Golf Club At Crystal Falls

While it hasn’t received as much publicity as the other Hill Country tracks since it opened around 1990, Crystal Falls is definitely worthy of praise. Highlighted by one of the greatest par 3s in Texas and some outstanding topography, this is one of those courses you’ll want to play at least once, if only for the views.

In addition to the scenery, the main thing everyone talks about here is the severely sloping fairways that provide problems for those who hit the ball left-to-right.

The famous par 3 in question is the 192-yard No. 11, featuring a phenomenal view and a 200-yard drop to the green. Club selection is a crap-shoot at best, and the green is surrounded by mounds.

The next hole is probably the most difficult fairway on the entire course, and demonstrates Crystal Falls’ most frequently criticized feature –the unfair slope to the fairways. A good drive can still roll off the side into the oblivion of cliffs or tall grass.

No. 18 plays 549 yards into another severely sloping fairway, yet berms have been put in place to prevent decent shots from rolling into the canyon. You’ll need to lay up with a mid iron in front of the creek, then carry that hazard to the green.

Getting there : From Loop 1, take Hwy. 183 north for 14 miles to the course. The entrance is off Crystal Falls Pkwy.