Pecan Valley Golf Club

Pecan Valley, now considered one of Texas' top public courses, is distinguished by its storied past and traditional layout. The 1968 PGA Championship was held here on its 50th anniversary, and this Press Maxwell design has also hosted several Texas Opens. Maxwell's layout, which features majestic oaks and pecans along with meandering Salado Creek, was updated to the tune of $6 million in 1998 by Bob Cupp.

The front side is highlighted by the difficult par 3 No. 3, which was thankfully shortened by 60 yards during Cupp's renovation. The hole drops 60 feet and is guarded by a ball-sucking pond on the right side. Make sure you watch the wind on this hole.

The back side is known for its tough finishing holes, which some consider the toughest ending holes in Texas. The 14th is the signature, a mean, 460-yard dogleg right that requires a monster drive to the corner to have a reasonable chance to get home in two. Both par 3s on the back play 200-yards-plus from the tips (Nos. 12 and 16), and the famous 18th hole is known for its role in determining the 1968 PGA champion.

After hooking his tee shot, Palmer drilled his 3-wood uphill within 10 feet from the pin, giving himself the chance for his eventual playoff-forcing birdie putt miss. A plaque honors the spot where he hit the shot, and his 3-wood is on display in the clubhouse. During that same tournament, Jack Nicklaus missed the cut and complained of the course's difficulty, comparing it to a hayfield.

Getting there : From Highway 281 south, exit South Cross Blvd. and drive east to Pecan Valley Drive. The entrance to the club is on the left-hand side of the road.