Mission Del Lago Municipal Golf Course

One of San Antonio's six municipal courses, and perhaps the toughest, playing a mean 7,208 yards from the tips and featuring 10 water holes and stiff winds off of Lake Mitchell.

The clubhouse has a bit of charm, with sort of an old Texas mission look. The fairways are lush, the greens roll true, and there are a few holes that make it a memorable round of golf.

Hole 6 is the most difficult-it doglegs left and plays up hill at 435 yards. The green is tough because of its severe slope. Also on the front, the long par5 No. 9 can get you because it's bordered by out-of- bounds on either side of the fairway.

On the back, No. 16 rivals the 18th as the signature hole. You may need a fairway wood to reach this long par 3, and there is water behind the hole if you're too strong. The 18th is the longest par 4 and plays up a steep hill to a blind green that is protected by a huge bunker.

Other notes: The course allows fivesomes on the weekends, but we didn't find too many who complained about slow play. Golfers had positive things to say about the frequent beverage cart sightings.

Getting there : From Highway 281 south, take Loop 410 west, then exit Roosevelt Avenue. Turn left and drive 2 miles to the course. The clubhouse is on the right.