robmabry

First off, ignore any reviews before August, 2015. The course was shut down and renovated in 2014-2015 and just reopened at the end of August.

GCOT's claim to fame is their all Zoysia grass course, the only one like it in the country. I loved the Zoysia in the fairways and around the greens. The ball sits up like its on a tee, giving you a lot of confidence and clean strikes.

The course is FUN with wide fairways, massive greens on many holes and almost no trees. It's challenging without being punishing. That's a big plus in my book.

I saw some other's complaints about the staff from their opening weekend. I am a member of their Range Program (a reasonable $45/mo) and my experience with the Pro Shop and wait staff has always been excellent. Perhaps they were still working out the kinks on opening weekend.

My only complaint about the course is the cost. I'd like to see the course succeed and it is a bit pricey at $79 for a weekend round. A $99 player's program pass will knock that down to $49, but there are a lot of courses in SA that can be played for under $50 with comparable conditions. Especially on GolfNow.

The restaurant serves some really delicious food and is worth the trip just for a meal.

Played Eagle Ranch on a recent visit to Vail (about 40 minute drive). I learned that afternoon storms are a way of life in CO and to plan accordingly. A hot deal in the afternoon lured me to the course, but a storm blew in as soon as I arrived and had me waiting an hour for it to pass, but I'm glad I did.

This course is just plain fun. The fairways are wide and reward you for a well-struck drive. The course meanders through the mountains and each hole is as breath-taking as the next. Greens are quick and true.

Dramatic elevation changes keep things interesting.

The GPS systems on the carts are the best I've seen with flyovers and advice for every hole and touch screen interactivity to check distance anywhere on the hole.

Food is reasonable, tasty and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Rangers patrolled the course
and kept pace of play up without being a nuisance.

It was a special day on a great vacation. Highly recommended.

Played on Father's Day 2013 in the afternoon. The San Antonio area has been getting a lot of rain recently which probably contributed to the good condition of the course. Greens were slow but consistent and overall the course is well maintained. Played behind a group in a tournament that must have been called the "Worst Golfers in the World who are Also Obsessed with Lost Balls but Unaware of the Concept of Pace of Play Invitational." So it was a little slow.

The pro shop and club house have been recently renovated and create a relaxing ambiance. Food was good and there was cart service on the course.

Played this course in February and once over the previous Summer and both times the greens were in impeccable shape and fast. With many two-tiered and domed greens, it's the play on the putting surface that sets Northern Hills apart from other courses.

The fairways were in so-so condition with brown spots and weeds here and there but nothing to fuss about. The open course design will be welcome for golfers of average skill as its not too punishing on an errant shot.

Will definitely play it again soon.