Legendary Robert Trent Jones, a pioneer in golf course design, built or rebuilt about 400 courses in 45 states in the U. S. and 35 countries worldwide; many have hosted national or international championships such as Hazeltine National GC, Valderrama (Ryder Cup 1997), Robert Trent Jones GC (host of 3 Presidents Cup matches), Old Warson GC (host of Ryder Cup and 2009 USGA Women’s Amateur Championship) to mention but a few. Spectacular Spyglass Hill GC at Pebble Beach, The Dunes GC- a long-time favorite on the island of Hilton head, dramatically scenic Mauna Kea GC on Big Island of Hawaii are more notable ones. The famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018 is the greatest collection of affiliated courses anywhere in the world!
The celebrated designer left a huge imprint in the Texas Lake & Hill Country as well. Perched along the shores of Lake LBJ and just a short drive from Austin, the AAA four-diamond Horseshoe Bay Resort is home to four award-winning golf courses – three of them were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr (the private 4th course, Summit Rock, is a Nicklaus Signature Design). Slick Rock, Apple Rock and Ram Rock courses impress with challenging obstacles, scenic Hill Country terrain and panoramic vistas of Lake LBJ.
Opened in 1972, Slick Rock, the original and most hacker-friendly course at Horseshoe Bay has played an important part in reviving the Texas State Open and has hosted PGA Pro Shootouts for many years. The classic award-winning gem was renovated in 2016. Water comes into play on 12 holes, but Mr. Jones lessened the impact of bunkering and created inviting targets with the large, rolling greens. The most memorable feature of the course is hole 14, a breath-taking "Million Dollar Hole," where you follow a winding path across a 35-yard waterfall. This Par 4 is arguably the most photographed golf hole at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Apple Rock Golf Course boasts dramatic elevation changes and is touted as one of the most scenic championship golf courses in Texas. Jones, Sr. used some of the highest, most picturesque land in Horseshoe Bay for the Apple Rock layout. You tee-off in high, rocky terrain and finish along the shoreline of Lake LBJ, Hole after hole is dramatic, with exciting elevation changes, magnificent oak trees, and granite-lined stream beds that cut through the course. With more than 50 bunkers, and water coming into play on seven holes, it challenges even the most skilled players. The scenic signature hole Par 3, 12th stretches along the beautiful shoreline of Lake LBJ.
Famously dubbed as the "Challenger," the 3rd golf course, Ram Rock, lives up to its nickname. Water is present on 10 holes, natural streams and waterfalls suck in golf balls. 60 bunkers dot the landscape and narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and a demanding island green par 3 hole (No. 4) test your skillset and mental fitness. It´s also the only course at Horse Shoe Bay that retained a quick putting surface. Ram Rock is respected as one of the state’s most difficult course and ranked among the "Top 15 Courses in Texas" according to GolfWeek magazine.
A visit to one of the boutique wineries close by will add to your Horse Shoe Bay Resort golf and lifestyle experience. Sip on a selection of award-winning Hill Country wines, snack on delicious gourmet cheese plates and enjoy guided winemaker tours.
Golf at its finest; life at its best.
Dec 12, 2022
Sep 15, 2022
