Advice on golf in San Antonio next week

[bassman1308]

My wife, myself and another couple are planning a trip to San Antonio next week. The guys golf & the girls shop. Perfect. Probably be in town by the 6th. I have several courses in mind. Just looking for some 'up to date ' recommendations ( info on course conditions, best playing time, friendly to seniors, etc). Right now we're looking at Canyon Springs, The Quarry , Pecan Valley. Any advice will be appreciated.

JC

[rony]

I wish I could help out bassman, but when I go to Texas to visit and play golf with my Son, its in the DFW area, as he lives in Colleyville. FWIW: I have been told by Texans, and read in the golf rags, that San Antonio is one of the best areas in the USA for golf! Quantity and quality of courses. Wish you luck. I went there for the Riverwalk and the Alamo, but didn't have my sticks with me. Pity.....On the approach to San Antonio, I must have seen 10 signs for Golf Courses.

[texengr]

I live in San Antonio but I play the city courses. I have never played the Quarry or Pecan Valley but I have played Canyon Springs and its a good bet. The Quarry gets a lot of press because of the back 9 that's in an abandoned rock quarry, but the front nine is links style, so i imagine its like plauying two courses. There is also a high end shopping center and an expressway adjacent to it, so the peace and quite may be lacking. Pecan Valley is supposed to be a traditional style course. The Salado creek runs through it and there are many mature trees. Arnold Palmer won the US Open there bak in teh early 60's.

 

Two others I've played you might consider are the Palmer Course at La Cantera and the Republic course. The Palmer is on the north west side up in the Texas hill country. Lot's of elevation changes and beautiful views. It can be pricey though. The Republic is on the southeast side is down stream from Pecan Valley a few miles. It's relatively new (6 yrs?). It was built on wooded property and has an out in the country feel. It's comparable to the ones you're looking at. This website has pretty good descriptions of local courses http://www.sanantoniogolf.com/.

 

Courses should be in reasonable shape. We've had a couple of freezes this year in teh upper 20's so the grass is dormant though. As far as being senior friendly, since we're a a big tourist destination I think all of these courses will acommodate you well.

 

Good Luck! hope this helps.

[sam_5_0]

I played golf for a university in S.A. and my favorite daily fee course was the Hyatt Hill Country Resort course. A bit on the pricey side but great scenery and a very good, challenging track. I've never been a fan of La Cantera, any course whose signature hole over looks an amusement park is not for me. For your money Pecan Valley can't be beat, it's not always in the top shape but the layout and large trees are hallmarks of traditional designs, and the greens are tough to read! SilverHorn is decent daily fee course that is fun to play and near the airport if you are flying in. One course I've heard good things about but never played is Olympia Hills (off I-35 north). The prices are great at this track and I've heard they keep it in good shape, could be the bargain with least amount of play. San Antonio has a good selection of courses enjoy.

[texengr]

Sam_5_0

 

I forgot about the Hyatt and Silverhorn. I've also heard good things about them. I don't know how long ago you were in SA but i was referring ti the Palmer course at La Cantera, not the Resort course. the Palmer course is newer and set back on the other side of the resort away from Fiesta Texas.

[bassman1308]

Thanks guys. There does seem to be a lot of course in SA. If the extended forecast holds up, I may get to play 3 or 4 of them. I'm heading that way this tuesday. Waiting on my new garmin auto gps to be shipped before I hit the road. Paid $13 for 1 day delivery thursday and it's taking 4 days. Tired of having that lost feeling all the time.

[bassman1308]

We just got home from the San Antonio trip. Went from 75* weather in SA to ice and snow here at home. Should of stayed longer but wife got homesick for the kids & grand kids. . I can not beleive the low prices for the quality courses. We played Pecan Valley twice. $24 included a egg & sausage breakfast plus a quality lunch. Cedar Creek and Republic were both under $32. We wanted to play silverhorn but ran out of time. I'll hit it next year.

[TheLama]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! After spending two weeks in Maryland..coming back home to the nice warmth and good golf is VERY nice...come back soon!!!

 

Brian

[CooGAR]

Arnold Palmer won the US Open there bak in teh early 60's.

 

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Incorrect!

 

Julius Boros won the 1963 PGA Champiosnhip at Pecan Valley. A US Open has never been played there. Also, the 2001 US Public Links Championship was played at Pecan Valley. Great track!

[bassman1308]

Not that it makes a rats a--, but the sign on the front door at pecan valley cc says 'Home of the 1968 PGA Championship' and it was won by Julius Boros. The mens room walls are covered with photos from that tourny.

[texengr]

I stand corrected. At least I knew somebody won some major tournament at Pecan Valley in the 60's. 1968 makes sense because that was the year Hemisfair was held in San Antonio.

 

Glad ya'll had a good time and enjoyed the golf.