When it comes to promoting spirited indoor and outdoor activities, the city of Round Rock, well, rocks.
Located about 15 miles north of Austin, it’s the self-proclaimed “Sports Capital of Texas.” If you’re going to make a declaration like that around these parts, even if it is unofficial, you had better bring the goods. The tagline may be hard to prove, but there’s no question Round Rock delivers – in a big way.
In addition to miles of nature trails and thousands of acres of public parkland, for the past several decades the city has advanced its athletic endeavors by building sports facilities and fostering athletic programs. From their minor league baseball stadium, Dell Diamond, to the 10-field Multipurpose Complex to the 82,800 square-foot indoor Sports Center, Round Rock has hosted the biggest youth and recreational sports tournaments for athletes from all over the world.
The commitment to providing top-notch facilities has carried over to the city-owned golf course, as well.
Originally built in 1990, the Dick Phelps-designed Forest Creek recently underwent a comprehensive renovation. Overseen by Colligan Golf Design, the nine-month, $5.1 million project began in December 2017 and included reshaping and re-grassing all greens, reconstruction of all bunkers, improved drainage, installation of a new irrigation system and thinning out trees and brush.
The multifaceted project also included the creation of a new par-3 19th hole, as well as an overhaul of the driving range with a new teeing area, well-defined target greens and LED lights so golfers can now work on their games at night.
Unveiled in late 2018, Forest Creek feels at once brand-new and happily familiar. The stunning redo, with its rolling fairways, pristine greens and abundance of native foliage, has drawn rave reviews from local and area golfers. National golf publications also have taken notice. Forest Creek ranked No. 8 in Golf Advisor’s list of “Top 25 Most-Improved Golf Courses” in 2018 and was featured in the October 2018 edition of Club & Resort Business Magazine.
One thing that hasn’t changed at the club, though, is the emphasis on having a good time. From active men’s, women’s and junior golf programs to daily raffle drawings and monthly trivia contests, Forest Creek is a place that provides some welcome relief from the stresses of everyday life.
“We are all about having fun at the golf course and I believe that is why the majority of our customers enjoy playing here,” said Jeff Dayton, PGA Professional and General Manager at Forest Creek. “The main way we ensure our guests have a good time is to engage with them on a personal level by interacting with them in a genuine, helpful and friendly manner.”
Focusing on the fun factor is a key reason why Forest Creek has such a loyal and dedicated following. That philosophy is also why the club has been one of the biggest supporters of the TGA’s Fun Golf Initiative through the years.
“We truly enjoy our relationship with the TGA and enjoy hosting Play Day events,” said Dayton. “Having TGA Members and their friends out to Forest Creek gives people a chance to enjoy our course while playing in a fun format.”
If you’re eager for a dose of Texas hospitality and to see firsthand why the course upgrades have created an elevated level of excitement, Forest Creek will be hosting an upcoming Play Day on April 7.
The event is open to all TGA Members and their friends. Play begins with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. The format is a two-person scramble with Gross and Net divisions. Entering the competition is optional, for those that would just rather play and not worry about their score. The cost is $65 for TGA Members ($75 for non-members) and includes green fee, cart fee, range balls, lunch and prizes for top finishers.
For more information about the TGA Play Day at Forest Creek on April 7, click here.
