PALMER GOLF COURSE
Once Hidden Hills County Club,
Now Barton Creek Resort Driver's Course

The 17th hole.

Palmer Golf Course has been an important part of Austin golf since I've lived here. It's reputation as a hitter's course is unparalleled.

Located 25 miles west of Austin in the sleepy little town of Spicewood. I've played the Arnie designed Palmer Lakeside on several occasions.

Scenery is 100% Texas Hill Country and the course is unforgiving unless you can muscle drive with accuracy. My game is DOA at Lakeside.

Five sets of tee boxes make this Palmer Golf Course manageable, but that's it. Remember, I'm a woman. I play from the back tee and my drives are short with a nasty hook if I get under it too much.

I hate to admit this, but Palmer Lakeside is a guy's course. It really is. As a matter of fact, they see the fairways and get as hungry as a Richard Simmons dinner date. They froth at the eyes. The terrain is rolling but the course is fairly flat. There is a natural flow from one hole to the next that makes for well thought out and precision drives.

You have forced carries over several water hazards. No. 1 is a tee shot that drops 70 feet to the fairway. The 18th hole is a blind approach shot. And number 7 will take the wind out of your sails, 403 yards, dogleg into a canyon with the green surrounded by trees. Screw the tee shot and your double bogey awaits you.

The 11th hole is one of the prettiest in Texas. Real charmer. One of the great historical Texas golf courses. Palmer golf course design is timeless.

I like playing here even if I do get beat as bad as UT beats OU. Lakeside is a big, fun, scenic course with great greens. Arnie was laughing his butt off when he designed this course. It challenges you with distance and accuracy. Arnie's course, Arnie's game. What could be more seductive to any player who prides themselves in mega drives over hazards followed by money lay ups.

If you visit Barton Creek Resort make the trip to Spicewood. Play Arnie's Palmer Lakeside Golf Course.

Really -- get out of the resort complex and play Palmer Lakeside Golf Course. You will thank me. Twilight is magical.

AUSTIN TRAVEL TIP: After your round, eat at Backstage Steak House. Order the 18 oz. Porterhouse. It's the best steak in Austin not named Ruth Chris. On Hwy. 71 going back to Barton Creek Resort, on the left hand side. They open at 4 or 5 pm, (512) 264-2223; www.backstagesteakhouseaustin.com.

Palmer Golf Course Lakeside
Barton Creek Resort & Spa
8212 Barton Club Dr.
Austin, TX 78735
(866) 572-7369 or (512) 329-4000; www.bartoncreek.com

RESERVATIONS: You must be either a member or resort guest. Golf rates start at $75 and vary by course and time of year. Check out golf packages or reserve a night and tee time at your own convenience. Online or call (512) 329-GOLF (4653).

LOCATED: Barton Creek Resort is about ten miles west of downtown Austin. Take Bee Caves Rd. to Barton Creek Boulevard and turn left. Go 2 miles and turn left on Barton Club Dr. which goes to the Resort complex. Go to the Main Resort Entrance (third entrance on the left) for guest check-in. Palmer Lakeside Golf Course is a further 25 miles west.

GOLF COURSE & FACILITIES: 18 holes – 6,645 yards – par 71

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 :: Horseshoe Bay Apple Rock :: Horseshoe Bay Ram Rock :: Horseshoe Bay Slick Rock :: Horseshoe Bay Whitewater Putting Course :: Hyatt Lost Pines Wolfdancer :: Lakecliff Country Club

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