The University of Texas Golf Club

I've always found it pretty silly, as someone who lives next to UT, that it would take 35-40 minutes to drive well west to Steiner Ranch to play the namesake golf club,. But I finally got the invite and made the trip, and it's definitely a great spot. They allow walking, and we walked it (there are some tough green-to-tee climbs), but push carts aren't permitted, which is one of the dumbest rules I've ever heard of. I guess I'm a muni guy.

That out of the way, the course is challenging and interesting, especially the greens. I recently played Fazio Canyons, and it made me actually think more fondly of my round here, because the greens are bolder and the holes have more variety. The back nine holes overlooking Lake Austin are very nice as well. There are waterfalls, creeks, cool bunkers, a big clubhouse and a lot of beautification that help make this a high-end club. I suppose it is in fact an upgrade for the Longhorns from Mo Willy.

Had a chance to play the UT Golf Club, home of the Longhorn golf teams.

Tucked away in a corner of Steiner Ranch it feels exclusive as soon as you arrive. The staff is very welcoming and friendly, and you'll immediately notice a generous amount of burnt orange. As an alumni, this is great!

The practice facilities are fantastic with a nice putting green, decently sized short game area, and a range with plenty of targets. The 6-hole Spieth Lower 40 short course is another way to hone those short game skills.

All around the clubhouse and the course you'll find memorabilia and tributes to the rich history of Texas Longhorn golf... which is not lacking.

The course itself is a beast. From the Texas tees it's around 7400 yds, including a 240 yd par 3. There are several sets of tees to accommodate different skill levels, but easy is still not a word to describe this place.

There aren't many extreme elevation changes or forced carries, but the rolling terrain does offer plenty of shot making options.

If variety is your thing, then the course does not disappoint. There are a few shorter par 4s to provide scoring opportunities and some very long ones to cancel them out. One downside of the layout is all the par 3s and 5s are quite long. You'll really need to be on your game to make pars on them.

The 15th hole is a great downhill par 4 that ends with a sweeping hill country vista, including a glimpse of the lake. You'll definitely want to have your camera ready after you putt out.

The round ends with a magnificent, long, and uphill par 4. With the clubhouse/restaurant patio overlooking the green, you just might have a gallery as you end your round.

Truly, this is a top-tier facility, with a course worthy of one of the best collegiate golf programs in the country.

This can be a very long course depending on which tee box you choose. If it's your first time, take the club house advice and move up one box. My friends and I did not heed this warning and paid the price. With the elevation changes, twists/turns, and carries -- we had some problems and lost a few more balls than normal. Our scores were all above average as well. Past that, I'd love to be able to play this course often. Because of the neighborhood/community layout, there are a lot of houses lining numerous fairways. It happens. Sure I'd prefer to be surrounded by nature but I'll have to let that idea go for this course. One thing that surprised me was the number of players on the course during a weekday. These guys must day trade from home in the morning and play golf all afternoon. It's a tough life I'm sure. Anyway, if you get the chance to play this course, do whatever necessary to get out and play it! Oh, and Hook'em!