Located between Austin and San Antonio, Kissing Tree in San Marcos is a 1,300-acre gated community built for active adults 55 and older. The key word in this age-restricted neighborhood is “active,” because with a unique assortment of clubs, groups and amenities there is always an opportunity to join the fun and stay engaged.
Residents love to gather at The Mix, the community’s 20-acre amenity campus that includes, pickleball, bocce ball and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools and cafes, hiking and biking trails and a multipurpose event stage set amid an Old World-style biergarten. But, judging by the always busy tee sheet, the most popular way to have fun and be around people is to meet up for a relaxing round at Kissing Tree Golf Club.
Designed by native Texan Gary Stephenson, Kissing Tree Golf Club opened in October 2018. At the time, it was the first new, semi-private 18-hole golf course to be built in Texas in more than five years. Stephenson took full advantage of the natural surroundings of the beautiful Hill Country and routed the course through and around limestone walls, groves of oak trees, colorful native areas and numerous creeks and ponds.
With elevated tee boxes, few forced carries, generous fairways (many 40 yards or wider), and subtle green complexes, the 6,572-yard, par-72 layout is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. Stephenson also incorporated into his design two “hero moments” for golfers. The ninth and 18th holes are both drivable downhill par 4s (325 yards and 287 yards from the tips, respectively) with water and other perils looming around the green. It’s a thrilling risk-reward option for players (especially exciting for the nine-hole crowd) and, fair to say, the scene of many dramatic reversals of fortunes.
Professionally managed by Troon Golf, Kissing Tree Golf Club’s other amenities include a driving range, short-game practice facility, nine-hole putting course and a state-of-the-art clubhouse and restaurant.
Golfers all over Central Texas have flocked to Kissing Tree Golf Club since its opening three years ago. This spring the club will be welcoming another group of avid golfers from an even larger area when it hosts the South Senior Amateur from April 5-6. It’s the first time a TGA Championship will be played at Kissing Tree and the club is eager to be in the competitive spotlight.
“The entire Kissing Tree staff and community is excited to host the 2021 South Senior Amateur,” said Brian Weaver, Head Golf Professional at Kissing Tree. “We view this as a great opportunity to showcase Kissing Tree as one of the Hill Country’s best new 18-hole championship layouts and we look forward to welcoming some of the region’s best senior amateurs to our beautiful facility.”
Scheduled for 36 holes of individual stroke play, the South Senior Amateur features two divisions: Senior (55 and older) and Super Senior (65 and older). Each division will play from different tees/yardages with a separate champion crowned in each division.
“At a little over 6,500 yards from the back tees, Kissing Tree Golf Club might not be the longest layout the players will face all season, but we think the course will present a wonderful challenge,” Weaver said. “It’s in great condition with over-seeded tees and fairways, and the large greens have many subtle breaks that can be difficult to read.”
The 2020 South Senior Amateur was cancelled due to COVID-19. It gave the previous year’s winners, Scott Smith of Houston and Mike Arnold of Windcrest, an extra 12 months to reign as defending champions. Smith carded rounds of 73-68 (-3) to win the 2019 South Senior Amateur at River Crossing Club in Spring Branch. Arnold captured the Super Senior title with rounds of 72-74 (+2).
For more information about the 2021 South Senior Amateur, click here. For more information about Kissing Tree Golf Club, click here.
