The Golf Club at Star Ranch
This week’s course of the week is a hidden gem in central Texas called The Golf Club at Star Ranch. Known for its growing popularity, the course is still fairly new, founded in 2001. At this team, the area of Hutto was undeveloped and had many opportunities for growth. Since then, and much like the city of Austin, Hutto has exploded in popularity and hence, so has The Golf Club at Star Ranch. Truly a central Texas golf course, Golf Advisor has rated the course as one of the top places to play in Texas since 2016.
The Course
The course itself can play just north of 7,000 yards from the back tees and just short of 5,000 yards from the front tees. Tee-shots at Star Ranch are especially important due to the undulated fairways, native grass, and water on a variety of holes. Very rarely will a player have a straightforward hole from tee to green, which we think makes the course exciting and fun to play. Architects Carter Morrish, Jay Morrish, Roy Bechtol, and Randolph Russell did a phenomenal job with the strategic placement of the bunker play as well. For those who know about central Texas golf, it is categorized by unforgiving native grass just off of the rough, and gorgeous bunkers. The Golf Club at Star Ranch is just that.
Once players have found themselves working on their second shot (or third), one thing that is noticed right away is that where the ball lands is not where it will always rest. The undulation of the fairways can either aid with enhanced rollout of the golf ball, or it can hurt by leaving players with tough approaches in. Many times, players will find their tee-shot in one of Star Ranch’s beautiful sand bunkers. Moving through the approach shots individuals may have, it is obvious that several greens will be beside some sort of water hazard. Without stating the obvious, bunker play as well as ball-striking out of the rough is at a premium to avoid penalty shots.
Lastly, the greens around Star Ranch are truly underrated and incredible. The scenery around the golf course certainly plays its part as to why the course continues to be rated so highly, but the Star Ranch greens are in great shape year-round. Additionally, this area of play is likely the most challenging at Star Ranch, as just as the fairways, the greens are often times very undulated and difficult. When leaving the golf course, the one green that players will be reminded by is the par-3 15th, which includes a waterfall and beautiful pond right below the putting surface.
Amenities
In addition to the golf course, Star Ranch has phenomenal practice facilities. Featuring a spacious ranch with unlimited range balls, players feel prepared and ready by the time they approach the first tee. In addition to the driving range, the practice areas include sand traps, chipping and pitching areas, and multiple putting greens. To say it simply, it is not difficult to arrive to your tee-time an hour early and have plenty to do.
The last topic of discussion revolves around the stunning 15,000 ft clubhouse and grill, which includes merchandise, food, drink, and TVs. Following a round, it is very common to see many plays enjoying an ice-cold beverage, while enjoying the company of good friends and some sports on TV.
Our Opinion
The Golf Club at Star Ranch is an unbelievable public golf course in the central Texas area. From clubhouse to practice facilities, to course, this is a must play for individuals in the area. Plus, Hutto, TX is just 40 minutes up the road from the tourist town of Austin. We highly recommend getting out there.
Additional Information & Feedback
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GreenSeeker
