the corner.

Finally, note that only the die-hard walkers will want to face up to this one, as it is a particularly long, difficult 18-hole walk.

The details : 512-288-4297. 7401 Hwy. 45, Austin, Tx 78739

• Par 72. Gold – 6,859 (72.7/122). Blue – 6,333 (70.3/118). White – 5,702 (67.1/112). Red – 5,236 (69.9/120). Price - $$.

Getting there : From Mopac (Loop 1) south, turn left on Highway 45. When you come to Kendrick Blvd., turn left and head straight to the course.