Barton Creek – Austin, TX

Texas prides itself on being the land of superlatives.  Most anything and everything in this state–from barbecue joints, to observatory telescopes, to the 160-ft Jumbotron erected in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium–are purported to be either the best or the biggest of their kind (the state slogan is, after all, “Everything’s bigger in Texas”).  But even skeptics have to acknowledge that time after time and instance after instance, most every boast made here is supported by fact.

All that said, golfers should not be surprised by the fact that the capital city of Austin is home to the state’s biggest and best golf resort.  Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin boasts some 72 holes of world-class championship golf that will truly leave you exhilarated.  The hills come alive here thanks to the work of Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.  When you play golf here you are astounded by the elevation changes and by the one-of-a-kind views.  The destination’s rocky hills and spectacular vistas are uncharacteristic of the rest of Texas.  Indeed, if you ignore the cowboy boots and occasional Stetsons sported by visitors and locals, you’d swear that you were staying in Tuscany, Italy, rather than in the Lone Star State.

Along with the scenic beauty, the resort’s epicenter are the four championship golf courses that do nothing but accentuate the beauty and tranquility of the region.

In fact, the resort was recently bestowed the inaugural “Green Star Award” featuring America’s Best Environmental Resorts from Golf Digest in September 2009.  It became the first resort in Texas to be certified as the “Audubon International Signature Sanctuary course” in 2003 and has been awarded the same honor every year since.  Golf Magazine rated Barton Creek as #4 in its “Best Ecologically Friendly Golf Resorts” issue in 2008 and USA Today named Barton Creek as the “Top 10 Places to go for the Green and Be Green” just last year.

The limestone spring-fed streams are clean, clear, and just plain appealing to view.  They draw a wonderful contrast to the bunkers and all of the plush, manicured green grass of the courses.

Architect Tom Fazio displayed some real magic on The Foothills and The Canyons course. Each hole sits alone as they were carved harmoniously throughout these sprawling layouts. Tree-lined fairways are the norm here; but it’s the magical waterfalls on The Foothills holes #16 & 18 that etch permanent memories of your experience. I’ve been fortunate to play golf at a number of courses around the world, and I have seen a layout that is so beautiful, yet fair and challenging. One must pay close attention to slopes out here, as club selection is key in reaching the greens, rock outcroppings, meandering creeks, comfortably-sized fairways all make for a pleasurable trip around these Longhorn links. In Fazio’s book, Golf Course Designs, the author makes a statement that typifies his philosophy at Barton Creek. “In my opinion golf should not be easy, nor should it be overly difficult. We try to hit a middle ground between hard and easy so that, depending on how the course is set up, it can be made to play either fairly hard or fairly easy. I believe golf courses should be designed in the middle ground because it is the one most like to bring the greatest enjoyment to the greatest number of people.” Finish a round on The Foothills and The Canyons course and you fully comprehend why Tom Fazio is the most appreciated designer in the game today.

Excellent food and an attentive staff complete the perfect picture in this Texas Hill Country. What are the criteria in rating a golf destination? Forget about the reviews. Just book a reservation at Barton Creek Resort and Spa and find out up-close and personally. While I’ve never had the pleasure of playing golf in Tuscany, I am comfortable venturing a guess that Barton Creek has far better golf courses than one could locate in any part of Italy. And, if I may add, a place worthy of all the superlatives heaped upon the resort over the years.

On a side note, Austin, Texas is recognized as one of the country’s most livable cities. With year-round golf, comfortable temperatures, the University of Texas, friendly people, good food, and a tremendous music scene it’s an easy place to visit, and an even harder place to leave.

(All images courtesy of BartonCreek.com)

About the author: 

Dave Lockhart has over 20 years in the golf media business. A well-versed writer and producer, he has created three different golf television shows that have won numerous golf TV awards, and runs a golf video production company, LinksVideo.net. Dave has also done videography around the world, been on-camera talent, and writes about the game he loves so much.