Golf Academy at Horseshoe Bay Resort

The beginning site of the never ending Hill Country golf boom is proving it's still got plenty of golfing firepower left with the recent addition of a new Golf Academy at the Horseshoe Bay Resort.

The pristine three Robert Trent Jones, Sr. courses, Ram Rock, Apple Rock, and Slick Rock, spread out over 7,000 acres, have always drawn decades of golfers to see the original versions of Norman and Wayne Hurd that this scenic part of Texas could boast the most scenic golf courses when they first opened in the early 1970s.

Now, with the San Antonio owners, the Jaffe family, continuing to expand the legacy with additional funds and expert manager Crescent Realty running the operation, the future is as bright as Lone Star Sunshine.

The new Golf Academy, officially dedicated March 15 at the bottom of the Ram Rock practice range, includes a 3,000 square foot indoor facility, all manner of high tech gear plus 8 shaded outdoor bays each with trackman gear to size up each practice session.

"There are so much great new items here, I didn't even know what to ask for," said Horseshoe Bay Resort Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner. "Anthony (Holder, HSB Director of Golf) kept asking for new items and they kept giving it to them."

The new facility has both indoor and outdoor practice bays to accommodate players in all types of weather conditions, Texas heat to spring wind and rare winter cold.

There will be a nature grass putting facility along with an outdoor space which can be used for fitness clinics among members, guests and hotel visitors.

There is the latest trackman computer gear for golfers who want the exact spec on every shot or room to just hit balls and feel the natural rhythm of their swing.

"It's a great day to showcase the best of golf technology with the best of golf we have here," said Holder. "I'm very proud of what we have accomplished here and what our owners have continued to allow us to do."

Business is certainly booming at this longtime Texas Hill Country golfing favorite. All three courses, done the by the masterful work of Jones, Sr., have been updated without losing their golfing charm.

Ram Rock has long been considered one of the toughest courses in the state and while it has provided nearly a half-century of golfing service, it's lost very little of its bite. There is water on more than half of the par 72 layout and it comes into play at several places for the less than wary golfer.

Many of the greens have been reshaped to give more room for a putting surface, but the banks on many of the hole still slope down to the water which fronts many of the greens. A less than well struck approach shot can still hit the putting area and find its way trickling down to the water.

Local lore has Ram Rock, the last course opened in the 1980s, was toughened by Jones after some members complained that the first two layouts, Apple and Slick did not properly challenge them.

Their wish was Jones' stern command on a layout which has hosted some of the best players in the state and several major tournaments.

Slick was the first of three course built and is home to what was then known as the most original course feature in Texas. What became known as the million dollar hole as a waterfall bi-sects the par 4 14th hole at Slick Rock .

Golfers can drive over the water from the tee, but the cart path goes right through the water feature with the water thundering underneath the path. It's scary, scenic and stunning all at the same time.

The Apple Rock, par 72 is a combination of the two courses with both beauty and challenge. It occupies some of the highest and rockiest terrain overlooking Lake LBJ named for the US President who grew up in these parts and retired here after his time in the White House had ended.

While great golf is always great, what has made Horseshoe Bay more popular than ever in its fifth decade is the number of non-championship golf activities available to members and hotel guests.

The 18-hole Whitewater putting course was the first natural grass putting course at a resort in Texas and is now lighted for night play. It's the perfect place to settle bets, reward the winners or take the family for a less stress, high fun time.

There is a huge Whitewater 360 sports bar adjacent to the putting course with drinks, eats, and dozens of big screens TVs to watch every sport available including the golfing pros who actually do this for a living.

An enclosed games facility and a large resort pool, plus a full service marina complete the offerings making sure every member of the group can find something they like at Horseshoe Bay.

The luxury hotel, also overseen by Crescent offers large modern rooms, bigger TVs and some of the best views of the complex from any angle.

There is a large conference center if you must mix in some work with your fun here, but everything you could want in a complete Texas Hill Country vacation is offered at the new, the old and the improved Horseshoe Bay Resort just 60 miles west of Austin.

For more information go to www.hsbresort.com or call 877-611-0112.