Tera Vista Golf Club

If you have the chance to play one of Troon Golf’s facilities, you’ll understand that there’s just something special about the golf experiences they offer. Their courses are beautiful and in excellent condition. They’ve laid them out to be challenging from the tips, but also very playable for average hacks from the forward tees. The service is unparalleled, making it seem as if you’re at a private club, with staff members greeting you to take your clubs and pampering you throughout the day.

Despite its Hill Country setting, this course has more of a links feel, with wide-open fairways and casually rolling mounds. About 60-70 white bunkers spot the layout, and water comes into play on 14 holes. The course is well marked and features the old-school barberpoles at every 150-yard marker. The Tiff Eagle greens are immaculate and amazing.

No. 17 is the number one handicap, playing a long 443 yards from the tips. The hole bends left toward a kidney-shaped green that is surrounded by three bunkers.

Other notes: Instead of GPS systems on the carts, you’re given goodie bags with the more functional yardage charts. The course offers a beginner-friendly tee box that plays only 3,744 yards, making it enjoyable for any skill level.

Getting there : From Austin, travel north on IH-35 to Exit 256 and Chandler Rd. Turn right on Chandler and go approximately 1 mile to the main entrance on your left.