Tierra Santa Golf Club

The first "daily fee" course built in the Rio Grande Valley, Tierra Santa opened in 1997 as the centerpiece of a residential community. This challenging 18-hole track was designed by Jeff Brauer, who consulted with PGA Tour pro Steve Elkington to sculpt the flat farmland into undulating fairways that wind through a total of 14 lakes.

The course is very challenging, with water on most holes, significant length, and wind that seems to always blow strong. The lush fairways are covered in bunkers, and most holes are finished off with extremely large, fast greens that reek of championship quality. The trick here is to know where to bail out, as many "safe" bailout areas were incorporated into the layout.

Five of the par 4s are over 430 yards. The 3rd hole offers a risk-reward decision with a double fairway that tempts you with a 200-yard carry over water on one side, and a safe landing area to the right. The most difficult hole on the course is the 443-yard No. 5, which features a 200-yard carry off the tee and water on the left of the fairway and beside the green. No. 9 can get you as well-it's a 460-yard monster with bunkers all over the fairway.

The scenic 18th is the signature hole at 451 yards with water along the left side and bunkers on the right. Your approach shot must carry the waterfall fronting the green.

Getting there : From Harlingen or McAllen, take Hwy 83 to the Westgate exit. Drive 3.5 miles to the end of the road where the course is located.