San Saba River Golf Course

About
Carved out of pecan orchard, San Saba River Golf Course is one you don't want to miss when you're within reasonable distance of this quaint little town. More than 600 pecan trees dominate the landscape, helping the course produce more than 30,000 pounds of pecans each year. Unlike other small-town courses, there is nothing easy about a golf round at San Saba. The front nine, built in 1972, is really tight, and anything that strays from the fairway will require imaginative recovery shots from the pecan trees. Most of the par 4s are close to 400 yards, the par 3s play over 170, and the two par 5s are extremely long, including no. 9, which goes 625 yards from the back. San Saba River's back nine, added in 1987, isn't as squeezed by the pecans, but has more water hazards that impact play. This side also has two long par 5s, but there are a few solid birdie chances, especially the 152-yard, par-3 13th.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|---|
Blue | 72 | 6904 yards | 72.5 | 119 |
White | 72 | 6379 yards | 70.5 | 113 |
Gold | 72 | 5475 yards | 69.5 | 111 |
Red (W) | 72 | 5246 yards | 69.5 | 110 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue M: 73.2/121 W: 79.4/137 | 399 | 178 | 396 | 412 | 416 | 580 | 174 | 448 | 625 | 3628 | 364 | 152 | 336 | 580 | 366 | 187 | 353 | 400 | 538 | 3276 | 6904 |
White M: 70.6/118 W: 76.5/130 | 385 | 151 | 375 | 385 | 383 | 510 | 162 | 425 | 575 | 3351 | 347 | 143 | 326 | 534 | 351 | 174 | 339 | 336 | 478 | 3028 | 6379 |
Gold M: 66.4/108 W: 71.4/120 | 380 | 110 | 275 | 298 | 335 | 485 | 140 | 330 | 500 | 2853 | 330 | 142 | 235 | 470 | 330 | 135 | 250 | 320 | 410 | 2622 | 5475 |
Red M: 65.3/104 W: 70.1/115 | 275 | 105 | 267 | 290 | 325 | 480 | 132 | 324 | 495 | 2693 | 321 | 133 | 229 | 467 | 326 | 127 | 241 | 314 | 395 | 2553 | 5246 |
Handicap | 14 | 10 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 17 | 15 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 3 | |||
Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
Course Details
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Golf Advisor: Top Courses in Texas (2024 #5)
Reviews
Maybe in spring?
The course was flat, pretty straight forward with a lot of tree lined fairways that will cause you problems if you aren’t right down the middle. Until you get to 18, which is the worst par 5 layout I’ve ever seen. An island green that after you hit a 200 yard drive from the reds you now have a 180 yard 2nd over the water which most players couldn’t hit because the trees are in the way. It ruined the round. Apparently nobody waters the courses or winter seeds in Texas, the grass was brown, dead spots, dusty and dirty and the greens were horrible. That being said, maybe it’s better in spring and summer and I was relieved I got the round for so cheap or I would have been very upset. The best part of the course was the staff at the small clubhouse. So friendly and helpful they were awesome but not sure I would go back in spring based on the course condition overall. Green grass doesn’t fix hard pan dirt areas or torn up greens.
Very nice course
Lots of trees, most all of the greens were in very good shape. Course will make you think about not only your first shot, but how to make sure you have a second shot to work with. Friendly staff and good value for the money.
golf at San Saba
A river runs through the tree lined course and is visible on a number of holes. Most holes force you to decide if your stock shot is going to work or risk hitting next shot from jail. I found jail a few times but there is not dense underbrush so escape is possible. The greens were in decent shape even though its August and hot. The last hole is a par five with an interesting forced water carry to the edge of the green. Staff were super friendly. Course has a range and practice green. Excellent value and fungus had by all
nice course the only thing that I would change is water at night not during the day
Best Public Course in Texas
The staff is always friendly and helpful. Even though the course had recently been flooded it was in great shape thanks to the maintenance staff. Even with mowers everywhere (that's a good thing) and some fairways still needing cut, the course was excellent as always. Chuck is the best in the business and many others could learn from his style.. Friendly town and I have never encountered a rude golfer on this course.
Nice Find
A little off the beaten path, but worth the drive. Nice course for the price and will definitely be playing there again.
Hidden Gem
Although the area had a tremendous amount of rain the course drained well, the water holes forced accurate shots, the greens received the incoming ball well if enough loft was achieved. A tournament had been played the day before with dozens of extra carts and players. You would have thought there might be considerable ruttage due to a high traffic volume but fairways, greens and tee boxes held up well. I really enjoyed the layout and locals will not tire of playing frequently because of the uniqueness of the pecan trees, water lined fairways cut of the greens and we'll thought out design. I will definitely return on my way back and forth from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to my home in Missouri.
If you like trees and tight fairways you will love this course
The course was a well-maintained greens good and fast and enjoyed play on the course
Great course
Very fun course! Fairway and greens are in good shape. Love the challenge of hitting between the pecan trees! Only complaint is the sand traps were filled in with rough patches,
The course is could be wonderful.
WE used to be members but since new people took over a few years back, it is the worst course to play on the greens are bad the fairways are bad we don't go very often.
Country Golf
Spent the day in a relaxing country golf atmosphere where you could take your time and enjoy the game!!
Friends
Took 3 friends, had a good time. Course is a little long from back tees but greens were good.
Good course for the money
An older course with a great layout. Plenty of trees and just enough water.