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Rio Colorado Golf Course

The golf : Designed by the Gary Player Design Company in 1993, Rio Colorado is a scenic course overlooking the Colorado River. The course is the result of Jim Hardy's vision-he pushed hard to create a facility that would rival any of the top layouts in Houston, yet be available to the public for a fraction of the cost. Almost 3 million dollars went into the clubhouse and the course is immaculate-well worth the drive to Bay City for those who are interested in adding this track to their golf resumes.
The most striking design aspect is the difference between the two nines. The front nine is more of a links-style route, wide open and susceptible to the coastal winds, while the back nine is carved out of the trees, with holes 13-17 rolling along the river.
No. 14 is one of the best holes, playing 322 yards doglegging 150 feet above the river. A 250-yard drive will cut the dogleg and carry across the river for the ideal birdie position.
Hole 18 is one demanding ender-playing 474 yards, it's not a welcome sight at the end of a long, hot summer day.
Other notes: Call ahead to ensure there isn't a tournament; otherwise, it's generally easy to walk on the course. The city park next to the course offers camping and fishing on the Colorado River. Watch the wetlands on the course, as alligators inhabit the swampy terrain. Supposedly there are two nudist colonies around Boling, so watch out if you're taking the back roads.

The details : 979-244-2955. FM 2668, Bay City, TX 77404

• 1993. Gary Player. 18 holes. Par 72. Back - 6,835 (73.1/127). Middle - 6,258 (70.4/118). Forward - Par 71. 5,020 (69.1/116). Price - $$.
  
  

Getting there : From Hwy. 60 west, travel through Bay City and then turn right on FM 2668. The course is on the right side.