Pine Forest Golf Club

While it hasn’t received the same fanfare as Colo Vista, Pine Forest holds its own. The course provided a true golf adventure through sneaky elevation changes and red bluffs, with blind tee shots and holes along the Colorado River. Don January built it in 1979, and with a few improvements in conditioning his course could equal the more respected Colo Vista.

No. 3 is a picturesque par 3, playing 170 yards downhill, with a green framed by the red bluffs. On No. 6, keep the tee shot right to avoid a blind second shot, and watch out for the tough, two-tiered green. No. 7 plays along the Colorado, and is protected by a massive cottonwood tree on the left.

One the back, make note that the highest point on the course is the 11th green. For the home stretch, make the most of the two downhill par 3s. No. 12 plays 180 yards and you’ll need to leave it below the hole. Hole 16 is longer at 225 yards and is protected by a beautiful oak tree on the left.

Don’t forget to try this one when you’re in Bastrop. During the week you can play for $25 with a cart, and the clubhouse has recently been renovated and expanded.

Getting there : From Hwy. 71 south, turn right on Tahitian. Approximately 3 miles later turn right on Riverside and the course will be on your left.