Omni Barton Creek Resort - Palmer Lakeside Course

The front nine holes of this course cover the gamut of types of holes: easy, over water, over trees, over deep gully's, into the wind, into the wind, and into the wind. The second nine is more scenic and more playable. Greens are in good shape while the fairways looked dried. Lacked the greenness of the trees, etc. Staff was exceptional. I was hosting clients on this round from UK, Germany, and California, and they all had challenges yet thoroughly enjoyed the course.

This is the one course at Barton Creek Resort that isn't at the resort, but it's well worth the drive and certainly a change of pace. While it's only 6,500 yards, it's anything but easy. Play the back tees, and there are some long par 4s, plus it's not that easy off the tee. What it is is interesting. No two holes are alike, and it will test every part of your game.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Club has four courses, but the Palmer Lakeside course is on its own, located far from the main resort compound, about 40 minutes away (next door to another private club, LakeCliff, that is pretty solid too).

Similar to Barton Creek's other courses, it's a Hill Country layout all the way with wonderful scenery. Unlike the other three, it's an Arnold Palmer design and there are Lake Travis views from the first tee and some really good ones on the back nine. The back nine is definitely a step up from the front, and two par 3s, 11 and 14 are real showstoppers. It's generally playable and just 6,400 from the tips, which we played. In hindsight, it felt like a long 6,400 yards and maybe we should have played a box up.

All that said, this is probably the weakest of the four resort courses, so don't feel like a drive all the way out here is totally necessary. But it is a very relaxed and pleasant environment and it also seems like the tee sheet is usually going to be more wide open.

We stopped at Opie's BBQ, which is very close to the course, and had a great and filling lunch. I'd recommend the same.

What a fantastic course that doesn't appear to see a lot of play. Given how far this course is away from everything, it seems that members and guests sometimes to venture out West to play this hidden gem with some fantastic lake views. This course will feature plenty of quality and memorable holes with forced carries, waterfalls, sharp doglegs and overall quality design features.

The only thing I would possibly change is that on the first teebox, the tips are located literally 5 feet away from the putting green and 10 feet from the parking lot. Granted, better players should be able to block this out, but that was a little quirky. Aside from that, this is a fantastic course with a truly remarkable and memorable back nine the presents loads of scoring opportunities if you perform adequate course management.

This course is located about 30-40 minutes from the rest of the Barton Creek Resort. If you are coming into town to stay at the resort I recommend playing this one on arrival date and then heading to the resort. The parking situation at the resort is tight so hitting this course first and then leaving your car parked for the rest of the stay (other 3 courses are on property) is a good bet.

It's 45 minutes from the rest of the Barton Creek Resort, but if you have time, make the trip out to Spicewood and check out this little gem of a course. With five unique par 3s, some difficult greens and plenty of scenery, it's nothing like the other three courses at Barton Creek and well worth the effort.

Overall the course is fantastic. From the tee boxes to greens, the course is well manicured. Not a long course, but challenging in its own way. Miss the fairway and you will be in 2 inch high rough. Not a long course, but precise at that. Green rolled true and fast.

I think the $100 green fee is a little steep, but enjoyed my time. If you are looking for hill country views this is your place.

If you are staying at Barton Creek I highly recommend playing this course. The staff is top notch! The course is in great condition. It is not hard drive, however having directions was reassuring.

This course is out near Spicewood TX so getting there from anywhere around Austin can really take some time. You're not likely to just pop over and play; you'll need to factor in extra time on the road before and after.

True to a private/resort course, I was met in the parking lot at my vehicle by a very nice gentleman who loaded my clubs, checked to make sure they were clean, etc. I believe they even had a couple of cold bottled waters. As with hill country courses, there are sometimes a few more turns and doglegs. Add that to a few ponds, elevation changes, and big oak trees and you come away with a really nice and enjoyable course.