Golf course architects often try to mold the land to fit their design philosophy. Not so with Ben Crenshaw and his partner Bill Coore; they have a simpler philosophy. Says Crenshaw, "we believe the best architect is nature and the best player's courses make good use of the natural terrain. We let the land dictate the routing rather than imposing ourselves on the landscape." The designer's ideals gives the course a traditional feel with rolling fairways, natural plateaus, and a wide variety of green sizes.

Tom Fazio came back to Barton Creek to design Canyons Golf Course, the resort's newest course opened in 2000. According to Golfweek he must have done a pretty good job as they named it the "#1 course in Texas." The designer used twice as much acreage as he did on the Foothills Course (completed in 1986) with larger landing areas and bigger greens. However, the genius of Fazio is apparent in the subtleties of the putting surfaces and the use of the natural terrain. In fact, the design is so environmentally friendly that it is one of the first courses in the country with the Signature designation in the Certified Audubon Sanctuary System. Located just two miles from the main clubhouse, Canyons has it's own proshop and practice area.

This Tom Fazio design is Barton Creek's signature golf course. One of two Fazio courses at Barton Creek, the Foothills is famous for its dynamic cliff-lined fairways. However, there are a number of unusual features here including natural limestone caves, waterfalls, and dramatic elevation changes. Fazio constantly keeps the pressure on off the tee where you must hit long and accurate drives. The putting surfaces -- featuring TifEagle Bermuda grass -- are as good as you'll find anywhere. The course was built in 1986 and has consistently ranked among the top publica access courses in the U.S. In fact, it's currently ranked #4 in Texas by Golfweek and #13 in the state by Golf Digest.

Honors & Accolades

Golfweek: rated among America's 40 best resort courses.
The Dallas Morning News: Best Resort Course in Texas.
GOLF Magazine: rated #38 in 1998's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S."

Located 25 miles west of Barton Creek, the Palmer Lakeside Course is a hidden hilltop retreat. Open for play since 1986, the Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay design is considered by many to be one of the best courses in Texas with phenomenal views of Lake Travis. Ranked by The Dallas Morning News as one of the "18 most beautiful in Texas," the eleventh hole -- a magnificent par three with a cascading waterfall -- alone is worth the 30-minute drive.