50golfer

As someone who decided this year (age 50) to finally “get serious” about working on my game, I’m always looking for a course that is quiet and cheap. I did find both those qualities at Lake Travis Country Club (which also goes by the name Green Deer Country Club). Other than that, however, it leaves much to be desired. First, while it is a golf community course, I see none of the usual trappings I would expect from a “country club”. When I finally found the pro shop (also a misnomer), the guy was surprised to see me...or anyone...and made some brief explanation about “just bought it” and “drought”. Hmmm...

The course itself is in decent shape, aside from dead spots on some greens, but every bunker is completely grown over with grass...this place has been neglected a long time. There is no drinking water on the course...almost unconscionable in the Texas heat. However, it is very playable, and quite challenging, with narrow fairways, and is extremely hilly (many tee or approach shots are blind). Also, if you like whitetail deer, this place is heaven...I encountered herds of 20+ on nearly every hole, with many very large bucks, and all of them are so accustomed to people you can almost pet them.

If you can hit your marks, would rather wait on the deer than another group, don’t need “amenities” of any kind, and need to play cheap, this is a course for you...you will pretty much get what you pay for. I suggest they change the name...

I almost hate to post this review, for fear that people will discover this course, and ruin my easy enjoyment of a round.

As someone who decided this year (age 50) to finally “get serious” about working on my game, this has become my favorite every day course. It’s about 3 miles off the main highway, and if you don’t know this place is there, you’re not going to stumble across it by accident. It is quiet and uncrowded, and hence, has been the perfect place to drop a few extra balls and experiment to find what works. It’s in really good shape, is fairly straight, there is no sand or water to worry about, the greens are in great shape, and fast, and the fairways are neither narrow nor wide open, but if you get off in the rough…you will be reminded that this is Texas Hill Country golf. The pro shop is small, but I don’t come here to buy shirts and clubs, I come here to get a bucket of balls, a cart, and pay my green fees. The staff, however, are extremely friendly…just like you’d expect in the Hill Country!

If you’re a simple man looking to improve at this simple, yet complicated game, this is a great place for you…just don’t come here too often. However, if you’re a loud, obnoxious, golf-righteous foursome from Austin…Vaaler Creek is just a little farther up the road!