Southern hospitality
Challenging links and pampering are par for the course in the Lone Star state
It’s a good thing a luxury Escalade was on its way to shuttle us back to our hotel. After the ordeal we had just endured, we needed to be pampered.
OK, so we hadn’t escaped a burning building or anything like that, but playing golf can be hard on the mind and body, too. And Ram Rock golf course at Horseshoe Bay Resort had put us through the wringer.
No wonder the 6,926-yard, par71 layout — which makes its way from the resort’s highest point to its lowest along the Colorado River — is known as the “challenger” course at the four-track setup.
Ram Rock has a stretch of four or five holes at the turn that are as tough as any you’ll play. Narrow and visually intimidating with plenty of places to get into trouble, they have undoubtedly ruined many a good round.
They wreaked havoc on ours. Luckily, we had time to decompress with a couple of alcoholic beverages as we waited poolside for our ride and soaked in the rugged terrain of Texas Hill Country.
The well-bunkered and water-aplenty Ram Rock, which has hosted some of Texas’ top amateur and professional events, is one of three Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed courses at upscale Horseshoe Bay, overlooking Lake LBJ about a 45-minute drive northwest of Austin.
There’s also the recently renovated 6,867-yard, par-72 Slick Rock, the most forgiving of the three RTJ courses, and Apple Rock (similar to Ram Rock but lacking a killer stretch of holes). All three have been ranked in the top-20 courses in Texas, where weather allows for golf all year long.
Slick Rock is home to the famous par-4 14th hole that features a waterfall that must be driven over (with club) and through (with cart) to get to your ball and the green. It’s not that difficult a carry, but it’s a neat touch and a favourite among guests.
Though the fairways of the 6,999-yard, par-72 Apple Rock are generous, the hilly terrain of the front nine provides plenty of elevation changes that require well-placed drives and good club selection.