Playing
golf in the Hill Country is a peaceful diversion from the stresses of
modern-day life. Driving the back roads through picturesque small towns and enjoying
the scenery while picking which of the local BBQ joints to check out after the
round only adds to the enjoyment of teeing it up on these rural waypoints.
One of the
best examples of this quintessential Texas experience is Vaaler Creek Golf Club,
the centerpiece of the 1,000-acre Rockin’ J Ranch community, located just a few
miles south of the historic city of Blanco.
Open to
the public, Vaaler Creek was designed by Michael Lowry and was built in two
stages. In a bit of a construction twist, the back nine was the first to open
in July 2007; the front nine opened for play two years later. Lowry
incorporated the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape to create a
challenging, yet enjoyable 18-hole course.
“I’m a
firm believer that golf is supposed to be fun and relaxing, and that’s what
we’re all about,” said Adam Grosch, Vaaler Creek’s Director of Golf. “It shows
with the easy-going nature of the staff and even the residents of the Rockin’ J
Ranch.”
Good times
and great shot values abound at Vaaler Creek. The par-72 layout, which measures
about 6,300 yards from the middle tees, features rolling hills, old oak trees,
elevation changes, as well as several creeks and lakes throughout to make it a
memorable outing for players of all ages and abilities. The course consistently
receives high praise for its strategic design and conditioning by such notable
publications as The Dallas Morning News, Golf Advisor and Golf Now.
“We are
blessed with a great supply of water, so the course is in phenomenal condition
year-round, and we are able to fully overseed the tees, fairways and greens
each winter,” Grosch said.
In addition to
the championship course, Vaaler Creek offers plenty of other first-class
amenities, including a well-stocked pro shop, two-acre practice facility with 20
hitting bays and seven target greens, and tasty food and drinks at the Vaaler
Creek Grill, which has an expansive outdoor deck perfect for hosting large gatherings
and parties. There are also stay-and-play golf packages available at the luxury
Tuscany Heights Condominiums, located right next to the 10th tee.
Vaaler Creek
will be in the TGA spotlight over the next few months when the club first hosts
the Women’s Eclectic from March 14-15, then welcomes the Medalist Hill Country Series
from May 7-8. It might not be a totally relaxing getaway for the state’s
competitive amateurs – there are bragging rights on the line, after all – but
this idyllic destination should provide plenty of smiles, no matter the final
score.
For more
information about Vaaler Creek Golf Club, click here. For
more information about the Women’s Eclectic, click here.
For more information about the TGA Medalist Series, click
here.