Canyon Springs Golf Club

Would love to play it again. We’re from out of town so probably won’t.

This is a very nice semi-private club. It's a very typical Texas hill country course with lots of trees, limestone rock, natural grasses and weeds to line each hole. The course makes really good use of its natural flow.

So, the course and pro shop staff were apparently very accommodating and super chill/friendly during the whole week long process. They had our carts waiting for us with name cards (just as you see during tournaments). The clubhouse has a nice country feel to it. You really do feel like you're on an old homestead that's just been refreshed. They also have additional buildings for banquets, tournaments, weddings, etc. And don't forget the two (2) longhorns that are right behind the clubhouse; they're just along the #1 fairway.

They actually have two (2) driving ranges. We, of course, used the one near the 1st/10th tees. It's more for those about to play a round. This one hits downhill a bit. I like to have a little slope as it makes it easier to see targets, your ball, etc. This one was sloped more than I'd prefer but you can only do so much with the natural terrain. And being in the Texas hill country, you can't expect it all to be flat. This spot had one large putting green with a half dozen or so flags. It was in fantastic shape. However, the flags/targets do not have holes. I've seen this just a time or two now. You just hit to the flag which has a base of maybe 1-1/2". It's perfectly fine for just simply warming up, but I know a number of golfers who really do want a hole for the ball to find. Do I mind? No. I understand that having to cut and replace holes on the practice green surface is simply more involved and damaging. So a simple (small) pole rod going into the turf has to be easier and better for the course.

Above the practice area you'll find a nice, covered snack shop with a walkup window. Given a little more room, it would be great to have some shaded seating up there to rest, watch others practice etc. The staff working the window, beverage cart (saw her twice during the round), and outdoor grill were all very pleasant. It's quite convenient that this snack shop is surrounded by the 1st tee, the 10th tee, and the practice area. And it's all just up the hill from the main clubhouse. While one of the guys in my group opted for a pre-packaged turkey sandwich, the rest of us chose to get a hotdog; and we were the winners. It's a quality dog cooked on an outdoor grill with a buttered, toasted bun. They offered grated cheese and a selection of normal condiments. Personally, I just can't put cheese on one unless there's chili underneath. And if chili had been offered, then I would've ordered two or three and skipped the rest of my round. :)

Carts are of the newer variety with larger cup holders, plenty of pocket space, USB ports, and easy 'no stomp' brakes. We had a cooler on one side and green sand on the other. I'm such a fan of green sand; bonus if it includes any fertilizer and/or nutrients. Along with a daily pin placement card, the carts are also equipped with touchscreen GPS screens that show distances to pins, front/back green, and hazards. It also had an additional pop-up view of the green (slope etc) that I hadn't previously come across. I do wish it would also show distance to other carts on the course but that's just wanting it all, right!? There was a time or two when that could've been helpful in knowing if we were safe to hit. All good though. Oh, and this was the first time to have a radio option on the touchscreen. It picked up local stations +/-. The speakers aren't great but it's an option if you're into having a little something on in the background as you play your round.

The vast majority of the (blue) tee boxes were just fine. They'd done a good job of keeping them from drying out. Only one or two caught our eye as being mounded a bit. We're just coming into spring so the winter grass is going away and the nice green fairways are starting to come in quite nicely. One thing I noticed after the round (while looking at a satellite view) was the number of housing developments surrounding the course. I saw plenty of houses while playing but I never felt cramped by them. On some courses, they seem to be right on top of you. But for the most part, housing was placed away just enough that I didn't feel closed in, didn't feel like I might hit a roof. :) With the trees, other vegetation, and use of the land available, the course layout really provides a nice environment. The rough is very indicative of hill country golf. There are plenty of tall grasses (with some cactus) that you'll need to avoid. You're not going to scramble much on this course. Still, I tried. Ha! The bunkers (of which I found none *thank you very much*) were all in really good shape according to my playing partners. As for water, you only have one hole (#16) with any water and it simply stretches along the left side. The fairway is plenty wide so it really shouldn't be much of a concern. The only 'forced carries' on this course are some tall grassy rough and the #10 tee shot for most of the tee boxes. Past that, I saw one bathroom (without AC) and one water jug. But I wasn't looking out for them as much since the temperature really didn't require me to seek them out. And finally, the greens were all in fantastic shape. They actually cut a thin border around them to separate the green from the fringe. Now, the little cut out on the left side of #14 green got me. I put up one of my better shots of the day going after that flag and my ball ended up rolling off the left side and down into a low spot. "Man, that's just mean." [movie: Payback]

Pro Tips:

Hole #6 is a split fairway. You have to pick one side or the other. But before you do, make sure you look at the GPS and/or pin placement sheet so that you know where the flag is located. It's a massive peanut shaped green. And if you choose the wrong fairway, it's going to affect your distances and approach shots. You should also take note of the flag position on #5. That particular green is terraced and you may have an interesting ride up/down if you land it on the wrong section.

It's rare that I end up sitting around in the bar after a round but today was different. We had a nice time sitting inside having a beverage or two with the game on the TV. Several of us ordered food from their menu (of a dozen or so items). Apparently everything ordered was very well received -- burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, etc. I'd certainly recommend it.

For this particular outing, one of my guys was trying to coordinate with some of his business colleagues to have four (4) foursomes on a perfect Saturday afternoon. In the end, he couldn't fill all of the slots and even had a couple players drop out -- one due to a medical issue, and another who simply texted two (2) hours before our tee time that he couldn't make it. Who does that!? Well, he won't get any invites in the future. As such, another friend and myself were called in to simply fill some seats. Free golf, food, and drinks at a great course all on someone else's corporate dime!? Why not. :)

No shopping for women, a lot of winter kill on the course. Staff friendly. Was here on a golf holiday from Canada.

I took a couple of Army buddies from out of state to this course. It was a perfect complement to the Texas orientation. The waterfall and the Longhorns were great places for a memory photo. The greens were well maintained and fast enough to be be very challenging. Despite the local drought, the fairways were in moderate condition. Only a couple of times did I move my ball to better grass on the fairway.

Great course with great layout. The only complaint is the speed varies between greens. None are above a 9 on stem Peter but varies between 7 to 9. Greens have not been infiltrated with poa annua as others have.

1st time playing this course. I really enjoyed the layout ! The pace today was nice. Greens were smooth and in great shape. The fairways were decent and tee shots rolled out nicely. Par 5s are reachable in 2 with a good drive . A real gem!

Very Nice course. Highly recommended, fairway and greens are in super shape. Will definitely play it again next time we come.

Service at the Pro shop was great, site is very particular and just so awesome.

First time played course was in good shape for winter conditions. Pace was good a little more than 4 hours for 18 . Greens challenging, nice to see irrigation being used. Will play again before heading home.

Canyon Springs is playing nice currently. They seemed to have bounced back from bad weather quite nicely. Fun as always and the staff are great.

This course is amazing! Really great scenery and well maintained. Staff is very nice. Told the guy at the pro shop it was my first time playing and he walked outside talked to me about the course and pointed me in the right direction! I would 10/10 recommend playing here! A little pricey but it’s not a course you will look back and say I regret playing there.