Trip to San Antonio

[Indy Golfer]

Hello,

 

My wife might be going to San Antonio in a couple weeks for work and I'm thinking about tagging along. Usually when she goes there for work, she stays at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country on the west side. We would fly in on a Monday and head back to Indy on Friday morning, so I'd try to play 3 rounds.

 

I will only go if I can play golf while she is working, that's where you come in. I've never been to San Antonio, so I am hoping there are some nice courses worth playing in the area where we would stay. I really have no idea what to expect from a golf course in that area (conditions, rates...), so I am open to about anything.

 

I really appreciate any input, really hope I can get out of this Indiana winter for a couple days on the links.

 

 

Thanks!

[nospleen]

The hotel she stays at has a nice course. Havent played there in a while, but they had 27 holes back then. It's also not too far to LaCantera from there. (2 courses)

Both of those courses are from 50-100, depending on day and time. Lots of courses here, it's worth the trip. You may even be in town during the Texas Open... 26th-29th

[Yanki01]

check out the bandit, it was a nice course when I went last summer. La Cantera (palmer course) was nice also, challenging with some blind shots but very nice.

[C. Spackler]

Agree with the above. The Hyatt course is nice, as are both courses at LaCantera....I prefer the Palmer Course but both are very good. The Quarry is a fun track with two completely different nines. I enjoy playing there.

[Texsport]

What you can expect is spectacular golf - the best place to play golf in Texas!

I had to chime in, since nobody mentioned the 2 courses which hold PGA Tour events.

The TPC Marriott hosts the PGA Tour Texas Open, on the Norman/Garcia Canyons course, and the Senior Tour plays the Pete Dye Oaks course. Texas sized all the way - largest Marriott in the world. The courses are over 7,500 yds from the tips with 600 yard, unreachable par 5s, and even a green with a bunker in the center. Great fun and maximum golf tests.

Only place anywhere that has 2 Tour events every year.

Texas Hill Country golf to the max. Bring your A+ game if you intend on playing the tips!

http://www.tpc.com/sanantonio

On the NE side of town, but San Antonio isn't large - good freeways too.

Expensive!!!

Other courses mentioned are fine, including former site of the Texas Open at LaCantera. I don't care for the Palmer course much for a one time play - many long up and down hill shots difficult to judge. Their other course held The Texas Open until 2 years ago, when the TPC Marriott opened.Courses run by Troon Golf - first class all the way.

Another interesting place is the Tapatio Springs resort owned by country singer George Strait, also a former Senior Tour site with 3 courses. Set in a valley. courses not too difficult. You can even stay in George's villa for a couple of grand a night. Near the town of Boerne,, NW of SA. Also like Ye Old Kendall Inn, antique hotel and great restaurant in Boerne, and there's also a bakery in town with great buffet breakfasts. And if you're really into it, you can get a ride on a Texas Long Horn steer!

http://www.tapatioresort.com/#start-new

Bottom line, I live in Houston and play there every year - The Marriott courses are all I play now!

If you're coming to Texas, you can play 2 PGA Tour courses in the same day! Got to do it!

And, of course, you'll need to check out the River Walk in downtown for some Tex-Mex food!

Texsport

[bk52]

I would echo the comments about the courses at the Hyatt being decent (not outstanding). They have a very nice range & practice area, too. The range was included in our fee when we played there.

La Cantera is just down the road and both courses are very nice (Resort and Palmer). Don't let the "Resort" name fool you; the course hosted the Texas Open in the past. It is a very good layout. The "Palmer" is more unique and maybe a bit more fun. Heck, play both! Again, the ranges and practice area are outstanding. Definitely arrive early as the range is included in the fee (or at least it was when I was there). Also, if you play the "Palmer" note that the clubhouse is located separately from the LaCantera Resort. We drove to the resort and then had to hightail it down the road.

I would add the "poor man's La Cantera": Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek is owned by the City of San Antonio. The conditions are not nearly as nice as La Cantera or Hill Country but the rates are much less and the layout is very interesting. Located in the same hilly area as La Cantera.

Lastly, check out arranging tee times through GolfNow (or similar site) for all the courses, even if you are staying at the Hyatt. The rack rate at both Hill Country and La Cantera will set you back a bundle of cash. You should be able to get a discounted round for half or less from one of the various tee time services. Plan ahead unless you have an unlimited budget.



P.S. - I have never played there but Brackenridge Park is an old classic built by A.W. Tillinghast in 1916 (Bethpage Black, Baltusrol, and Winged Foot). It is a bit of a drive from your hotel but you might check it out. I hope to during my next visit.

[nospleen]

Good call on Cedar Creek!

[Indy Golfer]

Wow, thanks for all of the great suggestions, much appreciated!!!

I will have to look at the courses and check available tee times, sounds like plenty of great options.

Thanks again!

[schlebrock]

I currently live in San Antonio and here are the courses I would rank without regards to price:

TPC Oaks
TPC Canyons
La Cantera Palmer
La Cantera Resort
The Republic
Brackenridge
Silverhorn
Hyatt Resort (where you're staying)
The Quarry

I would avoid Cedar Creek. Nice layout, usually terrible conditions.

Hope this helps.

[jay_em113]

As others have said, the Hyatt is pretty good. If you have no regard for price, then TPC or La Cantera fit the bill. If you want something a little cheaper, then go with The Republic. The Republic is always in great shape and has a very fair layout.....it's the best value in town in my opinion. With that said, it's not as picturesque as TPC or La Cantera.

[Txwedge]

Cant believe no love for Olympia Hills...conditions are outstanding right now.

[Indy Golfer]

Well, I am sad to report her trip to San Antonio is not going to happen.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to offer suggestions, I am sure they will be helpful down the road.

[Texsport]

That may sting for a while!

Sorry for the change in business plans.

Maybe next time!

Texsport