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Frank Sullivan

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San Antonio TX Suggestions
« on: January 09, 2012, 07:17:30 PM »
Hey everyone!

I am heading to southern Texas in March to visit a friend.  We will be driving through Austin and spend a few days in San Antonio.  I did a forum search that turned up a thread from 2006 on this topic, but I figured much has changed since then.

We will play Austin Golf Club on the way to San Antonio.

In San Antonio, we are planning to play Boot Ranch GC, The Club at Cordillera Ranch, and Briggs Ranch.

What courses in the area are "can't miss"?

Thanks in advance!

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2012, 10:23:13 PM »
Frank, sounds like you're off to a good start. When you're at Austin Golf Club I would try and play Spanish Oaks down the street. If you're doing 36 a day in San Antonio do Cordillera and Boot Ranch the same day as Boot Ranch is a hike from San Antonio. How many more rounds are you looking to add?

Frank Sullivan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2012, 11:02:48 AM »
Frank, sounds like you're off to a good start. When you're at Austin Golf Club I would try and play Spanish Oaks down the street. If you're doing 36 a day in San Antonio do Cordillera and Boot Ranch the same day as Boot Ranch is a hike from San Antonio. How many more rounds are you looking to add?

Hey Sam!  Thanks for the info.  Do you know if Spanish Oaks is still open and/or planning to open in the spring?

Howard Riefs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2012, 01:11:41 PM »
I spent a good amount of time in SA for work a few years ago. An enjoyable city with much to offer, including public golf options. First off, glad you're not going during the summer, when the humidity is simply brutal. Beyond that, a few recommendations:

Golf:
-- La Cantera Palmer course is one of the few Palmer courses that I've really enjoyed.  Not a very long course (6,900 from the tips) but a very strong challenge (Slope: 142, Rating: 74.2).  Some features are quite artificial - such as the rock croppings and Trump-like waterfalls.
-- The Quarry, a Keith Foster design where the back 9 is routed through a 100-yr-old quarry pit, is a fun play. 

SA Dining:
-- Overall, there's not great dining on the River Walk. That said, the one restaurant I always recommend is Boudro's (http://www.boudros.com), which bills itself as a "Texas Bistro" but is essentially gourmet Tex-Mex. Be sure to make a reservation.

BBQ in Lockhart:
-- Since you're driving down I-35 from Austin to SA, you can't pass up an opportunity to stop off in Lockhart for real BBQ. The town, located about 15 miles east of San Marcos, is known as the BBQ Capital of Texas. http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/visitors/bbqcapitaloftexas.asp
-- The town is home to a handful of great BBQ places, including Smitty's, Kreutz's and Black's (in my order of preference). During one visit to Lockhart, I proved my wife wrong: It is possible to eat three separate lunches in two hours.  I wish I had some of Smitty's brisket for lunch right about now...

"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

Emile Bonfiglio

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2012, 01:22:44 PM »
If you can make it down south to Corpus Christi, there is a fun links(ish) Palmer course called Newport Dunes. I wouldn't go out of my way to play it but if you end up there, its worth a round.
You can follow me on twitter @luxhomemagpdx or instagram @option720

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2012, 01:27:57 PM »
Frank, sounds like you're off to a good start. When you're at Austin Golf Club I would try and play Spanish Oaks down the street. If you're doing 36 a day in San Antonio do Cordillera and Boot Ranch the same day as Boot Ranch is a hike from San Antonio. How many more rounds are you looking to add?

Hey Sam!  Thanks for the info.  Do you know if Spanish Oaks is still open and/or planning to open in the spring?


My understanding they are open.

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2012, 01:28:53 PM »
If you can make it down south to Corpus Christi, there is a fun links(ish) Palmer course called Newport Dunes. I wouldn't go out of my way to play it but if you end up there, its worth a round.


It's a hike to Port A.

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2012, 01:30:13 PM »
Go to restaurants that look like you might be shot, those are legit Tex-Mex and go to Rudy's on 1-10, exit Boerne Stage Rd. The strip clubs on 410 are solid, just saying.

Steve_Lovett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2012, 02:20:55 PM »
I strongly suggest Opie's Barbeque, maybe 15 minutes west of Austin Golf Club in Spicewood, TX.  You won't be disappointed.

Jud_T

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2012, 02:29:48 PM »
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Jeff_Brauer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2012, 03:00:46 PM »
Newport Dunes is good, but some of you have little idea of just how big and spread out Texas really is!  

County Line BBQ on Bee Caves west of Austin, not too far from ACC and Barton Creek is a local legend.  Downtown 6th street is the college campus area with some neat places, including music and food.  Lots of good looking (but clothed) college girls to look at.....

When you get to SA, you could also try Brackenridge Park, recently redone by a former associate of mine, and a pretty good Tillie restoration of an old time famous course.  Oak Hills was a long time tournament site and also Tillie, although redone by Morrish years ago.  The new TPC's are all the rage and what folks talk about, and may or may not suit your tastes.
Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2012, 04:03:09 PM »

SA Dining:
-- Overall, there's not great dining on the River Walk. That said, the one restaurant I always recommend is Boudro's (http://www.boudros.com), which bills itself as a "Texas Bistro" but is essentially gourmet Tex-Mex. Be sure to make a reservation.


Mi Tierra in La Mercada for the cabrito.  Don't tip the mariachis or they'll never leave your table!

JMEvensky

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2012, 04:45:56 PM »
 

County Line BBQ on Bee Caves


Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

Deucie Bies

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2012, 05:03:02 PM »
Rudy's for BBQ is a great suggestion.  In SA, Chris Madrid's for burgers and fries.  In Austin (outside of Austin), everyone seems to love Saltlick BBQ.  I haven't been there in years. 


Steve Lang

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2012, 10:27:34 PM »
 8) Explore Willies Place  ...

http://www.pedernalesgolfclub.com/index.php


Inverness (Toledo, OH) cathedral clock inscription: "God measures men by what they are. Not what they in wealth possess.  That vibrant message chimes afar.
The voice of Inverness"

Frank Sullivan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #15 on: January 10, 2012, 10:48:07 PM »
Thanks for the advice everyone!

Looks like the thread went in an OT direction toward great BBQ, which I welcome:)


Frank Sullivan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #16 on: January 10, 2012, 10:49:30 PM »
8) Explore Willies Place  ...

http://www.pedernalesgolfclub.com/index.php




Yeah, I bet Willie, Snoop Dog, and the County Sheriff are looking for a 4th.

Steve Lang

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #17 on: January 10, 2012, 10:56:57 PM »
 8)  Hey if you want to have fun..

Willies' Course rules


Pedernales Golf Club
 Local Rules and Etiquette
•When another player is shooting, no player should talk, whistle, hum, clink coins, or pass gas.
•Don’t play until the group in front is out of the way.
•Excessive displays of affection are discouraged. Violators must replace divots and will be penalized five strokes.
•Replace divots, smooth footprints in bunkers, brush backtrail with branches, park car under brush, and have the office tell your spouse you’re in a conference.
•Let faster groups play through.
•On the putting green, don’t step on another’s line.
•“Freebies” are not recommended for players with short putts.
•No more than twelve in your foursome.
•Gambling is forbidden, of course, unless you’re stuck or you need a legal deduction for charitable or educational expenses.
•All carts are not allowed within 20 ft. of traps or aprons surrounding greens.
•No bikinis, mini-skirts, skimpy see-through, or sexually exploitative attire allowed. Except on women.
•Please leave course in the condition in which you would like for it to be found.
USGA Rules govern play except where amended by a Local Rule.
Ball lying in on road, gravel or a topped cart trail, or within a club length of gravel or topped cart trail, may be dropped two club lengths from the original lie at a point not nearer the hole or fairway without penalty. Ball lying in ground crack may be lifted without penalty and dropped back one club length on line of ball and flagstick. Water hazards are indicated by yellow stakes. Out of Bounds lines are marked by fence or white stakes.

Inverness (Toledo, OH) cathedral clock inscription: "God measures men by what they are. Not what they in wealth possess.  That vibrant message chimes afar.
The voice of Inverness"

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #18 on: January 10, 2012, 11:32:13 PM »
8)  Hey if you want to have fun..

Willies' Course rules


Pedernales Golf Club
 Local Rules and Etiquette
•When another player is shooting, no player should talk, whistle, hum, clink coins, or pass gas.
•Don’t play until the group in front is out of the way.
•Excessive displays of affection are discouraged. Violators must replace divots and will be penalized five strokes.
•Replace divots, smooth footprints in bunkers, brush backtrail with branches, park car under brush, and have the office tell your spouse you’re in a conference.
•Let faster groups play through.
•On the putting green, don’t step on another’s line.
•“Freebies” are not recommended for players with short putts.
•No more than twelve in your foursome.
•Gambling is forbidden, of course, unless you’re stuck or you need a legal deduction for charitable or educational expenses.
•All carts are not allowed within 20 ft. of traps or aprons surrounding greens.
•No bikinis, mini-skirts, skimpy see-through, or sexually exploitative attire allowed. Except on women.
•Please leave course in the condition in which you would like for it to be found.
USGA Rules govern play except where amended by a Local Rule.
Ball lying in on road, gravel or a topped cart trail, or within a club length of gravel or topped cart trail, may be dropped two club lengths from the original lie at a point not nearer the hole or fairway without penalty. Ball lying in ground crack may be lifted without penalty and dropped back one club length on line of ball and flagstick. Water hazards are indicated by yellow stakes. Out of Bounds lines are marked by fence or white stakes.



I heard the first hole was a par 19, and just last week Willie birdied that sucker!

Mark Smolens

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #19 on: January 11, 2012, 01:07:35 PM »
I would second the Brackenridge Park suggestion. I played there a few years ago when I was in town for the Alamo Bowl -- my visit was shortly after the course had reopened from the renovation. Lots of fun holes, and the bones of the Tillinghast design are all still in evidence. Also, Wyatt Halliday was a fabulous host for a round at Oak Hills -- the Senior Tour played an event there for years, another Tillie design, also great fun.

A cocktail filled boat ride down the Riverwalk to look at the beautiful women of SA is also a must. . .

Brad Tufts

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #20 on: January 11, 2012, 04:36:14 PM »
Old Brack!  Definately a fun course.

I also played Wolfdancer nearer to Austin...was pretty good.  Even get a glimpse of the Colorado River on 17 and 18, when it's only 20 feet wide.  It's a Hyatt property.
So I jump ship in Hong Kong....

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #21 on: January 11, 2012, 06:15:45 PM »
Old Brack!  Definately a fun course.

I also played Wolfdancer nearer to Austin...was pretty good.  Even get a glimpse of the Colorado River on 17 and 18, when it's only 20 feet wide.  It's a Hyatt property.

Another one to check out would be The Bandit, pretty cool Keith Foster course. If you go straight down 35 from Austin into San Antonio it's only about 15 minutes off the interstate.

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #22 on: January 11, 2012, 07:15:44 PM »
Old Brack!  Definately a fun course.

I also played Wolfdancer nearer to Austin...was pretty good.  Even get a glimpse of the Colorado River on 17 and 18, when it's only 20 feet wide.  It's a Hyatt property.

Another one to check out would be The Bandit, pretty cool Keith Foster course. If you go straight down 35 from Austin into San Antonio it's only about 15 minutes off the interstate.

Great redan there. 

Ben Sims

  • Karma: +1/-0
Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2012, 07:38:30 PM »

Great redan there. 

You mean this one? 





As someone that's spent the better part of two separate tours down this way, I wish all of you tourists would stop dropping the touristy places to eat.  Old Brack is certainly a lot of fun.  Gets a bit cramped at the end, but I've been known to enjoy places like that and maybe have joined a place like that.  There's some places in town that warrant a mention, even if you've never heard of them.  El Milagrito, a food truck called The Rickshaw Stop, and Chris Madrids are all better than anything mentioned thus far.  Kita's Sushi on Blanco Rd is the real deal.  Like as good as anything in San Francisco or Seattle real.  Rosario's Mexican Cafe will change your life. 

Another fun course is The Republic, another Art Schaupeter that is his best work in the area (way better than Buckhorn and a head above Bandit as well).  If I was going the private route I'd stick with Briggs Ranch and/or Cordillera. 

Sam Morrow

Re: San Antonio TX Suggestions
« Reply #24 on: January 11, 2012, 08:06:13 PM »
Ben,

 Republic is that good?