Comanche Trace is Kerrville’s newest golf course, designed by Tom Kite as the centerpiece of a master-planned residential community that is truly spectacular. Kite worked with the design team of Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell to sculpt this track out of the Guadalupe River Valley. The course opened in December 2000.

Comanche Trace’s signature and most famous aspect is the outstanding bent-grass greens. When you see the course, you’ll immediately become entranced by their healthy, lush looks. And you’ll need to–if the average hack doesn’t pay attention in keeping the approaches in the correct position in relation to the pin, these greens will beat you down hole after hole. But if you’re in the right spot, they roll true and are extremely fair.

In addition to the greens, the course has subtle macho characteristics that distinguish it from other new housing community courses. Everything flows here, such as the discreet placement of the 150-yard markers, and the 100-year old rock bar that was incorporated into the design between holes 5 and 6. The cart path rolls right through the barn, with bathrooms on one side and horse stalls on the other. The clubhouse sits atop the area’s highest elevation, a former Comanche lookout that sports stunning views of the Hill Country.

If you hit them straight here, you’ll be okay. Otherwise some punishment is in order, with deep bunkers sucking in wayward hacks and dreadlock-like rough framing the fairways.

You’ll notice that most of the outstanding holes play uphill, including the almost ridiculous 9th hole, which plays 448 yards into the wind and is loaded with up to 10 bunkers.

Hole 14 is neat because of the split fairway. The recommended strategy is to take the higher right side instead of the longer left, which requires a blind approach.

You can’t beat No. 18 as a finisher. At 525 yards, bunkers protect the dogleg right as you continually work your way uphill. At 100 yards out, the hole doglegs back left to a multi-level green.

Other notes: The elevation here means cooler summer temps than nearby San Antonio, sometimes as much as a 6-7 degree difference. The club has plans to add 9 more holes. The course is private, but ask about the stay-and-play packages the course offers in conjunction with several area hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Getting there : From I-10 west, connect with Hwy. 16 south and turn left on Country Club Dr.