Hill Country Golf weekend

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AustinCountyAg
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11:32a, 3/18/26
In the process of putting together a golf weekend for a foursome and looking for tips and suggestions. Will most likely take place in the late summertime. Current thoughts so far is getting an airbnb somewhere around the Fredericksburg/Comfort areas and we'd hit up the courses in that area.

Lady bird J course
Buckhorn
Vaaler
Commanche Trace?-not sure if this is fully private or if its accessible?
Riverhill


Vaaler is the only one I'm familiar with so any suggestions are appreciated.

Would most likely play 18 fri, 18 or 36 Sat, 18 on Sun then drive back home.
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jja79
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12:05p, 3/18/26
AG
I don't know why but I really like Lady Bird. Sounds like a great weekend. Enjoy.
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Fdsa
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12:43p, 3/18/26
Sounds fun...grew up in the area and now live closer to San Antonio.

Lady Bird - yes, conditions late in the summer can be hit or miss depending on rain, but still a fun track.
Buckhorn - yes, very easy, wide open, etc. Believe they use all reclaimed water, so I've never seen it in bad shape.
Vaaler - I've never actually played there, but it looks nice.
Comanche Trace - fully private. No public play. If someone in the group has a club pro, maybe they can help out.
Riverhill - same as Comanche Trace (fully private)...but a level below in the experience.

I would consider adding the Kerrville course to the mix (Scott Schreiner). They redid the greens last summer and I'm told it's in good shape. Again, depending on how rough the summer drought is. Vaaler and Buckhorn are likely your best conditions.
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to Fdsa • 12:48p, 3/18/26
thanks for the info...since you're local are there any other courses in the area worth playing? Willing to head further SW towards Boerne if the options are better.
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Fdsa
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12:59p, 3/18/26
I'm going to make some assumptions here...the group is mainly single-digit or low double-digit handicaps and mainly just wants to hang out. If this is true and you are staying in Fredericksburg, I would honestly keep it to Lady Bird, Buckhorn, and probably Vaaler. You could think about playing Vaaler in the morning and Buckhorn on the way back to Fredericksburg on Sat. Maybe add Kerrville if you want to mix it up.

IF you want a better test of golf, and upgraded courses, you will need to get onto one of the previously mentioned private courses or head to San Antonio (Canyon Springs is fun and on the outside of town, public). Or TPC, but pricier.

I say all the above because I have taken higher handicaps to Canyon Springs and TPC, and it was more of a beatdown for them than, say, Buckhorn. But really fun courses for a low / + handicap.
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DargelSkout
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2:28p, 3/18/26
AG
Good choices, I really like Vaaler and the Buckhorn. Comanche Trace is nice if you can get on. I've played a couple tournaments there, but can't remember if it's private

You might also look at staying in Kingsland and playing Legends and Lighthouse. We took a guys trip there several years in a row (my buddy's sister owned a house there). Lighthouse is a fun course that is cheap and a layed back atmosphere. Legends is a little nicer and probably more like the Buckhorn or Vaaler as far as conditions. There are some other courses a little further but we just stuck to those two since they were close. Not sure what kind of shape they're in now, it's been a few years since we made that trip.
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BrisketTaco10
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3:29p, 3/18/26
AG
I'd add Delaware Springs as an option if you're going the Kingsland/Burnet/Marble Falls route.
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David_Puddy
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3:41p, 3/18/26
AG
Vaaler is probably my favorite public course in that area outside of Austin. My cousin lives in Wimberley and before he got a membership out at Horseshoe Bay, he said a lot of great things about Kissing Tree, so that might be worth looking into. If you're looking for a decent spot that is fairly reasonably priced, the public course in Wimberley (Double J I think is the name of it) isn't bac. But I'd pick Vaaler over that course any day of the week.
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inozips
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4:31p, 3/18/26
AG
Lady Bird J
Buckhorn
Vaaler
Commanche Trace?-not sure if this is fully private or if its accessible?
Riverhill

Comanche & Riverhill are private you got to know a member. Both are winners, love bent grass greens, hope you get on. I play Vaaler once a month and it is the pick of the litter here, Lady Bird and then Buckhorn. Was on Buckhorn last Saturday it's fine, wide open and hard to lose a golf ball. The muni in Kerrville mentioned above is a fun layout but I've not seen it in a year.

Looks like a great weekend to be in the Hill Country
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SouthAustinAgSwag
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In reply to inozips • 4:33p, 3/18/26
AG
If you can get on with a member at Escondido, congratulations. It's the best course I have ever played (June 2022).
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MarylandAG
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11:35p, 3/18/26
For pure fun and not to take it too serious there is a fun 9 hole golf course in Horseshoe Bay called Blue Lake Golf Course. There is no range, they have 3 cages to warm up and if memory serves a practice green. The course has lots of elevation changes and is a fun layout. I forgot why we went, I think it might have been for a STGA Junior Tour tournament my daughter played years ago. We came from the Houston area and it was unlike anything we had seen in our area. We enjoyed it and I never forgot it!!! When it is right, we love Lady Bird.

https://www.bluelakegolf.com/

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C ROC N
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7:24a, 3/19/26
My son played a tournament at Fair Oaks Ranch & it was in great condition! I believe it's private, but I see people selling rounds of four certificates pretty often on different golf forums. May call them and ask for an invite to preview?
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AggieInHouston
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8:44a, 3/19/26
AG
If you're not 100% sold on the Kerrville area, Horseshoe Bay offers some pretty reasonable packages to spend a couple nights and play 3-4 rounds of golf. It might be worth exploring.
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Ragoo
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9:36a, 3/19/26
AG
I played HS golf in New Braunfels in the very early 00's. I feel fortunate I played Comanche Trace in the very early days. The clubhouse on top of the hill was stunning, huge deer. Also got to play River Crossing in High School.


Could also consider Flying L in Bandera and or Tapatio Springs.
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Ragoo
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In reply to BrisketTaco10 • 9:38a, 3/19/26
AG
BrisketTaco10 said:
I'd add Delaware Springs as an option if you're going the Kingsland/Burnet/Marble Falls route.
could add meadow lakes in MF too
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to BrisketTaco10 • 9:48a, 3/19/26
BrisketTaco10 said:
I'd add Delaware Springs as an option if you're going the Kingsland/Burnet/Marble Falls route.

I thought about the Kingsland area as an option as well. I love Delaware and Legends. However, skimming airbnb's for the time frame we are looking I didn't see near as many options compared to the area around Blanco/Boerne/Fredericksburg.

It's still on our radar though.
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Fdsa
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11:46a, 3/19/26
how many are in your group?
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to Fdsa • 12:29p, 3/19/26
4 most likely
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oldarmy76
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In reply to AustinCountyAg • 7:08p, 3/19/26
Valler has a stay and play option. I don't think you'd get bored playing that course multiple times and would increase hang out time
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to oldarmy76 • 8:10p, 3/19/26
That was the plan but looking online it seems most rooms only have three beds in them. We ain't doubling up in no bed. Too old for that nonsense. Reason why we considering a house somewhere
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Medaggie
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11:27p, 3/19/26
I am doing similar and have a place on LBJ that we will be hanging around at. We plan on doing this in April
1. Legends - Well maintained but mostly flat/few trees. It can get really hot in the summer without much shade.
2. Lighthouse - Played last fall and very well kept. Nice elevation, lots of character, and inexpensive. It is a hidden gem that you should look at
3. Hidden Falls - Never been here but it is on the way home to Austin.

I am not sure when your planning to go but I may be give you a good deal. We have an open water property with a spectacular view.
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to Medaggie • 11:39a, 3/20/26
Medaggie said:
I am doing similar and have a place on LBJ that we will be hanging around at. We plan on doing this in April
1. Legends - Well maintained but mostly flat/few trees. It can get really hot in the summer without much shade.
2. Lighthouse - Played last fall and very well kept. Nice elevation, lots of character, and inexpensive. It is a hidden gem that you should look at
3. Hidden Falls - Never been here but it is on the way home to Austin.

I am not sure when your planning to go but I may be give you a good deal. We have an open water property with a spectacular view.

that sounds awesome. looking maybe july/september time frame.
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Goodnight Irene
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In reply to AustinCountyAg • 7:27p, 3/20/26
AG
AustinCountyAg said:
That was the plan but looking online it seems most rooms only have three beds in them. We ain't doubling up in no bed. Too old for that nonsense. Reason why we considering a house somewhere


We have done it several years and they have always made sure everyone gets their own bed. Even if it meant two guys in a condo with three beds. You should email them and ask if they still do that. It can't be beat for price. Last year we paid $250 for one night in the condo, 2 Friday rounds and a Saturday round
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AustinCountyAg
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In reply to Goodnight Irene • 11:19a, 3/23/26
Goodnight Irene said:
AustinCountyAg said:
That was the plan but looking online it seems most rooms only have three beds in them. We ain't doubling up in no bed. Too old for that nonsense. Reason why we considering a house somewhere


We have done it several years and they have always made sure everyone gets their own bed. Even if it meant two guys in a condo with three beds. You should email them and ask if they still do that. It can't be beat for price. Last year we paid $250 for one night in the condo, 2 Friday rounds and a Saturday round

what course are you referring to?
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Goodnight Irene
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In reply to AustinCountyAg • 1:48p, 3/23/26
AG
Vaaler
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klockness
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1:58p, 3/23/26
AG
As others have said Vaaler should be on the list. It use to be a hidden gem, doesn't sound so hidden anymore. Fun layout, not crazy tough but a good challenge and really nice hill country feel to the course using the rock and elevation changes.

Buckhorn is good and fun as well, a little more open layout and slightly flatter. It has some challenges but some bail out options on most holes if you tend to slice it a fairway or two over.

I've played more around San Antonio so some thoughts on those courses. Kissing Tree is meh, good conditions nice facilities but not nearly as fun. I'd play Landa Park over Kissing Tree from a fun hill country layout perspective. In San Antonio Canyon Springs is a fun one, so is the Quarry. Both those green fees are starting to get close to the resort courses.
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Ragoo
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In reply to klockness • 5:41p, 3/24/26
AG
klockness said:
As others have said Vaaler should be on the list. It use to be a hidden gem, doesn't sound so hidden anymore. Fun layout, not crazy tough but a good challenge and really nice hill country feel to the course using the rock and elevation changes.

Buckhorn is good and fun as well, a little more open layout and slightly flatter. It has some challenges but some bail out options on most holes if you tend to slice it a fairway or two over.

I've played more around San Antonio so some thoughts on those courses. Kissing Tree is meh, good conditions nice facilities but not nearly as fun. I'd play Landa Park over Kissing Tree from a fun hill country layout perspective. In San Antonio Canyon Springs is a fun one, so is the Quarry. Both those green fees are starting to get close to the resort courses.
I grew up at Landa Park.
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CapCity12thMan
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9:48a, 3/25/26
AG
just go to horseshoe bay and all issues resolved. That gives you options outside of HSB also if you want.

I'd also throw in Lakecliff CC - bent grass greens, and prob < 30 mins away from HSB

also would recommend Delaware Springs
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TexasAg95
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10:47a, 3/25/26
AG
grew up in Kerrville, agree on Scott Schreiner in Kerrville. For a muni it is a great course. My dad used to take me to Flying L, it was great then (10 years ago). Lady Bird is solid too. Same level as SS.

Tapatio in Boerne is nice too. Had different owners through the years but it's not totally private, I don't think. We always had HS tournaments out there.

My dad's best friend was the pro at Delaware Springs in Burnet for a while, another solid hill country track.

Comanche is top notch but private, Riverhill is a byron nelson design and he was quoted numerous times saying it was his favorite course. He used to come to Kerrville and stay and play. At one point Riverhill had cottages and stay and play.

Great Byron story, I think this was late 80s. My dad spotted him in a restaurant in Kerrville, on the way out introduced himself, Byron was a total gentleman, nice to meet you, do you play golf, etc. Dad mentioned he had a son who played golf , I was probably 12 at the time. Byron says come out to the car with me. He kept a stack of glossy black and white 8 by 10s in a box in the trunk of his car for situations like this to give people autographs. He asked what is your son's name, signed it to me with perfect penmanship, gave it to my dad, and I have it framed on the wall today.


This isnt the picture but it's the same photo. Funny, there are a bunch of this same photo signed to different people available online!




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bigagcode123
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12:03p, 3/28/26
I grew up in Bandera learning to play golf at Flying L. You might consider it. It was closed close to
3 years for a major overhaul. They brought in one of the assistant greens keepers from Comanchee Tracen to do the overhaul. It now has bent grass greens, tee boxes and the best sand traps in the hill country in my opinion. Pure white sand, that the owner imported from the Yucatn. Anyways, I've played it a few times since the upgrades and was very impressed. Also have not had a lot of traffic out there so you should be able to get a round in timely.
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Fdsa
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In reply to TexasAg95 • 1:10p, 3/28/26
Cool story…TFND '99
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RooAg
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2:15p, 3/28/26
AG
Am I the only one who was let down by Vaaler? Maybe I built it up in my head with everyone calling it such a hidden gem, but don't really see the need to go back.
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DGrimesAg92
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In reply to Fdsa • 9:29p, 3/31/26
Fdsa said:
I'm going to make some assumptions here...the group is mainly single-digit or low double-digit handicaps and mainly just wants to hang out. If this is true and you are staying in Fredericksburg, I would honestly keep it to Lady Bird, Buckhorn, and probably Vaaler. You could think about playing Vaaler in the morning and Buckhorn on the way back to Fredericksburg on Sat. Maybe add Kerrville if you want to mix it up.

IF you want a better test of golf, and upgraded courses, you will need to get onto one of the previously mentioned private courses or head to San Antonio (Canyon Springs is fun and on the outside of town, public). Or TPC, but pricier.

I say all the above because I have taken higher handicaps to Canyon Springs and TPC, and it was more of a beatdown for them than, say, Buckhorn. But really fun courses for a low / + handicap.


Buckhorn is not even remotely close to Vaaler when heading back to Fredericksburg.

I like Vaaler on Friday.

I live and play at River Crossing (Private), but play Vaaler frequently and it's in good shape.

If I were you on Saturday, I'd stay at Vaaler, play 18 in the morning and then go in and play Canyon Springs in the afternoon. It's about a 35-40 min drive.

Not sure where you live, but an option when driving home could be Landa Park or The Bandit in NB or Plum Creek or Kissing Tree (Semi-Private) in San Marcos.

Comanche - Not getting on
Riverhill - Not getting on
Lady Bird - Meh
Rebecca Creek - Don't even think a out it
Buckhorn - Meh


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putu
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11:32a, 4/7/26
AG
Late to the party, but I would be happy to look at options with you at Horseshoe Bay Resort if interested.
After July 4th weekend, I can definitely get you better deals on the accommodations side.

r mcleroy at hsb resort dot com
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raidernarizona
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10:14p, 4/8/26
Go to Los Tios in Fredericksburg one night. Fantastic Tex-Mex and bar.
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