Golf-wise, the 1970s still has the power to induce disturbing flashbacks. Eviscerated balata golf balls from skulled bunker shots. 1-irons. Garish outfits with colors, patterns and textiles that were an affront to good taste. Yeesh! Make it stop!
Certainly not every golf-related remnant from that decade is so unsettlingly, though. Fortunately, for generations of Texas golfers, the founders of Horseshoe Bay Resort looked beyond the passing fads of the ’70s and instead set about building an enduring classic.
The development of Horseshoe Bay Resort began more than 40 years ago with the vision of two cousins from Brady, Texas: Norman Hurd and Wayne Hurd. The two agreed that the project’s foremost goal would be, “The creation of something Texas did not have at that time – a top quality resort.”
The Hurds had big plans and were absolute in their commitment to Horseshoe Bay, but even they might be surprised at what the once sleepy little Hill Country retreat has become.
Perched along the shores of Lake LBJ, present-day Horseshoe Bay Resort encompasses more than 7,000 acres. The upscale resort now includes, among much else, a luxury hotel, condos and villas, meeting and event venues, full-service marina, day spa, swimming pools, tennis and fitness facilities and four award-winning golf courses.
Recreational activities abound to be sure, but golf has been a top attraction at Horseshoe Bay from the very beginning.
Slick Rock was the first course at Horseshoe Bay, which opened in 1972. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., who went on to design two more courses at the resort, Ram Rock (1981) and Apple Rock (1985). Completing the foursome is the members-only Slick Rock, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that opened in 2012.
Fun on the golf course doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down, either. Adjacent to the 249-room hotel, Whitewater is a lighted 18-hole, par 72 putting course. Each shot is played with a putter, but this ain’t no carpeted, clown’s nose layout. Featuring real manicured turf, Whitewater was designed like a regulation 18-hole golf course with fairways, bunkers, water hazards and the finest of putting surfaces.
For decades, Horseshoe Bay Resort has been providing guests with relaxing accommodations, family friendly amenities, unique activities, outdoor adventures, world-class golf and great dining options. The resort’s customizable Stay & Play packages makes trip planning a breeze and an ideal way to escape to the Hill Country for an unmatched vacation experience.
With all it has to offer, the AAA four-diamond rated lake and golf destination has been one of the TGA’s favorite venues. It has hosted nearly every championship on the annual schedule. From May 30-June 2, Horseshoe Bay Resort will welcome the finals of Texas League Play for the ninth consecutive year.
Texas League Play was conceived in 2006 as a way to promote spirit, fellowship and camaraderie among TGA Members through interclub matches. Each club team, comprised of eight players, plays a home-and-away series of matches against other teams in its defined geographical conference. At the conclusion of the regular season, each conference champion is invited to Texas League Play Finals, a single-elimination tournament to determine the overall statewide champion.
For more information about Horseshoe Bay Resort, click here. For more information about Texas League Play, click here.
