Battle Lake Golf Course

The venerable Battle Lake Golf Course puts the small town of Mart on the Texas golf map as a mandatory destination. Because it’s out in the country, surrounded by cattle farms and ranchland, it’s a totally different experience. The course was originally a 9-hole sand-green track, but expanded to 18 holes in the 1970s. The layout is not overly difficult, featuring generous fairways and a few ponds that come into play.

Notable holes include the difficult par 3 No. 3, which requires a 190-yard carry into the prevailing wind off the tee. A large oak covers the left side of the green on this 215-yard hole.

No. 16 is a fun one: a 415-yard par 4 with a blind tee shot and a downhill approach into a small green, with water looming behind it.

The feature hole is No. 17, a 370-yard par 4 that doglegs right around the lake.

Other notes: Springtime is the best time to play Battle Lake, since the bluebonnets are in full bloom. The golf shop earned praise as one of "America's 100 Best Golf Shops" in 1996, and the practice facility stands up to any of the big-time courses in Texas.

Getting there : From I-35 south, take Hwy. 6 south and exit Battle Lake Rd. Turn left and drive 4.5 miles to the course.