Avery Ranch GC is up that way, and it’s perfectly nice, if a bit overpriced. Pretty typical neighborhood parkland golf with some elevation change - you may only remember 1-2 holes when you’re done, but at least none of them will totally piss you off and ruin your day. Back nine is better than the front nine.
Crystal Falls GC is a little farther north and west, out in Leander. Some people love this track, some people hate it. Lots of elevation change, some very tight green complexes, and a few very goofy fairways. I used to be a hard-core hater, but I’ve come around in recent years; they take care of the place, greens are usually smooth and fast, and they’ve moved some earth to correct the most egregious parts of the layout.
Avery Ranch is your best best proximity. Just try to find an off-time, course gets crowded.
Twin Creeks is great but private. Find a friend.
Same with Spanish Oaks (close to Falconhead).
There are some decent courses in Sun City, which is retirement community. Generally pretty open (at least when it is hot) in the afternoon.
Oh truly, but most of them are just because they’re hard, and not because they’re architecturally stupid. Unlike, say, #9 at Crystal Falls, which is the dumbest hole in the greater metroplex.
Avery simply put has opposing nines. I moved to Austin in April. First time I played Avery Ranch we were told to go off the back first. I had low expectations considering my previous hill country golf experience. 10-18 very benign, wide open and outside of some funky greens complexes, wasn’t impressed.
Made the turn and WOW! After three holes I was on google maps trying to figure out what, where and how this course landscape had changed. Long story short, front nine takes the cake for golf architecture. No doubt a few bad scoring holes on the front can sour your round.
Next time, get out there and know you can go low on the back, gettable 5-pars back to back!
Make the round about putting or fairways hit. Lots of ways to attack the course regardless of your ‘cap.
I’ve only played Crystal once. Amazing vistas near the south end of the Blacones. I agree, there are several odd holes. No-Where to land tee ball on 9 and have a fair approach. However, willing to wait to a loop or two more before I decide to crucify it’s believers.
I agree with your take. I’ve heard multiple people say they didn’t like Avery, but I really enjoy playing it. Front 9 is more stimulating but I didn’t mind the back 9 either. One of my favorites in the area.
Okay I’m late to the party but am I TOO late? Also, since Waco is pretty equidistant from DFW & Austin, what camp would I claim? Probably DFW, I’m thinking…
Has anybody ever played at Tapatio Springs and have any feedback on it? Fiancée brought up booking a stay and play for my birthday in a couple of weeks.
Tee Times: They have tee times for BOTH May 22/23 and June 5/6. Lodging: They have zero lodging on May 22/23.
Current Headcount: May 22/23 (28 ppl) & June 5/6 (21 ppl)
For June 5/6, they have
4 condos (sleep 4, $280/night)
6 single Villas ($99/night)
6 double Villas ($129/night).
My inclination is to try the June weekend so that we have some lodging for folks on property. But I have never been on property.
But if nobody wants to stay on property, we will go with May 22/23 to include a few more.
Please respond ASAP if you are interested (or have experience) staying on property. It seems like it would be helpful, but maybe not.
