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Hyatt Hill Country Resort

The golf : The Hyatt Hill Country Resort, the first destination resort inside the city limits, kicked off the 1990s San Antonio golf boom that is still going strong today. The resort is located across from Sea World, whose success helped convince Hyatt that this part of Texas was prime for resort developments. Arthur Hills was hired to come in and mold the former Wiseman Ranch, and the result is a lush course in perfect condition that offers four sets of tees for every type of golfer. With its limestone walls and metal roofs, the hotel reeks of Hill Country style, and is accentuated by Hills' challenging, but fair design.
The front nine boasts the signature hole, the long par 4 No. 5 that plays downhill and features an approach over water, but is better known for its two difficult finishing par 5s. No. 8 goes 563 yards and involves water crossing the fairway on two occasions, as well as an approach into a tough green surrounded a mound on the left and water and sand on the right. Hole 9 plays 554 yards and requires a perfect drive downhill to a large lake that fronts the double green.
The back is loaded with long par 4s that play around 450 yards, and like the front, ends with a difficult par 5. No. 18 plays around 550 yards and features an approach into a green surrounded by water and sand.
Other notes: Golf Magazine once named this club one of its "Top 10 You Can Play." The club is entertaining ideas of a 9-hole addition. After the round, have cold beers in Charlie's Long Bar, an eclectic saloon with a long copper bar.

The details : 210-520-4040. 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251

• 1993. Arthur Hills. 18 holes. Par 72. Back - 6,913 (73.9/136). Middle - 6,481 (72.0/130). Forward - 4,781 (67.8/114). Price - $$$$.
  

Getting there : From downtown, take I-35 south to Highway 90, then west to the Sea World exit. Drive past Loop 410, then 3.5 miles to the resort where the club is on the right.