Texas Golf News

High School Senior blows away Tournament Record, BlackHorse, Houston Tx

2012-01-13T16:10:00.000-06:00

Setting a record for tournament play on the North Course, Matthew Dunn, a senior at Cypress Creek High School, fired a 61 at BlackHorse Golf Club in Cypress to win a Texas Junior Golf Tour event last week.

Dunn, who will attend the Air Force Academy in the fall, fired the 61 on Sunday for a two-round total of 135, winning the event by 12 shots. He started the tournament with a triple bogey before shooting 74 in the first round.

The second round 61 included seven birdies in a row, and Dunn, a junior champion at Champions Golf Club, had a chance at 59 had he eagled the par-5 18th.

Get Used to hearing about Rocketballz or Maybe RBZ catches on

2012-01-05T21:27:00.000-06:00

ROCKETBALLZ

Not the first thing to roll off you tongue when talking about golf. But that is about to change.

TaylorMade Golf has introduced new Rocketballz Drivers, Fairway woods, hybrids, irons and golf balls

See more about the Rocketballz irons here

Read about the New Taylormade golf balls here, and that includes a $26 a dozen ball named Rocketballz

More Rocketballz news coming soon

Texas Hang Time: Awesome Par-3 at Black Jacks Crossing

2011-12-20T10:29:00.001-06:00

Texas Hang Time is not a surf slogan,

Its a new tradition of Golf, in Texas

at Black Jack's Crossing in Lajitas Texas.

This par-3 photo, Hole #13, is just one example of the jaw dropping views and stellar tee shots from the elevated tees at this Desert/Mountain Golf Course.

The course is new, designed by Lanny Wadkins, and it is the extreme golf experience in Texas.

Beautiful, Unique and Challenging

Black Jack's Crossing: Lajitas Texas

More photos soon !

Caviar and Moonshine Golf Trip

2011-11-29T06:02:00.002-06:00

The Most Unique Golf Trip in the State of Texas

Caviar and Moonshine Golf Package

2 days of golf and luxury resort living in San Antonio before

Whisking away on a train trip to Big Bend

and 3 days of golf and adventure in Lajitas Texas

Luxury then Old West Adventure with magnificent golf at the heart of this never to forget trip.

More information and Golf Travel Planning

IT'S THAT SIMPLE

866 477-6006

or Email Us

Caviar and Moonshine Texas Golf Trip

2011-11-29T05:58:00.001-06:00

The Most Unique Golf Trip in the State of Texas

Caviar and Moonshine Golf Package

2 days of golf and luxury resort living in San Antonio

before

Whisking away on a train trip to Big Bend

and 3 days of golf and adventure in Lajitas Texas

Luxury then Old West Adventure with magnificent golf at the heart of this never to forget trip.

Caviar and Moonshine Golf Package

IT'S THAT SIMPLE

866 477-6006

or Email Us

Texas Golf Radio Show, Live from Black Horse Golf Club

2011-11-26T18:02:00.000-06:00

Listen right here to the Silver Star Golf Radio show; broadcast weekly from a golf course or golf event in Texas

This week's episode:

Listen to internet radio with SilverStarGolf on Blog Talk Radio

Next week's show will be live from Onion Creek Country Club in Austin Texas; I will find out if they have bulldozed #17 (not my favorite par-3 in the state) and other interesting facts and trivia about this historic golf course. You will love it.

Help me grow the game of golf. I love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or interact with me on Twitter; and buckle up because I am coming to a golf course near you !

Silver Star Golf - Weekly Radio Talk Show

2011-11-19T15:29:00.001-06:00

GOLFERS: Listen & talk about Texas golf !

Silver Star Golf Talk show - Las Vegas Golf Trips: http://j.mp/uIEL8O Broadcast live from BlackHorse Golf Course. #golf

Texas Golf - Vegas golf trips - High Rollers

www.blogtalkradio.com

Las Vegas is the disneyland for adults. And they have great golf. Will be talking about high-end high roller golf in Las Vegas and all of the fun things to do Nov 19

Talking about going to Las Vegas for a fun golf outting. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Where to stay, where to play and how to entertain yourself - 24 hours a day - everyday.

Listen Anytime
http://j.mp/uIEL8O

Tapatio Springs Golf Resort - New Look New Attitude

2011-11-16T06:22:00.002-06:00

Texas’ Resort: Tapatio Springs Completes Renovation

The 250-acre Resort at Tapatio Springs in Boerne, Texas (Hill Country), has completed a complete renovation.

George Strait and his partners have done a tremendous job in bringing the resort back to the public in grand fashion.

The renovation includes the resort’s 112 rooms; the exterior (with more than 1,000 tons of rock and columns), the meeting facilities and the golf pro shop.

The hotel opened the La Cascada restaurant to bring complete resort amenities to Tapatio Springs.

The golf course has been revitalized bringing it back to it's grand layout; a great combination of beauty and challenge,

In addition, the golf course now includes Five Points Grill in the center of the course.

More info and a review of the golf course are upcoming.

November 11 2011 Visit the Resort Website Now

Golf Year-Round in San Antonio

2011-11-11T12:43:00.001-06:00

Yep, You can golf almost every day of the year in San Antonio Texas.

And why wouldn't you?

Golf 12 Months a Year in San Antonio

2011-11-11T12:37:00.001-06:00

Yep, You can golf almost every day of the year in San Antonio Texas.

And why wouldn't you?

Why Fred Couples is playing so well right now

2011-10-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

From the AT&T Championship: Fred Couples set the golf course and his score card on fire.

It has been hot in San Antonio this year; but it got a lot hotter yesterday as Couples scorched the field and ran to a 10 under 62 on the second day of the tournament. That 62 ties a career best for Couples and leave him atop of the leaderboard with a 17 under 127 after two days of tournament play.

Fred birdied 6 of the first seven holes on the "new" San Antonio golf course - the AT&T Canyons course at the TPC - San Antonio. He even had a double bogie - but 12 birdes negated that and added to the lead over the other Champions Tour Veterans

So, Why is Fred Couple playing so well?

The concensus from the commentators is he is benefitting from his back treatments from a German doctor. But my take is that he has a renewed vigor from the game that stems from girlfriend and caddy. He definitely has a spark in his eye and some extra zip in his stride.... but the girflfiend caddy has to be part of the excitement

.

She is Midge Trammel of Austin Texas, and a complement to Freddies classy style and approach to the game.
Go Freddie, Go..... and you too Midge.

The way that Fred Couples is playing is good for the game, good for the PGA Champions Tour and of course Midge and Fred together make for great television. I predict that Fred will win the tournament and Midge wins the TV ratings game.

The Icons of San Antonio

2011-10-13T13:08:00.001-05:00

The Icons of San Antonio

The Alamo

The Riverwalk

The Heritage

The Spurs

The Tower of America

and Hill Country Golf

All are open and ready for you.

LPGA Hotties Photos: Belen Mozo, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer, Paige Mackenzie

2011-10-12T05:41:00.000-05:00

Yep, Golf Digest has assembled a great photo gallery of the LPGA youngsters worth seeing. It is worth a look because of the hot lady golfers and the great photography.

At the bottom of this page is a link to the Belen Mozo photos for the ESPN Body issues.

Natalie Gulbis - LPGA veteran

http://www.golfchannel.com/media/2011-lpga-portraits/

Photo Gallery: Photos of Belen Mozo and Paige Mackenzie of USA poses for a picture at the gala dinner after the third round of the Evian Masters, and three photos of Paula Creamer also photos of Natalie Gulbis.

The Smoking Hot Photos of Belen Mozo are here.

Silver Star Golf - Daily Golf

2011-10-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

Insperity Championship

2011-10-06T02:37:00.000-05:00

Another day of Pro-Ams for the Champion;s Tour at the Insperity Championship; in the Woodlands, north of Houston today.

Tomorrow the tournament kicks off - off of split tees. The weather is perfect for golf and there is no cost to go see the tournament - Snapple is providing everyone with free tickets.

Insperity Championship:

'via Blog this'

Big Break Ireland - Golf TV Shows | Golf Channel

2011-09-27T19:25:00.000-05:00

Big Break Ireland is all new tonight 9:00 pm ET!

Check out the preview trailer. Watch: bit.ly/pL6062

Episode 2, tonight

Big Break Ireland - Golf TV Shows | Golf Channel

2011-09-20T12:48:00.000-05:00

I promise to do a better and complete job of keeping you up each week on the Big Break.

Big Break Ireland will be very entertaining, I guarantee it.

There are 6 men and 6 women competing this year for $80,000 and two Tour exemptions. They will be playing hard as the reward has never been bigger nor more sought after.

The skirts are short and the patience level even shorter, it is going to be muy entertaining. The tag line for the Big Break Ireland is - Luck only takes you so far

I have Julien as the early favorite golfer from the men's side. I see Nina as the favorite from the women's side.

Please leave comments this season. The show kicks off tonight and new episodes will be rolled out each Tuesday night.

Big Break Ireland - Golf TV Shows | Golf Channel

PGA Golf over the internet- Watch Live Golf

2011-09-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

The BMW Championship is doing a live interenet broadcast of several of the golf holes at Cog Hill Golf Club, Chicago Il.

From twitter

PGATOUR PGA TOUR:

LIVE@ from @BMWChamps now on PGATOUR.COM.

Click to watch online: bit.ly/livegolf

#pgatour

The website will also describe the viewing times for the weekend which are slightly different.

Watch PGA golf live - PGA golf

2011-09-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

The streaming video over the internet business model works well and is here to stay.

Watch golf live on the Web:

http://www.pgatour.com/

The viewing times are limited to the afternoons.

All 4 days:
Online coverage of the 11th and 16th at the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston

San Antonio Golf Destinations - Video

2011-08-28T17:44:00.001-05:00

2 Animated Videos that tell more than the whole story

TPC - Resort Up Close

A First Tour of the Canyons Course - TPC San Antonio

ENJOY San Antonio Golf.

Or Corporate Golf Outting

IT'S THAT SIMPLE

866 477-6006

or Email Us

San Antonio Golf Destinations: See the Dallas Cowboys in training camps and play great golf. San Antonio

2011-08-02T12:22:00.004-05:00

San ANTONIO

What a great time to catch an early look at the Dallas Cowboys and play premiere golf, in San Antonio.

The Cowboys were in San Antonio the first week of August, at training camp.

Its a wrap.

Location: Alamodome in San Antonio

Daily practice: 2:30-5:30 p.m., except for Tuesdays.

Morning walk through workouts are closed to the public.

Directions: From I-37/U.S. 281 South, exit Durango and turn east on Durango, then north on Cherry. Alternately, from I-37/U.S. 281 North, exit Commerce, turn east on Commerce then south on Cherry, or from I-37/U.S. 281 South, exit Houston, turn east on Houston, then south on Cherry.

Autographs: Players will be available for about 5-10 minutes after practice along the railing on the press box side of the dome.

Hotline: For practice updates, call 972-556-9900.

Return to Dallas: Cowboys break training camp Aug. 10.

Preseason opener: vs. Denver at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Cowboys Stadium .
After the Denver game: Resume preseason practices Aug. 13 at Cowboys Stadium.

Kids Camp Reunion: TPC-San Antonio

2011-07-19T22:07:00.002-05:00

We were lucky enough to be at the Oaks Course at TPC-San Antonio when one of the golfers from this year's kick-off TourAcademy Kids Camp returned for a tune-up. We "caddied" long enough to catch up on his successes since the first of the summer and snap some photos of his swing.

Isiah was excited to get back to the Oaks Course and challenge it again, just like he had when they played the PGA course daily as part of the golf camp. He has a flowing swing with great tempo off of the tee-box. It is good to be young; he showed an aggressieve in-control swing, making solid contact that found the fairways. This is totally instep with the phiosophy of teaching a tour type swing to these youngsters. We chatted a while about the short game. He said this was probably the area where he had improved the most during and after the camp. Hinge-and-hold chips were leaving shots close to the hole and he was sinking putts.

He had details that reinforced the improvement. He rattled off a list of tournaments that he played in after the Kids Camp; and he had results that he shared that included two first places, two second places and a third. He is not afraid of Match Play; he manned up against the other 11-year olds and won 3rd place in the San Antonio Juniors Championship not long after camp.

It was clear that Isiah came out of camp with new skills (see the photos below), but without doubt he had a new love for the game, confidence and an internal fire to get out and compete with his peers. With pride he told me about doing his part in the partnership to win first place with his dad in the Father - Son STPGA Championship at Padre Island. He played a few holes as a Lessons with the Pro, Christian Kujawa helping tweak his swing and course management on the challenging Oaks Course. Obviously Christian was proud of Isiah's improvement and subsequent successes, but Isiahs father was the proudest.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Just received information today (7/24/2011): That the TourAcademy Kids Golf Camps have been extended for 2 more weeks, in San Antonio. Golf Camps will now run thru Mid August.

The Silver Star Golf Daily is out

2011-07-14T19:53:00.001-05:00

A great example of technology applied to News about Golf.

This is actually a newspaper from Twitter built from the content and interests of the people I follow on twitter.

Click on the Green Read Paper button to read the whole thing.

The Silver Star Golf Daily

Thursday, Jul. 14, 2011

HEADLINE

Technolog from msnbc.com - Outrage over Netflix rate hike continues

NetflixNetflix's red envelopes containing DVDs. Will there be fewer customers receiving them now?By Athima ChansanchaiNetflix continues to take a pummeling from subscribers who are so enraged by th...

NicoleLapin

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

	NicoleLapin		bubbawatson

	taylormadegc		Matt_Ginella

TABLE OF CONTENT

76 articles, 8 photos and 1 videos by 21 contibutors

Sports	17
Art & Entertainment	9
Stories	4
Leisure	2
Business	1
Tragic	1
#golf	17
#pga	8

OTHER HEADLINES OF INTEREST TODAY

#MLB: Fan Goes Overboard … To Catch a Baseball???

Published on It's very SPORTING of you...

_Miss_Santiago

ASOS Blogs - Kate's Closet

Published on The Daily Nail

ASOS

Kids at TPC Golf Camp

2011-07-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

The Youngest Guns invade Golf Camp at TPC San Antonio

A quick glimpse in photos of tomorrow's golf superstars.

It has been a long time since I have seen so many smiling faces, ready to learn, longing to hit the ball better. These kids are great.

You would be hyped to learn more about golf too, if you could ride in the Golf Cart Limousine, and hear those famous words "Lets go play in the sand".

Call Sara at 866 477-6006 to enroll in an upcoming Golf Camp / Kids Camp, either in San Antonio or any of the other TourAcademy Camps across the country. The Golf Camps work on all aspects of the golf game.

There are only 3 more weeks of Summer Golf Camps, so enroll today.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Fun Times at La Cantera Resort: Golf and more

2011-07-04T11:29:00.001-05:00

There are not many golf experiences where you get to aim your shots at an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster.

The Resort Course at La Cantera is a great example of Texas golf at it's best.
Big golf holes, Wide fairways, Dramatic challenges, fun and lifetime memories.

Standing on the rock cliff and surveying the hazards below on hole #7 of the Resort Course is an experience I will never forget.

There are all these challenges via the large bunkers littering the fairway, the pond running down the right side, and of course Fiesta Texas as the out-of-bounds on the far left.

There is a new sheriff in town. The golfer that pulls out the Big Stick, hits it over the bunkers and has a flip wedge to the green and a putt for birdie.

Rise to the challenge and love this place! The Resort Course at La Cantera, San Antonio Texas.

Only in Texas "Blast your drive just to the left of the roller coaster".

Hit that wedge in tight.

Looking back at the tee-box at the top of the cliff.

Obviously the resort is just minutes from Fiesta Texas adventure park.

Blast your drive right at the peak of the roller coaster

2011-07-04T11:14:00.002-05:00

There are not many golf experiences where you get to aim your shots at an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster.

The Resort Course at La Cantera is a great example of Texas golf at it's best.
Big golf holes, Wide fairways, Dramatic challenges, fun and lifetime memories.

Standing on the rock cliff and surveying the hazards below on hole #7 of the Resort Course is an experience I will never forget.

There are all these challenges via the large bunkers littering the fairway, the pond running down the right side, and of course Fiesta Texas as the out-of-bounds on the far left.

There is a new sheriff in town. The golfer that pulls out the Big Stick, hits it over the bunkers and has a flip wedge to the green and a putt for birdie.

Rise to the challenge and love this place! The Resort Course at La Cantera, San Antonio Texas.

Only in Texas "Blast your drive just to the left of the roller coaster".

Hit that wedge in tight.

Looking back at the tee-box at the top of the cliff.

San Antonio Resorts and Vacations

TPC-San Antonio: Par 3 green with a bunker in it

2011-06-29T09:16:00.002-05:00

The green on the par-3 number 16 on the Oaks Course.

Greg Normal layed out a dazzler when he designed this hole. It is the shortest par-3 on the course, but maybe one of the hardest.

The green has a tiered design, with the back half being significantly above the bottom half. The two tiers are tied together by a severe slope. Yes, putting from the back of the green to the front is treacherous as there is a very good chance that the putt will pick up speed and roll off the front of the green.

But here is the kicker.

There is a bunker in the middle of the green. Yes, a full sized, diabolical bunker. It is not the only bunker 'around' the green; just the one that will get your attention.

You can see the JW Marriott Resort in the background.

Find out more about the TPC-San Antonio - Oaks Course or Canyons Course

Kids at TPC Golf Camp

2011-06-29T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Youngest Guns invade Golf Camp at TPC San Antonio

A quick glimpse in photos of tomorrow's golf superstars. June 28, 2011

It has been a long time since I have seen so many smiling faces, ready to learn, longing to hit the ball better. These kids are great.

You would be hyped to learn more about golf too, it you could ride in the Golf Cart Limousine, and hear those famous words "Lets go play in the sand".

Only in San Antonio

Please forward to anyone that will get amped up by seeing these Young Guns learn about golf.

See the full gallery on Posterous

A Great Video is worth a Million Words

2011-06-28T06:47:00.002-05:00

2 Examples of Animated Videos that tell more than the whole story

TPC - Resort Up Close

A First Tour of the Canyons Course - TPC San Antonio

Watching the Video could generate more than a Million Words between people that can relate.

ENJOY

We hope you see the potential of live on-site web presentations of your event.

We can even help create buzz, interest & participation before your event

resulting in increased fun, interaction and visibility on the 'Net.

ITS WHAT WE DO !

TPC - Canyons Course

2011-06-26T09:07:00.000-05:00

TPC - Canyons Course

Video from the pre-production planning tour. Its gonna be good !

Texas Golf Schools and Junior Golf Camps Summary

2011-06-23T06:45:00.000-05:00

Summer is the ideal time to use an extended program to tune-up your game and take it to the next level.

San Antonio is a central hub for Golf Camps and Golf Schools.

TOURAcademy: TPC San Antonio with the JW Marriott

Junior Overnight Golf Camps – boys and girls, ages 10-17, all skill levels. Price includes all meals, housing, golf activities and a TOUR Academy camp amenity package. Camps typically run Sunday to Thursday, but can vary with course location.

Camp begins Sunday afternoon with registration/check in at the housing facility. After that, campers head over to the golf facility for a couple hours of range instruction/course play (depending on facility) and player evaluation. Each student is evaluated that afternoon to ensure that we group the juniors of similar abilities together so that instruction can be specifically geared to that groups needs. Each day thereafter, campers start the day early with breakfast and a camp meeting. Range instruction begins promptly and campers will rotate stations working on putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play and full swing. After grabbing lunch and relaxing, course play begins with staff on-course to help with club selection, shot selection and course management. To cap off the day, students will enjoy guest speakers, seminars, along with golf and non golf evening activities, such as movies, field games, swimming and night golf (evening activities vary per location). Camp concludes on Thursday with a fun morning golf tournament followed by afternoon departure.

Dates
June 12-16
July 10-14

Pricing
$1,495.00 (overnight)
$1,095.00 (commuter)

Junior Full Day Camps – boys and girls, ages 9-16, all skill levels. Price includes all golf activities, lunch daily (full day campers only) and a TOUR Academy camp amenity package. Full day camps are week long, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday-Friday commuter programs. (Ages may vary for some locations)

Camp begins each day at 9:00 A.M. at the practice facility. Campers will rotate stations in the morning to work on skills such as putting, chipping, bunker play and the full swing. Lunch will be provided on-site and will be followed by 9 holes of golf accompanied by The TOUR Academy instructors.

Dates
June 6-10
June 27-July 1
July 18-22

Pricing
$595.00

Junior Half Day camps – boys and girls, ages 7-13, all skill levels. Price includes all golf activities. Half day camps are week long, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., Monday-Friday commuter programs. (Ages may vary for some locations)

Students are to arrive at camp at 9:00 A.M. each morning at the practice facility. Campers will then have range practice and instruction for three hours that will include, stances, swing evaluation, grip and golf fundamentals. A strong emphasis is placed on rules and etiquette throughout the week to insure that each camper learns all aspects of the game.

Dates
June 20-24
July 5-8 (please note July 5th camp will run from 8:00am-12:00 pm)
July 18-22

Pricing
$295.00

http://www.pgatourcamps.com/sanantoniodatesandpricing.aspx

or Call 800 766-7939

La Cantera Golf Academy

Junior Summer Program

The Academy at La Cantera

Summer Golf Camp

2011

The Academy at La Cantera invites all juniors between the ages of

7 - 16 years to join us for a fun learning experience. This program is especially designed for the beginner and intermediate junior. Come have loads of fun, and make new friends.

The Camp Includes:

12 - Hours of Instruction
Focus on Fundamentals
Low Student / Instructor Ratio
Short game and Full swing Instruction
Games, Contests, and Prizes
$139 per student

Dates: First week is May 31st - June 3rd. Camps will go on every week, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The last week is Aug 16th-19th.

For reservations and more information call

The Academy at La Cantera

(210) 558-5500 or Toll Free 888 603-4653

Use San Antonio Golf Destination to Plan and Book your Golf Trip

This may be the best deal for resort golf in San Antonio in the last 10 years,

2011-06-21T08:07:00.000-05:00

The La Cantera golf staff is making it a special summer as they celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course. A whole summer of value golf, on two of the most exciting golf courses in San Antonio

The golf is almost a giveaway this summer with either course being $69 Monday - Thursday, and $79 Friday - Sunday for a round of golf. Receive special treatment (just like you would expect at a resort), a golf academy with lessons and instruction at La Cantera
The affordable golf price this summer (would normally be around $140 for a round of golf) even includes a great healthy lunch.
During the summer special anniversary pricing, golf is basically half-priced, with a great lunch thrown in, and a $20 bounce-back coupon, that makes the second round of golf even cheaper.
This may be the best deal for resort golf in San Antonio in the last 10 years,

Summary

Starting June 20th, the summer golf promotion runs through August 28.

$69 (weekday) $79 (weekend) golf on either course
Includes a complimentary lunch
Golfers receive $20 bounce back coupon to use towards a future round, valid until Dec. 31.
Guests who take advantage of the summer golf promotion will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize that includes a two night stay at The Westin resort, two rounds of golf, and a personalized memento signed by Arnold Palmer himself.
Visit lacanteragolfclub.com. Or call 1.800.446.5387
Tell Steve or Mackenzie that Sarah and Connie at Texas Golf News sent you. They will smile and treat you like family.

Visit lacanteragolfclub.com. Or call 1.800.446.5387

Summer Specials at JW Marriott San Antonio

2011-06-20T11:30:00.004-05:00

JW Marriott Resort - San Antonio Texas

Summer Specials: JW MARRIOTT

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa brings a new level of comfortable luxury to the legendary Texas Hill Country just minutes from San Antonio International Airport.

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is home to the PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club San Antonio. The Oaks course is the home of the Valero Texas Open. The Canyons course is a challenging classic Hill Country golf course.

Three special packages available

Escape! Unlimited Golf for 1 Package, starting at $369

or Escape! Unlimited Golf for 2 Package, starting at $469. For golfers who need a fairway holiday, here's their opportunity to play where the pro's play.

TPC San Antonio. The only way to play here is to be a member or guest of the resort. These Stay & Play Golf Packages include:

Room Accommodations- 1 king or 2 double beds
Unlimited rounds of golf for one/two on the private PGA TOUR's Tournament Players Club San Antonio (TPC) courses
Golf Cart
Range Balls

Camp JW – There's no need to rough it. Our idea of the ultimate summer camp includes outdoor adventures for every age, nightly campfires and s'mores, and four star turndown service!

Stay 3 Nights and Save 30 Percent, rates starting at $230.30.

Minimum three night stay is required. Advance purchase rate, reservation must be made a minimum of 10 days prior to arrival. Cancellations not allowed.

Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms.

Valid June 1- August 31, 2011

Family Time Package, rates starting at $445 per night. Dad will love the golf, Mom will get some much needed quiet time in the spa and kids can play all day at our 6-acre River Bluff water park. Offer includes the following amenities per room, per night:

Resort room

Unlimited golf for one at the TPC San Antonio

$100 spa service credit for a luxurious spa treatment at our award winning Lantana Spa

$50 dining credit for use in one of our 7 restaurants

$50 Range Riders Kids Club credit

Everyone will love the savings! This package represents a savings of $374 in amenities per night or 46% off total value. FML

More SA Vacation Info - SanAntonioGolfDestination

IT'S THAT SIMPLE

Live Event Marketing - Shared from Silver Star Marketing

2011-06-19T11:46:00.004-05:00

Shared from Silver Star Marketing

LIVE PHOTO SHARING AT AN EVENT

Sunday: I see where the US Open is using PicStream live from the golf tournament today.

Same type of technology we used last week at La Cantera from the Palmer Golf Course as we kicked off the celebration of their 10th Anniversary.

Live photos from the golf course.... Ours worked better via LiveShare.

http://www.liveshare.com/stream/1387130

We had lots of followers and received tons of compliments. Significant buzz persists this week from the photos, the web/social exposure and the sheer beauty of the course.

Event Marketing at it's best

Pre Event, At the Event and Post Event

Find out more about Live Event and Social Sports Marketing

Hot in Houston, But playing some golf

2011-06-18T18:12:00.001-05:00

It got over a 100 degrees, in Cypress Texas

Black Horse Golf Club.

I played 36 holes today. Two rounds on the South Course.

Now the last 18 I played was from the tips, with the Pro.

Texas Summer Golf is Fun !

Come play with us !

Q&A with golf legend Arnold Palmer - San Antonio Express-News

2011-06-16T12:11:00.000-05:00

Q&A with golf legend Arnold Palmer - San Antonio Express-News: "You designed the Palmer Course, and in recent years Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, among others, have worked on courses in the San Antonio area. Why do you feel the area has been targeted by great names?

I think it’s the topography, the general lie of the land, the people involved. All of these things are very key to San Antonio. I can say personally how much I’ve enjoyed playing golf there, building golf courses there. It’s been one of the highlights of my life."

Kids Camp that Counts: Golf Camp in San Antonio

2011-06-13T08:44:00.003-05:00

Sunday was the kickoff of the Kids Camp for 2011.

This is the camp to send your kids to if golf is their #1 priority, and by the way you get to enjoy all the water activities and two great golf courses in San Antonio. The JW Marriott in San Antonio is the host of this camp, all summer. The Canyons course and Oaks course are both special; the Oaks course being the currrent home of the PGA Tour Texas Valero Open

Here is a video that shows the fun and challenge of Kids Camp day 1

More fun stories and photos coming in the next few weeks from Kids Camp - TourAcademy: TPC JW Marriott San Antonio

More Kids Camp info and enrollment here: http://www.pgatourcamps.com/sanantonio.aspx

Kickoff to Kids Camp 2011

2011-06-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

Day One - Our future golfers hit Kids Camp 2011
From the meet and greet to making the turf fly, all on day one.

They call him Coach: Fearless Christian Kujawa is their instructional leader at the TPC San Antonio (Marriott Resort). At the end of the week they will call him Amazing.

See the full gallery on Posterous

FORE, for fun in San Antonio. I took the whole golf course review team.

2011-06-11T16:44:00.002-05:00

We had a big time and rewarding golf today as we reviewed the Palmer Course at La Cantera.

We now know why La Cantera is spanish for white limestone. But thats a good thing. The golf course is celebrating it's 10th anniversary. It is beautiful, challenging and fun. Put it on the list.

Here is my at-the-turn recap that I knocked out quickly before tackling the even more spectacular and beautiful back nine. (more details and a description of their summer promotion coming at ya, soon)

Had a great time on the front nine. Challenging but rewarding often. Sarah hit a ton of good shots..... I called her Paula Creamer the way she was striking the ball.

We played well. Good support from the staff there - they are probably the most prepared and professional golf staff I have ever seen. Special shout out to Laura, Steve and Mackenzie, but everyone was top notch and made the day very specia

Posted on LiveShare | 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course

www.liveshare.com

This photostream of 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course was captured at Westin La Cantera Resort San Antonio with LiveShare, the mobile app that lets you and your friends take pics and see them all in place.

Live Flogging Tomorrow from the Palmer course at La Cantera

2011-06-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

Yes, I brought the course review team.

Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course - La Cantera

2011-06-10T11:54:00.001-05:00

Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course - La Cantera

Packed the basics for the course review trip, with the emphasis on the basics. I hope I have room for the clubs!

From Westin La Cantera in San Antonio:

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the resort will run a summer golf promotion from June 20-August 28, 2011, that will give golfers the chance to test their skills at the renowned signature course.

“We are thrilled to pay tribute to a living legend who designed this first-of-its-kind course in South Texas 10 years ago,” said A.M. Cherone, general manager of The Westin La Cantera Resort. “It is our honor to offer our guests this special promotion giving golfers the opportunity to experience first-hand this carefully crafted course.”

"As an architect, my goal is to produce a golf course that utilizes the natural surroundings. The Texas Hill Country provided the perfect canvas to create The Palmer Course at LaCantera," said Arnold Palmer. "The beauty of the land lends itself to a course that is both challenging and fun to play and we hope everyone enjoys it!"

The resort gained 18 more holes of golf with the opening of The Palmer Course in 2001. The Par-71, 6,998-yard course is dramatically situated over 250 acres in the Texas Hill Country. Carefully grafted into the natural landscape, The Palmer Course offers rock outcroppings, rolling hills, majestic views, native vegetation and wildlife. The course’s #4 Signature Hole requires a long carry over a lake with dramatic waterfalls on the right and entire front of the green. At the time, the course was Mr. Palmer’s first in South Texas and his fifth design in the state.

The course holds a special place in Mr. Palmer's heart with the dedication of a bridge on #4 green to his first wife, Winnie.

In 2011, The Westin La Cantera Resort was recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of “500 World's Best Hotels”. In April 2011, the resort received its 11th AAA Four Diamond Resort award. Also in 2011, Golfweek magazine recognized both The Palmer Course and The Resort Course as the “Best Courses You Can Play”.

Great Golf Promotion

A $69 (weekday) and $79 (weekend) guest fee with cart rental, which includes a complimentary lunch at either clubhouse. Golfers will also receive a $20 bounce back coupon, to expire on Dec. 31, 2011, encouraging the golfer to return and try out the resort’s additional links at the 18-hole Resort Course.

Guests who take advantage of the summer golf promotion will instantly be included in a prize drawing. The grand prize includes: a 2-night stay, two-some golf round and a personalized memento from Mr. Palmer. The winner will be announced in early September.

\#WLCGolf

Taking the golf course review team to San Antonio. Better photos and course reviews will be here next week.

Destination: San Antonio - Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course - La Cantera

2011-06-10T08:22:00.001-05:00

Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the Palmer Course - La Cantera

Taking the golf course review team to San Antonio. Better photos and reviews starting next week.
We have packed the basics for the course review trip, with the emphasis on the basics. I hope I have room for the clubs!

From Westin La Cantera in San Antonio:

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the resort will run a summer golf promotion from June 20-August 28, 2011, that will give golfers the chance to test their skills at the renowned signature course.

The course holds a special place in Mr. Palmer's heart with the dedication of a bridge on #4 green to his first wife, Winnie.

Great Golf Promotion

\#WLCGolf

Taking the golf course review team with me to San Antonio. Better photos and reviews starting next week.

The Women of Golf TV photos

2011-06-06T18:18:00.001-05:00

Thanks to someone at SI for putting this together !

http://www.golf.com/golf/gallery/article/0,28242,2073843,00.html

And I am liking Twitter a lot better now, don't just drool and stare at the photos, read the bio by each photo too !

Stay with it all the way to the end for the photo of Holly Sonders, but below is a better photo of Holly !

you can follow me on twitter: @nativetexancb

Watch PGA golf today over the Internet: The Memorial Tournament

2011-06-05T10:34:00.000-05:00

@Live is the Internet broadcasting of the PGA Tour

They are broadcasting live today (NOW) from two holes on the course.

Click on the Watch Live button here - Watch todays Golf Tournament Live

Will be a very exciting afternoon

San Antonio Golf for the Ladies too

2011-06-04T09:06:00.002-05:00

To heck with a buddies golf trip, that is way too easy.

GGT: The Gals Golf Trip

San Antonio is the perfect place for the Gals

It's That Simple

Call 866 477-6006

Spas that are world-class, yes we have them

The Memorial Tournament and Steve Stricker, Round 2 Friday

2011-06-03T19:14:00.000-05:00

Great Photos and golf action from Jack's Memorial Tournament

Steve Striker hit paydirt today when he had an ace on a par-3. An exciting golf shot, and it got him into my hole-in-one club ! Of course this wasn't his first ace in competition; From PGATOUR.com

The walking scorer has the ball. But he may not know the autographed Titleist that Steve Stricker handed him after Friday’s round was "the" ball.

That would be the one that found the hole from 186 yards after Steve Stricker launched that pinpoint 6-iron at No. 8 Friday afternoon. The same one that settled 15 feet from the pin at the ninth hole for a closing birdie.

"I didn’t tell him," Stricker said with a sheepish grin. "I don’t know. It’s just a ball."
The ace fueled a round of 67 and staked Stricker to a three-stroke lead at 9 under. It was the second of Stricker’s PGA TOUR career and was greeted by the usual exhortations as he walked toward the green.

"You’re buying, What are we drinking, all that kind of stuff," Stricker chuckled.
His first ace had come on the raucous and rocking 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale during the 1997 Phoenix Open. That had to be pretty memorable, right?

"It was, but that day I had teed off the back nine first, so there wasn’t a lot of people there," Stricker deadpanned. "Yeah, there wasn’t too many people.
“That was the same year that Tiger made his ace. You didn't see mine that year? No?"

Of course, Stricker did walk away with the car — an Oldsmobile Aurora. Woods’ ace that whipped the crowd into a frenzy came on Saturday. The car was only up for grabs on Sunday.
And what did Stricker do with the car? "I used it for a little while and then traded it in for a minivan," he said with a smile.

Stricker’s ace on Friday didn’t reap the same kind of tangible reward. But if he ends up winning on Sunday the hole-in-one that fueled a front-nine 30 will likely have been pivotal in the victory.
"That shot there is always a bonus," Stricker said. "You don’t expect to make a 1, but it was a good number for me there today. … That shot has always provided me with trouble over the years, and it’s just a tough par 3. There’s not a lot of room there to hit it, and what I had going for me there was a little bit of a left-to-right wind and I draw the ball so I could pretty much hold up against the wind, and it started off right at the hole and went in.

"I didn’t see how it went in, but it looked like it went in fairly nicely like a putt. It’s a shock when you see that go in, obviously, but a good way, a great way to finish the round."

Photos
Photos of Todays highlights - Second Round at the Memorial

Video that showcases the La Cantera Resort and Golf Courses

2011-06-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

Visualizing the golf and resorts around San Antonio has never been easier.... thanks to Video on the Internet.

There is a new video up on San Antonio Golf Destination that features the Spa, Restaurants, and both Golf Courses at La Cantera.

From the Westin Hotel to the golf at La Cantera, everything is world class.

San Antonio Golf Destination planning

The staff at S A G D promise to have a video up of the Hyatt Hill Country resort this weekend. At that point they will have showcased all 3 premium resorts in San Antonio via video.

Video: La Cantera Resort & 2 Great Golf Courses

2011-06-01T20:52:00.001-05:00

San Antonio: La Cantera Resort has it all.

Two great courses and all of the amenities. A soulful Spa for the post-round recovery and options for where to re-hydrate "Texas Style".

We love the Palmer Course. Hole #1, What a "ride" to start your round.

866 477-6006

It's That Simple

Golf Deals - San Antonio Tee-time specials This Weekend

2011-05-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

Even though it is a Memorial Day Weekend, there are still great golf deals to be had. Traditionally golf courses charge a premium for holiday golfing. But there are some great deals around San Antonio right now.

One of the current best deals is to play Vaaler Creek golf course for only $49.00. I love this deal and this golf course. The is a great Hill Country golf course that is a short drive from San Antonio, or Austin. $49 is a bargain, allowing you to enjoy a challenging course, in a natural and beautiful setting (with very few houses around the course).

Tell Adam that Texas Golf News sent ya ! See the tee-time deals at Vaaler Creek Golf Course

One of my best photos of 2011. You will see this one on the cover of a golf magazine.

Byron Nelson tourney scrolls live tweets. What could go wrong? - Devil Ball Golf - Golf Blog - Yahoo! Sports

2011-05-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

A good way to give good wishes to your favorite golfer? Yes !

Byron Nelson tourney scrolls live tweets. What could go wrong? - Devil Ball Golf - Golf Blog - Yahoo! Sports

Go Sergio..... more good putting today !

New Video Showcases the JW Marriott in San Antonio, their two golf courses

2011-05-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, the magic of internet video. YouTube turned six years old yesterday, and that is hard to believe, since I cannot remember life on the 'net without YouTube.

A new video is being showcased at San Antonio Golf Destination, that shows the beauty of the San Antonio resort, the luxury and amenities that are available; and of course their two great golf courses. Highly recommended.

And tell them that Texas Golf News sent ya !

San Antonio Golf Destination Videos

Trivia: The JW Marriott Resort in San Antonio is the largest facility owned by Marriott.... True to Texas it is the biggest!

Big Break Indian Wells

2011-05-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

Episode 2: Big Break Indian Wells

I am going to try to keep watching but so far too much talk and way too many bad golf shots.

Episode 2 had exactly one good golf shot - in a show that is an hour long.

I will not give it away, in case you want to watch the replays on the Golf Channel. But I will tell you to watch closely for that one good shot.

The other tip I will give is: Don't stand on the left side of the fairway from these guys - I don't know if it is the presence of the cameras or just tense tempo, but these guys had a bad case of "the hooks".

I wasn't surprised to see the golfer that was eliminated go; Damn he played poorly.

I am still pulling for Floydada (Justin), he may have game; he definitely had the quote of the week:
"I read the rules, I didn't see anything about being thrown off for kicking somebody's ass".

And the most entertaining theme of the week is everybody (and me) sick of the wanna-be golfers sitting around with the guitar and singing Kum-ba-ya.

Still pulling for "Shanks" too; as he seems to have game but a great attitude.

Don;t follow this link if you have not watched this weeks episode, as it gives away who was eliminated.

Details - Big Break Indian Wells

Pecan Valley Golf Course - A Classic in San Antonio Golf

2011-05-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

It is unfortunate that Pecan Valley does not get the buzz it deserves in San Antonio. A grand and classic golf course with beautiful trees and a great layout.

Pecan Valley played host to the 50th PGA championship, when Julius Boros edged Arnold Palmer.

Find out more about Pecan Valley Golf Course

Nestled in the south section of San Antonio, the course is an easy drive from within San Antonio

If you play there please drop me a line in the comments.

Great Hands-on Review of the new Nike 20XI golf balls

2011-05-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

Finally someone that toted the new Nike 20XI golf balls to the golf course and the driving range to see what all the excitement is about. Do the new balls perform differently? Perform Better?

Now I know where it fits in the Nike lineup: The two versions of this golf ball are replacing the One Tour and One Tour D.

GolfBallTest.org » GolfBallSelector.com Tests Nike 20XI-X and 20XI-S

With photos and videos of the special edition of these golf balls that were introduced at the 2011 Masters Tournament (there are two versions: Spin vs Distance)

On-Course Player Comments:

“The 20XI’s (both -S and -X) seem to launch lower than the Nike One Tour andOne Tour D. The 20XI’s do not feel as soft as the One Tour and One Tour D but are comparable to the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x. When comparing the 20XI-X to my current ball, the Titleist Pro V1x, it appears to spin less and launch lower which is good. I’m very interested in chipping and putting the 20XI-X and seeing if the two urethane covers make it feel differently around the greens”.

“I definitely see a lower launch angle off the driver and the 20XI-S holds its flight in a moderate breeze with a shorter iron.”
“The first time I hit the 20XI-X was on a 160 yard slightly downwind par 3. With a seven iron the ball showed excellent ball flight character – stable – and stopped on a dime. Nice result.”
“On my next drive the 20XI-X tracked with a lower trajectory than I saw earlier playing a TaylorMade Penta TP or the Callaway Tour i(s) I had in play. Even with a slight draw, the ball did not overly spin off the driver, so my bad was not so bad.”

I am going to play this ball tomorrow based on what I learned from this golf ball review. I will share my review here first !

Best San Antonio Golf Deal - This Weekend

2011-05-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

This tee-time deal for San Antonio will go fast.

Brackenridge Park Golf Course

for under $60. Yep - there is a tee-time available for up to 3 golfers for $57.16, before noon on Saturday Morning.

Nab it and tell them that Texas Golf News sent you !
And the same deal is available twice on Sunday: Once before noon about 10:45 and the other at 12:39.

If you haven't played Brackenridge lately, you will really be surprised. It is a terrific layout after the revamp that it wen through a couple of years ago. Highly recommended.

How about the easiest way to book and play Resort golf in San Antonio

2011-05-20T06:02:00.000-05:00

These guys might have it right.

A one stop solution for playing golf in San Antonio.

There are three great resorts in San Antonio Texas: La Cantera Resort, JW Marriott (with 2 courses - the Canyons course and the Oaks course (home to the Valero Texas Open PGA torunament)), and the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. Great golf and all of the resort amenities.

San Antonio Golf Destination - Texas golf packages and more

If you want to get out in the Hill Country, the three golf courses at Horseshoe Bay will satisfy that need.

More details over the weekend, check back. I'll tell which courses are my favorites, and why.

Texas Golf Magazine from the Dallas Morning News

2011-05-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

A special publication of the Dallas Morning News showed up in the paper on Sunday: Texas Golf magazine. This is an especially timely golf resource as The Colonial and Byron Nelson PGA golf tournaments are in the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex for the next two weeks.

There is a great story on the Barton Springs Golf Resort and particularly the Fazio Foothills course, as it celebrates a 25th birthday. If you have never been to Barton Creek, put this one on your bucket list.

See this glossy Texas Golf Magazine on-line

I am pretty picky about Golf Publications, especially Texas Golf pubs, but I highly recommend this one.

Did you miss the Big Break Indian Wells premiere episode?

2011-05-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

Did you miss the Big Break Indian Wells premiere episode?

It is showing again on the Golf Channel. Right now - 9:00 pm central

Go Floydada (Justin) Texas.

Big Break Indian Wells

2011-05-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

Big Break Indian Wells Episode 1, and ITS ON.

Hoping for one of the most interesting Big Breaks.

Playing for cash, the way golf should be played.

My early favorites.

Of course I am pulling for Floydada. He was pretty lucky with his first shot, but being from another 9 hole home golf course just 65 miles from my "roots" Texas 9-hole golf course, he is my early favorite, but he needs to substitute some results for the early attitude. Go Floydada (Justin) We need the $$$$$$.

Second Favorite: Biershenk (rhymes with BEERSHANS) and his nickname is Shanks. Seems to be sincere about loving the game and looks to have game.

All things said - Come on Floydada, lets go !

Great Texas Golf Courses - Don't hate me because I am smart

2011-05-15T19:42:00.000-05:00

Pretty funny that just a day after my glowing review of The Quarry, in San Antonio, the DAllas Morning News put them on the cover of their best golf courses in Texas article.

They did and I am laughing.... so don't hate me because I am smart. Or observant.

Six Great Golf Courses in Texas

The DMN news did list some other great golf courses, including the Cowboys Golf Club, which I love. But then made me laugh when they described the Tournament Course at Redstone (Houston). I am still laughing.

At least they didn't let leak about the Hidden Gems in the state" Texas Star and The Bandit. I have warmed up with the Keith Foster designed Quarry.

Stay tuned for details about these two Keith Foster beauties!

Watch PGA golf live - Players Tournament

2011-05-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

There will be lots of golf televised today as they catch up from yesterdays rain out.

The PGA is broadcasting over the internet today even before the broadcast comes on the network.

Watch PGA golf live

High quality video of PGA golf tournament

http://www.pgatour.com/live-video/liveat/r011/tour/player.html

San Antonio Golf Deal - Great Weekend Tee Time Rate

2011-05-13T22:06:00.000-05:00

The Golf Club of Seguin

The rain has spoken, Thank goodness. And it said - Come Play Golf.

Seguin is a short quick drive from San Antonio; and the course is in great shape after the mid-week rains.

$25 Golf: The Golf Club of Seguin - Book your tee time

A Great Weekend Deal. Go to the Golf Club of Seguin And tell Jason and Nick that Texas Golf News sent you !

San Antonio Golf Destination: The Quarry Golf Club

2011-05-13T21:40:00.000-05:00

Right up front I will tell you that I love Keith Foster designed golf courses. He builds them the way Texans love 'em; Challenging and Rewarding.

The Quarry in San Antonio is no exception to that. And beautiful to boot.

The first 9 are very interesting, almost parkland style in their layout and look.

But watch out as you drop down to start the back nine; you have entered the quarry.

Challenges are everywhere, as a shot that normally would be in the rough actually bounces off a limestone outcropping, a ledge over a lower level of the quarry, or a pond of beautiful blue mineral infused water. The challenges are everywhere, but are muted my the beauty of the old abandoned rock quarry. Keep your stamina and determination up as both #17 and #18 are difficult holes. Finish well and you feel a special glow as you stand on the 18th green and gaze over the beautiful challenge you have just completed. The Quarry.

Find out more about the Quarry Golf Club - San Antonio

Golf Destination Note: The Quarry is square in the middle of San Antonio. Literally 5 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from downtown.

San Antonio Golf: Get to know the TPC San Antonio

2011-05-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

Offering two grand golf courses; TPC San Antonio is prepared for your summer golf vacation.

The Oaks course (designed by Greg Norman) and the Canyons course (Pete Dye) are maturing and becoming the premiere golf courses in North San Antonio.

The two courses are totally different from a physical look and playability view. Luckily both are great Hill Country courses showing off the limestone and hilly countryside. Come play both and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.

Come to town and tee it up. More info about the TPC of San Antonio

Spring is almost gone, May is a great time to take a golf lesson

2011-05-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

May is a great month to take a golf lesson.

A PGA pro can help you, and quit practicing your bad habits.

Take a lesson in May at the Golf Club of Seguin. Reasonable rates and very valuable.

Golf Instruction at The Golf Club of Seguin

Beat the heat and get your golf game tuned-up in May.

#texasgolf

#seguin

Did the new Nike Golf ball - 20XI win a golf tournament already ?

2011-05-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

I was thinking the same thing - Did Nike already score a tournament win with their new ball the 20XI today when Lucas Glover won. Probably not - the sources say he was still playing the Nike Tour D golfball.

Watch out for this guy - Jhonattan Vegas is playing the 20XI, and rebuilding momentum after his PGA win earlier this year.

Here is whats in his Bag
Jhonattan Vegas

Driver: Nike VR Pro 8.5-degree
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Prototype 3-wood/15-degree, Nike VR 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR 53-degree and VR 59-degree
Ball: Nike 20XI

I will be reporting back here after I play the 20XI golf ball for a couple of rounds, this weekend.

Great Austin Tee Time deal this week - Wolfdancer

2011-05-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

If Wolfdancer Golf Club has been on your gotta-play list or bucket list, now is the right time to play this beautiful course. Just a few minutes south of Austin, and north of Bastrop, this beautiful course has matured well and is ready to reward golfers with birdies and pars.

You will have to concentrate on your golf game and minimize being distracted by deer and wildlife (as well as the sheer beauty of the land) to score well.

All weekdays this week GolfNow is offering a very affordable $44.00 rate to play after 1:40

Use this link to find the deal : Great deal on tee-time at Wolfdancer

These tee-times will go fast, so plan ahead and use the web to save money.

Fore
C

Golf Ball Tests and Reviews

2011-05-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

Glad to see that the Nike Vapor One made the list of top affordable golf balls in 2011.

I love this golf ball as it seems to jump off of the face of my irons and have the perfect trajectory. Golf digest gives it a medium rating on the Spin of a Half Wedge swing. And that is in reality the top of the line score for the medium-priced golf ball reviews

hotlist.golfdigest.com/content/hotlist/balls/nike-onevaporspeed.php

Best Golf Deals at La Cantera, San Antonio golf course

2011-05-07T10:33:00.000-05:00

Can be pretty affordable to golf the Palmer Course at La Cantera.

You pay a premium on the weekends, but weekday golf is affordable.

I am seeing a $65 rate for weekdays after 2:00 pm. Worth it, you will never forget the views and the sweeping elevation changes at this beautiful golf course.

Find out more here: San Antonio Golf - La Cantera Golf Deals

Would love your feedback after you have played La Cantera.

Putting Tip: Practice or Putt with 1 hand to improve your putting

2011-05-07T08:18:00.000-05:00

This looks a little awkward, but it works. Putt better by practicing with 1 hand.

This tip comes from Masters champ Jackie Burke, widely regarded as one of the best putters of his day and, perhaps, ever.
The tip is relatively simple: practice two-footers with your left hand only. Start with two-footers, and bang several dozen of them in. It may be difficult at first, but your stroke will become smoother as you continue. You'll strike your putts more solidly. This helps to eliminate the dreaded breakdown of the left wrist.
When you're confident in your ability to make the two-footers, move back to 10 feet. When you're comfortable with that, put your right hand back on the putter. You'll be surprised at the difference.

http://thesandtrap.com/b/playing_tips/use_one_hand_for_solid_putting

My version of this tip is to practice putting from 10 feet, with only your right hand. Learn how to keep it on line and release the putter. The other benefit is that a great tempo surfaces when you putt one-handed.

More Golf Ball reviews

2011-05-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

More details here - There are some great golf balls - even under $20 a dozen.

2011 Golf ball insight and reviews

2011 - New Golf Ball Review

Golf Ball Reviews - Are you playing the right golf ball

2011-05-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

Are you playing the golf ball that is best for your game.

I bet not.

Golf ball fitting is really catching on as both Bridgestone and Titlest are out on the roads of America watching our swing speeds and launch angles in order to advise us of the best golf ball for our swing.

It is interesting. Being a tech guy at heart, I believe the tech in today's golf balls can improve your scores; If you are using a ball that is a good fit.

Golf Digest -tells us he best golf balls in 2011

It is surprising to see the Bridgeston Fix ball win the under $20 category, but there isn't that much competition there.

Also, My Taylormade Penta did not score very well. It spins like a drunk midget, but if you are swinging wildly I can see that being a negative.

- Tell me your favorite golfball, and why.

A great resource for finding Texas Golf in the Hill Country

2011-05-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

Loving this golfers resource.

Central Texas Golfers Guide

A fun and informative video is now on the site, I hope there are more of these.

-C

The best thing about The Morning Drive Golf show - Holly Sonders

2011-05-01T08:09:00.001-05:00

The Morning Drive is still a little hard to watch.... too much time spent on the trivial golf stuff, not enough on the game changing events.

But there is a highlight: Hostess Holly Sonders

Find out more here

5 questions with Holly Sonders

Go Holly Go !

Keep watching and Keep reading.

Vaaler Creek Golf - Blanco Texas

2011-03-18T21:51:00.000-05:00

Sharing my thoughts with you about the golf course outside of Blanco. Spring has sprung - so lets see the highlights of this gem of a golf course.

In a nutshell, I loved it.

Opening holes that let you ramp up into the round, but challenging all the way (if you are out of the fairway, you aren't playing much 'scoring' golf).

Then the finishing holes make you feel like a shotgun toting golf ghost is driving the cart.... Yep they are challenging.

I especially like #16, for the challenge of a well designed par-5, but it all lays out in front of you; demanding three good golf shots for most amateurs. Rewarding you if you pull it off with the magical sound of the ball hitting the bottom of the cup, a birdie putt giving you momentum to finish #17 and #18 strong. Stay out of the giant bunker fronting the green (a common theme at Vaaler Creek).

18 is a difficult hole. The second shot over the water to the flat green is out of the question if your drive is anything but perfect. The first 17 holes were the warm-up holes to prepare your for the beast - 18. Those who play it poorly will walk away hating the golf course. Finishing with a bitter taste in their mouth. The real golfers will either play it smart or get over the pain.

I liked all of the par-3 holes. Two long ones, a medium length and a short hole help guarantee that you will use every club in your bag.

QUIRKY ?
The whole course is not a bed of roses. Hole # 14 with its, tree in the fairway thus blocking where you would like to hit the ball and the optical illusion of the huge bunker just past the tree make this hole a disappointing surprise - similar to stubbing your toe in the dark.

Favorite Hole
Hole # 2 - Has a very quarry like approach to the green and treatment of the pond that fronts the green. Beautiful layout featuring the Hill Country rocks in a challenging way.

I thought I would share this with you while it was fresh on my mind.

I am interested in hearing your opinion or experiences at Vaaler Creek; please share them here via the comments.

Pilot aces landing at Houston, Heman Park Golf Course

2010-01-27T10:48:00.000-06:00

The Houston Chronicle now has a photo and a better description of the airplane and pilot that landed at Herman Park Golf course in Houston Texas.

Story - Airplane lands on Houston Golf Course

Leave comments. I think this is miraculous.

The Cowboys Trip - Jan 3, 2010

2010-01-17T17:10:00.000-06:00

Enjoy this little video !

The Truth about the Putting Greens at The Bandit

2009-08-27T19:43:00.000-05:00

The Greens at the Bandit.

Right up front I am going to tell the truth about the greens at the Bandit; they are challenging.

Most are fair and putt true, but not all of them. In fairness the greens are presented to you in a way that lets you get oriented to them - to a point. That is green for hole #2 is harder than than the green for #1, but easier than the putting surface on #3.... which is a sleeper compared to #4's green. At this point the warm-up to the greens logic goes out the window.

I didn't sugar-coat it by calling most of the greens at The Bandit fair. Two of the greens are diabolical - downright impossible.

The 5th hole at the Bandit is hard enough just because of it's layout and slope down to a creek that runs the entire length of the hole. But the difficulty of the green is the topper on this challenge. The pin is often in the back, maximizing the pain, a compared to a middle pin position as the common location. Report back to me on this one - the entire green complex looks like it tilts from left to right. It does not. Most of the green pushes hard from right (front view) to left. When in doubt, know that this beast breaks hard toward the creek (some 30 feet below the putting surface (north) of the green). You are warned.

The other diabolical green on the course appears in the last chapter - the 18th hole. What pain to have a good or great round and then shoot yourself in the foot by 3 jacking the putts on this closer. Don't do it. Know that this green is just a ledge that sticks out over Long Creek, manufactured by man and challenged by the erosive nature of rain and wind. Yes that is a rock wall that is the embankment behind the green, but don't let that distract you. Once again straight looking putts from 12 feet will break about 3 feet toward the creek, maybe break 4 feet. Be ready. Watch your playing partners putts, then know that gravity is going to betray what your senses tell you, learning that the simplest putts break about 4 times more than you think they will.

Don't fear the greens, but be prepared. The two diabolical greens are more difficult than the practice putting green. Playing the diabolical greens gets better over time, not because you get better at reading them, but from drawing on your memory of putting paths from the past.

The Bandit - The Raccoon Nabs Strokes too

2009-07-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hill Country Golf - The Bandit - The Raccoon Nabs Strokes too

Luckily Keith Foster gave us four warm-up holes when he designed the Bandit golf course. The bad news is that the fifth hole is a brick wall you run in to. Appropriately named Courage Pass, #5 a demanding par-4 that is the first real challenge of the round. Summon up the courage on the tee-box and prior to your approach shot, you will need it to keep from walking away with a double bogie or worse. The fairway slopes very severely from right to left with the bottom of the slope being the creek. It is challenging to stay out of the creek and even if you manage that you may still be on the far left (low) side of the fairway, behind a tree. Aim farther right than your eye and brain tells you, and also fly the ball in the air as far as you can because contact with the ground and subsequent roll scoops your ball left. After you reach the green, remember that the strange gravity on Courage Pass still pulls all putts toward the creek -including those that "appear" to break away from the creek and especially those that look straight. Whatever you wind up shooting on Courage Pass, get over it and put it behind you as there is lots of golf left to play.

Holes 6, 7 and 8 were built with Foster looking over his shoulder and motioning to come-on, "Lets play some golf".

Number 9 "Pinnacle" is the next wake-up call, as this long par-4 (459 yards from the tips) is quite the challenge. There is beauty in the start to the hole as your tee-shot comes out of a chute of protection from the beautiful trees that line both sides of the tee area. The beast bares it's teeth when you prepare for your approach shot and realize that you are in an area that does not have a level lie anywhere around. Small mounds and swales undulate for the last 200 yards in front of the green. Challenging to say the least after slugging your ball down the fairway but still being a considerable distance from the green. Difficult green here too, but more about the greens later.

Bring your A game for holes 13 and 14.

The normally sedate par-3s come roaring to life on "Lake Breeze". A skinny green that runs perpendicular to the tee boxes gets extra small when you see the rocks and watery drink that fronts the green. There are two bunkers at the back of the green that are indeed good targets to shoot for as short shots are painfully lost and there is no apparent drop area, so reload and play better on the next tee swing.

The cussing is almost over, but you still have to sneak past the hole named "The Bandit" (14). This severe dog-leg right hole looks short on the score card, but tell me what you think when you write down the score. There is absolutely no bail-out to the right unless you bomb it 220+ and even then the prevailing wind wants to put your ball in the bunker just short of the green. The smart play is hitting a draw off of the tee-box and aiming for the 150 yard pole. Hit anything that you can draw, but know you need to get it out about 190 yards or more, otherwise your view is obscured for the approach shot.

Tomorrow I describe the greens and their challenges. That discussion will start at #5 for reasons that will be obvious.

Hill Country Golf - The Bandit - The Raccoon Rewards

2009-06-30T17:44:00.000-05:00

The Bandit: Keith Foster designed a beauty of a golf course a few years ago. This award winning loop has matured well and provides golfers with a fun and challenging course. I used every club in my bag, and came away smiling.

The current dry conditions made the course play much differently than previous experiences at the Bandit. Hard and fast would be a sedate description of the golf course right now. While the course is in good shape, conditions give lots of run down the fairways. Well struck shots behave as you would expect with the exception of the runners that go the extra mile thru the turn or down into a crossing creek. To compensate for the hard and fast runners the greens were in extremely good shape considering the drought, very receptive while putting fast and true.

The Rewards

Keith Foster designs great golf courses. With other Texas winners like Texas Star and The Quarry in his portfolio, Foster knows how to provide Texan Golfers with what they want. Namely challenge, followed by rewards when conquering the challenges of the course. The Bandit is a great example of the challenge and reward scenario in the Hill Country of Texas. Each hole has an appropriate name to describe it, so I will use the hole names here to help paint a picture of the challenge and opportunity offered.

Lets talk about what the Raccoon (the official logo for The Bandit is a Raccoon) gives as rewards. Tomorrow we will talk about what the Raccoon steals away.

The first two holes offer fair warm-up par-4 and par-3 holes, allowing you to get the lay of the land (moderate elevation changes while hinting that more elevation changes will be coming). Then #3, "Make Hay" is a par-5 giving you an opportunity to score early. A very forgiving fairway off of the tee box, and then a down-hill funneling fairway to the green gives you a great environment for getting home in two. Just don't miss left with your approach shot as the oysters in the little pond short and left of the green wouls love to "kiss" your wet ball. The green actually tilts from back to front in order to help you get the ball stopped on the green.

Strike while you are hot, by scoring well on #4 "Spanish Dagger". Every step of the way is downhill on this narrow par-4 hole. Use the steel electrical tower slightly right of the mid-point of the fairway as a target because even a little left is a quick step into jail. The elevation probably drops 100 feet (ever so gradually) from tee to green so long hitters can easily hit a hybrid or 3-wood off of the tee-box. I smacked a driver (I am not long) and still wound up with 80 yards to the hole. The green slopes hard left to right, and being below the hole here definitely has its advantages. I walked off with a birdie after making a smoking 25 foot putt (uphill - I told you !).

#8 "Sunset" is the first of two holes where you launch your tee shot from a high and scenic elevation. The mound where the tee boxes are located is the highest point on the golf course and the highest point in the area, offering a great view of the rolling hills and treacherous path that Long Creek makes as it negotiates though the course. Hit a slight draw down the right side of the fairway to get to the promised land, as hazardous sand traps are more numerous on the left side than the single trap you need to clear down the right side. Hitting your second shot from the right side also makes it easier to clear the creek in front of the green and settle safely on the green that is running long-wise to your right side location. A pretty easy par of a very scenic hole.

#11 "Pecan Pie" is the first really loveable Par-3 you will encounter. Usually the wind is helping slightly, and short is more fatal than long on the 163 yard hole.

Loved it, and the beverage cart girl was there to offer some Ice Cream on the Pecan Pie - but in reality she needed to sell us Gatorade Ade or water to prep us for the upcoming rewards.

#15 "Blame Lu" is a par 5 for loving, not hating. Blister your drive down the pipe, 320 yards will still leave you a hair short of Long Creek, but left with choices in getting to the green. Most of us will want to hit a 6 iron then a 9 iron to be in the middle of the green. The bombers have options. This hole has been updated from it's original design, which was prone to washing away right in front of the green during those fall floods that appear on a 5 year cycle. Instead of a creek meandering in front of the green, there is now just a low place that is rarely holding water; giving the bombers a safe landing spot for second shots that don't make it to the green. There are a couple of ways to come away with a birdie here.

Finishing up with 17 and 18 gives everyone an opportunity to walk away as a real golfer.

"Stonewall" is a 148 yard par-3 with a 50 food elevation change from the tee-box to the green. Long Creek runs deep and wide in front of the green, so short is very painful and long is a lot more palatable as two traps can catch any shots where you didn't account for the elevation drop. Make birdie here and keep your noggin in gear for decision making that is needed on #18.

"Long Creek" is the finishing challenge. The creek actually runs down most of the right side of the fairway. This par 5 gives you multiple different ways to play it, but the choices start out with the same winning move - a straight tee shot that either draws slightly or is straight. Hitting a fade off the tee-box is the kiss of death as the fairway runs downhill from left to right and forces fades to disappear into the "heather" and the creek.

This long par 5 offers it all. From the mid-point of the hole, you are going to have to cross over Long Creek, and the scenario described reverses itself - everything on the approach and near the green leans to the left, fairly hard, into Long Creek. The locals always play more club than the yardage calls for because the approach shot is uphill and they know (local knowledge) that the side of a hill on the backside of the green acts like a backstop to keep your ball in play and thus closer to the hole than misses that are short or far left. Slightly long is your friend as you come onto the green.

Tomorrow - The Bandit - What the Raccoon "steals" away.

Content is King - Blog Update

2009-05-25T09:46:00.001-05:00

Freshening up the Texas Golf News Blog.

Actually consolidating the recent content.

http://twitter.com/nativetexancb/

Oh, I had a hole-in-one about a month ago. Make comments or email me if you are interested in the details.

Dang: Headline reads 'Shrinkage in Jersey Village'

2008-03-12T14:03:00.000-05:00

Actually it is a sub-heading in the Houston Chronicle Golf section:

Northwest-area golfer has to be ready to travel

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/glf/5611726.html

Well for sure you will want to travel and get out of the local neighborhood if you are affected by shrinkage.

Chron always picking on the golfer.

C

January's Best Greens ?

2008-01-16T18:38:00.000-06:00

Anybody should be able to grow great grass in the moderate January weather we are having.

Where are the best greens in the Houston Area ?

Anybody been to River Ridge lately? Would like a report.

How about Meadowbrook Farms ?

Some golf course is going to win the coveted Best Greens in Houston award for January ! Help me find the best greens,.

- C B

Photos of the 2006 Nevada Golf Trip

2006-11-04T09:43:00.000-06:00

Big Sky Tournament 2006

2006 Big Sky Golf Tournament

Back from Nevada

2006-11-04T09:35:00.000-06:00

The golf in Mesquite NV was fabulous !

The golf outting to St George Utah was even better.

Go practice putting on your kitchen floor as a warm-up for the speed of the greens. The Ledges Golf Course - It is beautiful.

Off to Nevada for Golf

2006-10-18T17:38:00.000-05:00

There are some great golf courses in Texas.

There are many beautiful ones in Nevada and Utah.

So I am off to experience some beautiful ones.

Hello Mesquite Nevada.

Golf at

Palmer Course at the Oasis Golf

Canyons Course at the Oasis Golf

The Ledges Golf Course in St George UT

..... and then the big finish ....

Wolf Creek - Nevada's Ultimate Golf Experience

AMEN !

Wish me Luck, and yes I will be reporting on the greens and conditions at the courses !

The Big Sky Tournament 2006 is on !

Connie

I would like your input: Best Putting Greens in Houston

2006-08-31T21:08:00.000-05:00

From now until the end of the Labor Day weekend, nominate the golf course of your choice for the best greens in the greater Houston Texas Area. Add a comment below and tell me where the bet greens are.
-Connie

July 2006 - Best Greens in Houston Award

2006-08-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

Great timing paid off for the groundskeeper at MeadowBrook Farms last month.

The greens at Meadowbrook Farms (Katy Texas) are fabulous.

Early in the month they punched and sanded the putting greens. They were barely complete with the verti-cutting when the rain rolled in. And rain it did.

The wet weather for the next three weeks combined with Houston's hot weather made for excellent grass groing conditions.

That made for excellent putting greens; the best putting greens in Houston in July.

9 stars for being receptive
10 stars for speed (fast) and rolling true.

Keep up the good work, we all benefit from great greens!

If you know of some really good greens in Texas this summer, please leave a comment !

Best Greens in Houston: Award Winner for June

2006-07-03T13:56:00.000-05:00

They do a lot of the right things at River Ridge golf club (Sealy)

And the greens are a the top of the list for a golf course done right. The greens in June were receptive and rolling fast.

The River Ridge greens are like a comfortable glove.... they just seem right and compliment the golf experience instead of being a golfing hurdle.

June's Best Greens in Houston award go to Sealy's River Ridge Golf Club, on the banks of teh Brazos River.

Keep up the good work.

May's Award - Best Greens in Houston

2006-06-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

May 2006: Best Golf Greens in Houston

Pretty easy pickins this month.

The greens at Cypress Lakes are head and shoulders above the rest I have played in May.

Smooth and fast. Rolling true.

You need to be below the hole to make a putt of any length.

I flashed back to the greens at Rio Secco (Las Vegas) for a moment..... they were that fast, almost.

Congratulations to the superintendent and grounds crew at Cypress Lakes golf course. Please keep up the good work.

Best Golf Greens in Houston - April's Best Greens

2006-05-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

What a competitive area in April, there are lots of good putting greens in Houston right now.

With all of the golf I played in April I did not encounter any poor greens...

Some are better than others, but no bad greens this year. No fungus, no crud, no recovery from punching and sanding.

The award of best putting greens in Houston for April goes to

BLACKHORSE Golf, near Cypress Texas.

Fast and not furious is the best way to describe them. Very receptive to approach shots,

but rolling fast and true. So fast that a blown putt usually rolled 4 feet past the hole.

Get out and enjoy the great greens before the heat rears its ugly head.

Just a side note: I find Russel Roten and his staff at Blackhorse to be some of the most professional and well prepared in the whole state. Golfing there is always a pleasure. They are very good at expecting the unexpected, handling large groups well, and making tournaments there special and memorable.

- Connie Black

Best Greens in Houston : March 2006

2006-03-31T19:27:00.000-06:00

You are going to laugh if you haven't played there lately.

March's award for Best Greens in Houston goes to Wildcat golf course.

I found the Highland's course green sto be fast as owl STUFF and tremendously fun to putt.

They have already top dressed them (a benefit from no winter, and no trees) and the greens have recovered from the attention.

Approach shots stick and putts are challenging but true.

Wildcat - You win it !

Dallas Morning News Golf Special Section

2006-03-12T13:02:00.000-06:00

I love these guys. They ask some solid and some off-the-wall questions and then summarize and make a special section. Truly a north Texas bias to the column on the best golf course in Texas. No 1 Course in Texas

2006 Dallas Golf Section

Overall a good read,
Connie B

Best Greens in Houston for February

2006-03-12T12:57:00.000-06:00

WHO HAS THE BEST GREENS IN TOWN?
Trying times for grounds keepers in Houston so far this year. The winter grass is not doing very well, it is spring-like already. Temperatures are high but rainfall is invisible.

The February award for best greens goes to Black Horse golf club near Cypress Texas. Both the north course and south course have really fast greens that are in great shape. Seems like the north course greens were a little faster, but both putted true and looked better than averaged for this time of year.

Month of shame: What happened Cypress Lakes? Crusty and baked the day I played. So hard that nothing was staying on the green from approach shots. Looked like they were a day or two away from being dead.

Best Golf greens in Houston - January 2006

2006-03-12T12:52:00.000-06:00

A good, hard battle this month.

River Ridge golf course has the best greens in the Houston area for the month of January.

Pretty challenging month for all greens keepers, no winter weather and no rain.

It probably didn't help that the wind blew all month (at least the weekends).

Congratulations to the grounds keeper and staff at River Ridge, keep up the good work.

River Ridge has 27 holes on the banks of the Brazos River near Sealy Texas.

Best Greens in Houston 2005

2006-03-12T12:51:00.000-06:00

2005

Annual Award for the best greens in Houston:

This was an easy one - Cypress Lakes Golf Course.

Congratulations to Willie Plowman on his hard work.
He has the right attitude,

“When I ride my course in the morning,” Plowman said, “I look at it like I’ve
just paid $59, and my demands are a lot greater than the average player’s.”

Champions Bermuda greens

Cypress Lakes is adjacent to Hwy 290 in far Northwest Houston.

Best Greens in Houston - November Green Competition

2005-12-28T22:07:00.000-06:00

Pretty Easy to pick the superior putting surfaces for Houston, in November.

Awesome greens at River Ridge golf course.

They went through overseeding quickly and without incident,

transitioning to fast true rolling greens in record time.

My recent golfing partners described them as slick and quick.

I summarize the River Ridge greens as being sweet !

River Ridge is a few minutes west of Houston, on the Brazos River near Sealy Texas.

Memorable finish at Wolf Creek Golf Course.

2005-10-29T17:42:00.000-05:00

You need two good swings to make birdie on 18. I know, it was my only birdie of the day. SWEET !

Wolf Creek #14 - My favorite golf hole

2005-10-29T17:40:00.000-05:00

I love this golf hole. Beautiful and all of the trouble is right out in front of you - for you to avoid and bask in the success.

Concentrate on the beauty, not the hazards.

2005-10-29T17:39:00.000-05:00

Look out into the green stuff and give it a rip. What water ?