Horseshoe Bay Resort
RAM ROCK GOLF COURSE
Ranked Top 15 in Texas by Golfweek in '06

Horseshoe Bay Resort knows golf. Inside and out. Build your confidence on Slick Rock, then be humiliated at Ram Rock.

Universally considered one of the most challenging of Texas golf courses… I couldn't agree more!

Known as the CHALLENGER or the HUMBLER, my golf partner, Jackie Ann, says Ram Rock is as mean as a cross country trucker with a case of raging hemorrhoids.

Everything about Ram Rock screams bogey. Skinny fairways that narrow to a sliver. Rock gardens and granite outcroppings that transform golf into ping-pong.

Blind tee shots, hard doglegs, trees, tall grass and water. Plenty of water. Not to mention the deepest bunkers and softest sand I've every buried a ball in.

I've played Ram Rock three times. Each score worse than the one before. All my scores were just shameful.

Water comes into play on ten holes and the 59 sand traps are nasty. This is old style bent grass greens that play fast but true.

Dramatic elevation changes highlight this 18 hole, par 71, 6,926 yard Texas golf course.

Now if I haven't scared you away yet, how about hole #4? One hundred ninety-one yards from the tips. The green sits on an isolated island surrounded by water. Stupid difficult. Worse, #4 is only slightly more challenging than the par 4, 488 yard #2. Which is diabolical in its own right.

Ram Rock is not for the hack or recreational golfer. I could see a six hour play through pace for beginners here. One hole after another of design-gotcha golf.

Horseshoe Bay Resort needs to put warnings on Ram Rock. 'Not for sissies, ladies or children.' This course is as hard as a bankers heart. Unforgiving as a Mexican combo plate and as beautiful as your mind can imagine.

Scenery is a ten, difficulty is off the meter. Variety is more than I could stand. An island green for crying out loud.

Now, if getting your butt kicked on every hole is your idea of fun, if you like scores that resemble new car window stickers, then Ram Rock is your course.

This is Horseshoe Bay Resort's signature course. Offering golfers everything from ulcers to acute diarrhea. Really folks, this one will put you in your place.

Only the most skilled, avid scratch player will survive Ram Rock with a reasonable score. All others will have to tell lies. The last time RD wanted to stay at Horseshoe Bay Resort and play Ram Rock I pulled an old trick out of the girls bag, “Sorry Hon, I've got a really bad headache.”

And that's the essence of this unforgiving Texas golf course. Bring your best game or you can expect a headache to accompany the delicious margaritas at the 19th.

If you're planning a Texas golf vacation I recommend Horseshoe Bay Resort. I also recommend you play Slick Rock and Apple Rock before you jump into Ram Rock. It's one of a kind. A no-apology, take no prisoners, beast.

Absolute hell on my handicap!

AUSTIN TRAVEL TIP: Horseshoe Bay Resort offers enough activities to keep the whole family happy. Four swimming pools, full service spa, fitness center, full service marina, seven dining facilities, 12 adult tennis courts, three USTA sponsored kids' tennis courts, besides the three Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed golf courses and the 18 hole putting course. But if you want to include the scenic roads, hills, rivers and lakes surrounding Horseshoe Bay, just ask the concierge services for recommendations.

Ram Rock Golf Course
Horseshoe Bay Resort
PO Box 7766
Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657
(830) 598-6561; www.hsbresort.com/leisureactivities/golf/ramrock/

RESERVATIONS: Call (830) 598-6561.

LOCATED: From downtown Austin, about 45 – 50 miles northwest.

Take Hwy. 71 West for about 40 – 45 miles. You'll cross over Hwy. 281, go another 6 or 7 miles and turn right (north) on FM 2147. The course will be on your left.

FEES: You need to be a member or resort guest to use the course.

$90 – 150, including use of practice greens, range balls and shared cart. Discounts for Twilight, Replay, Junior. Personal lessons available.

If you want to make more than a day of it, check their web site for current golf packages.

GOLF COURSE & FACILITIES: 18 holes – par 71. Driving range and putting greens.

RESTAURANT/BAR: Cap Rock Gill & Bar.

RENTAL: At Cap Rock Pro Shop.

MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSES :: Jimmy Clay :: Hancock :: Roy Kizer :: Lions :: Morris Williams

DAILY FEE / PUBLIC GOLF COURSES :: Avery Ranch :: Blackhawk :: Bluebonnet Hill :: Falconhead :: Forest Creek :: Grey Rock :: Harvey Penick :: Riverside :: ShadowGlen :: Teravista

GOLF RESORTS :: Barton Creek Crenshaw :: Barton Creek Fazio Canyons :: Barton Creek Fazio Foothills :: Barton Creek Palmer Cliffside :: Horseshoe Bay Apple Rock :: Horseshoe Bay Slick Rock :: Horseshoe Bay Whitewater Putting Course :: Hyatt Lost Pines Wolfdancer :: Lakecliff Country Club

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