Discovering Summit Rock Golf Course: A Hidden Gem in Texas

Introduction

Hey there, fellow golf enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a course that stands out from the crowd, let me introduce you to Summit Rock Golf Course in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. Unlike its three siblings designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this gem was crafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself. And here’s the kicker—it’s a private course! So, unless you’ve got a buddy with a membership, you might need to pull a few strings to get a tee time here. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Practice Facilities to Hone Your Skills

Before you even step onto the first tee, you’ll be impressed by the practice facilities at Summit Rock. As you cruise in from the pro shop, you’ll notice a cozy putting green on your left and a well-appointed short game area on your right. And if you keep heading past the first tee, you’ll hit the driving range—it’s expansive! You could easily fit a bunch of golfers swinging away. Personally, the short game area gets my vote; it’s got enough space to practice those tricky pitches. Plus, you can simulate various situations. Perfect for any golfer looking to up their game!

Stellar Customer Service and Amenities

Here’s where Summit Rock really shines—its customer service. The staff at Horseshoe Bay Resort are already top-notch, but at Summit Rock, they take it to the next level. Funny story: While I was taking pics for this review, I got my drone stuck in a tree. I called the clubhouse, and within minutes, someone was on the scene to help retrieve it. I mean, how’s that for going above and beyond? And instead of a pesky beverage cart rolling around, you can just call the clubhouse, and they’ll bring refreshments straight to you. The convenience levels are off the charts!

Oh, and let’s not overlook the comfort stations situated throughout the course, filled with every snack you could want. From Uncrustables to trail mix, this place has got you covered!

Breathtaking Scenery

Now, let’s talk about the visual feast that is Summit Rock Golf Course. As the name suggests, you’ll be playing at a significant elevation, offering jaw-dropping views of the Texas Hill Country. You can really appreciate the beauty from various points on the course.

What sets Summit Rock apart from the other Horseshoe Bay courses is its unique aesthetic. While all the courses have elevation changes, this one introduces a desert vibe with cacti, wispy grasses, and sparser tree lines. Honestly, it’s probably the most visually striking course in the whole resort.

Unique Tee Shots

Teeing off at Summit Rock feels like entering a new realm. Jack Nicklaus designed fairways that range from average to wide, but don’t get too comfortable. If you stray outside the boundary, your ball is pretty much gone! This method is what I call “wide to dead”—you’ve got space, but no room for mistakes.

It forces you to think about where you’re aiming, unlike some courses where the target is crystal clear. That wide fairway can be deceiving, leading you to feel like you can hit anywhere—only to find your ball out of bounds! And don’t forget the angled fairways; they slope dramatically from side to side, adding another level of challenge to your tee shots.

Approaches that Require Strategy

As you make your way through Summit Rock, you’ll realize that the approach shots can be quite the puzzle. With the fairway tilts, you’ll encounter lies where the ball is either slightly below or above your feet, adding a whole new dimension to your game. If you don’t get some practice with those awkward lies, you might find yourself on the scorecard in ways you didn’t anticipate!

The greens here are the largest in the resort, and they pose their challenges, mainly thanks to the cleverly placed bunkers. You’ll want to avoid these, as they tend to be both deep and imposing. But don’t worry too much; Nicklaus gives you safe play options on most approaches, allowing you to miss in ways that don’t harm your score too much.

Greens & Surrounds

When it comes to Summit Rock, your short game’s gotta be on point. If you miss the green, the rough is forgiving—short and easy to deal with. You can often putt right through it, especially since the area around the greens isn’t too hilly. But be warned! The Bermuda grass greens can be tricky; they’re quick, and you may find yourself learning the subtle nuances of each green.

Long putts can be sneakily challenging, moving in directions you didn’t see coming. Take your time to read them, and you’ll find success.

Overall Course Design

Once you wrap up your round at Summit Rock, you might walk off thinking it’s quite the challenge. But give it a second thought. This course is about more than just being tough—it’s designed for those who like to strategize. You might find that it offers plenty of chances to score well.

In fact, I’d label it a “thinking golfer’s course.” It’s got this balancing act where you can miss in multiple places without totally ruining your chances, but you also need to be smart about your decisions. It’s easy to let your ego get the best of you, but a strategic approach will serve you well.

Favorite Holes to Experience

Let’s talk about some standout holes worth mentioning:

• #7 – Par 4 – 323 Yards: This hole lures you in with its risk/reward allure. You’ll have to challenge the green with your drive, navigating bunkers and trees. It’s a fun hole that demands precision.

• #11 – Par 5 – 498 Yards: This one plays downhill, and although it might seem like an eagle opportunity, the fairway tilt complicates things a bit. Land wisely, especially concerning flag positions!

• #13 – Par 4 – 347 Yards: A shorter hole that takes driver out of the equation, requiring a well-placed mid-iron shot. It looks easy but could easily get you into trouble with careless shots.

Conclusion

Summit Rock Golf Course is a breath of fresh air when stacked against the other courses in Horseshoe Bay Resort. With its stunning views and thoughtful design, it’s a course you won’t forget. If you love a golfing challenge blended with strategic gameplay, this course is calling your name. Don’t miss the opportunity to tee it up here!

For more info about Horseshoe Bay Resort and to plan your trip, check out their official site HERE. Happy golfing!