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The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is truly a world class destination — right here in our Texas backyard.
Located on the outskirts of a city rich in history and culture, this outstanding resort is also home to TPC San Antonio, which has two of the best championship golf courses in the Lone Star State. This gem is private yet accessible to all guests of the JW Marriott resort a spectacular 26,000 square foot, 600-acre facility and one of the largest JW Marriott resorts in the world. Plus, there are Hill Country views to die for and the golf course design is authentic to the heritage of the area.
Hall of Famer Designers
Opened in 2010, The Oaks and the Canyons courses were designed by two of the best and most respected names in golf, Hall of Famers Pete Dye and Greg Norman. Each course is unique in design, layout and topography with the kind of views memories are made of. Both courses were also designed with conservation in mind. (There’s a closed-loop irrigation system that catches water run-off for reuse and has been certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.)
Oaks Course
The Oaks course is a par 72 and plays over 7,400 yards from the back tees. I suggest moving up to the players’ tees, which play around 6,600 yards or the club tees, which makes it a more enjoyable 6,200 yards. As you move around the Oaks, you’ll see how the design kept all the natural beauty of the area intact. A late afternoon round will bring out all the colors as well as the native wildlife.
The course has some narrow fairways cut through the oak trees with bunkers on almost every hole. The 16th hole is a truly unique par 3. It plays about 150 yards from the players tees and has bunkers on both sides as well as one right in the middle of the green. Eighteen is a great finishing hole. From the back tees, it’s uphill and almost 600 yards. The approach to the green is over a creek with the JW Marriott resort right behind the green.
PGA Tour
The Oaks course is also home to the PGA Tour’s annual Valero Texas Open which takes place in the spring. (The 2022 event was held March 28-April 3.) The Open is 100 years old this year and in true Texas style, its commitment to charity is the cornerstone of the competition. Since 1992, more than $126 million dollars have been donated to charity as a direct result of the tournament.
Canyons Course
The Canyons course was designed to keep the terrain completely natural. It’s a par 72, playing over 7,100 yards from the back tees. Once again, for most average golfers, moving up the players’ tees brings the yardage down to around 6,100, but challenges you to use almost every club in your bag. This course just exudes Texas Hill Country, offering some fantastic hilltop views. The stately oaks and cedar trees overlooking the Cibolo Canyons with wide fairways is Dye’s signature.
The Canyons course is more forgiving than the Oaks, so let it rip! The finishing 18th hole takes you right back to the JW Marriott to continue your awesome golf staycation.
A Memorable Weekend for All
Both courses provide a great Texas golf experience. Your scorecard may not end up being memorable but a weekend at the TPC San Antonio certainly will be. In addition to these two challenging courses, TPC San Antonio has a 23-acre practice facility with two putting and short game practice areas. Looking for some tips? You’re in luck, TPC San Antonio has golf instructors on site who are some of the best San Antonio has to offer.
If you’re looking for an authentic Texas Hill Country golf staycation, you don’t have to look any further than TPC San Antonio.
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Cover photo courtesy Robert Leake
Shawn Lively is the co-founder and past co-publisher of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Shawn loves everything Texas and enjoys contributing to the magazine so she can introduce readers to the Texas lifestyle she loves so much.
