Take a tour of remarkable Black Jack's Crossing at Lajitas Golf Resort
LAJITAS, Tex. -- Bordered by Big Bend National and State Parks in remote western Texas, Black Jack's Crossing at Lajitas Golf Resort is quite simply one of the most remarkable and impressive golf courses in Texas. While Lajitas has been a golf resort for a number of years, the original course, the Ambush at Lajitas, was destroyed following a flood in 2008. New ownership built a brand new course, designed by Lanny Wadkins, that plays on higher ground overlooking the Rio Grande.
At an elevation of about 2,200 feet, the new course is wall-to-wall paspalum turf, installed to help cope with the extreme conditions of the desert. There are numerous elevated tees, the most remarkable of which are the par-5 eighth hole, which plays from high up, as well as the par-4 14th which overlooks the Rio Grande. In addition to 18 holes, the resort has a large driving range and practice green.
Bordering the national and state parks, Lajitas was transformed from a trading post back in the early 1900s, where General John "Black Jack" Pershing and Pancho Villa battled, into a remote resort with 100 guest rooms and a small village with a collection of shops and restaurants. The bar, the "Thirsty Goat," was named after Lajitas' famous beer-drinking goat, Clay Henry, who was elected mayor of the town.
Other outdoor activities at Lajitas Golf Resort are limitless, including a gun range, horseback riding, tours down the Rio Grande and much more.