San Antonio has the perfect climate and geography for the game of golf. Considering that San Antonio is a popular tourist destination as one of America's fastest-growing cities, it is no wonder that so many great courses are located near this colorful Texas city. If you have a hankering for a round of golf, here are a few courses worth visiting:
1. Willow Springs Golf Course (202 ATT Center Parkway).. This course has hosted countless local amateur tournaments and has been the site of several Texas Open tournaments. Located across the street from the AT&T Center, Willow Springs offers lush greenery amid an urban backdrop. Willow Springs also boasts the longest hole in San Antonio; a 663-yard par 5 second hole that will test your driving skills to the limit. Salado Creek and numerous ponds provide picturesque charm, as well as a golfing challenge. Rates range between $18.00 and $33.00.
2. Olmos Basin (located off Highway 281). Designed by the renowned George Hoffman, Olmos Basin is one of the best-designed municipal courses in Texas. Opened in 1963, Olmos Basin features a 6,870-yard layout characterized by narrow fairways and the occasional water hazard. Much like Willow Springs, Olmos Basin is a driver's course, with long par 3 and par 5 holes. The San Pedro Driving Range is also located on the grounds. Rates range between $32.00 and $37.00.
3. Brackenridge Park Golf Course (2315 Avenue B). Nearly every serious golfer in Texas has made the pilgrimage to Brackenridge to play on this historic course. Brackenridge, which was the original site of the PGA Winter Tour, opened in 1916 and has been a San Antonio favorite ever since. Brackenridge also hosted the Texas Open from 1922 to 1959. Of the course's 18 holes, 15 holes are original, as designed by the legendary golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. This par 71 course measures 6,263 yards and features over thirty bunkers and greens that were recently renovated in 2008. Rates range between $45.00 and $75.00.
4. Pecan Valley Golf Course (4700 Pecan Valley Dr.). Pecan Valley is the course which saw Julius Boros upset Arnold Palmer on the 18th hole at the 50th PGA Championship. Designed by J. Press Maxwell in 1963, Pecan Valley features 200 wooded acres situated along Salado Creek. Pecan Valley is a par 71 course containing a 609-yard 6th hole. Rates range between $43.00 and $89.00.
5. The Quarry Golf Course (444 E. Basse Rd.). The Quarry offers one of the most unique golfing experiences anywhere in America. While the front nine plays like a traditional course, the back nine boasts features most golfers have never experienced, such as a 17th hole which contains a gaping century-old limestone quarry. The back nine is characterized by views of 100-foot high limestone cliffs and a 10-acre lake. Rates range between $59.00 and $89.00.
There you have it; five unique golf courses, each with it's own style and character. From the hallowed greens of Brackenridge to the stunning views of The Quarry, these courses offer the best golfing in San Antonio.