San Saba Municipal Golf Course

Carved out of pecan orchard along the San Saba River, this 18-hole gem is one you don’t want to miss when you’re within reasonable distance of this quaint little town. Over 600 pecan trees dominate the landscape, helping the course produce over 30,000 pounds of pecans each year.

Unlike other small-town courses, there is nothing easy about a golf round at San Saba. The front nine, built in 1972, is really tight, and anything that strays from the fairway will require imaginative recovery shots from the pecan trees. Most of the par 4s are close to 400 yards, the par 3s play over 170, and the two par 5s are extremely long, including No. 9 that goes 625 yards from the back.

The back nine, added in 1987, isn’t as squeezed by the pecans, but has more water hazards that impact play. This side also has two long par 5s, but there are a few solid birdie chances, especially the 152-yard par-3 No. 13.

San Saba’s muni is beautiful and challenging. You won’t want to pass up an opportunity to grace the fairways of this fun course.

Other notes: Actor Tommy Lee Jones reportedly stops in the golf shop to buy gloves for his polo habit. The facility has a few trailer spots if you have the means, making this place the ideal working man’s golf vacation destination. 54 holes per day are possible for diehards.

Getting there : From San Saba, take Hwy. 190 east and travel 3 miles and look for the signs leading to the clubhouse. The course is adjacent to Risien Park.