Southwyck is an oldie but a goodie. This links course still holds its own, testing your game fairly despite losing some of its teeth: a few critical bunkers have been covered up w/ grass. The layout... Continue »

Southwyck is an oldie but a goodie. This links course still holds its own, testing your game fairly despite losing some of its teeth: a few critical bunkers have been covered up w/ grass. The layout is typical Texas links, meaning there are no trees on the course. These Texas links courses do not allow you to run your ball up to the hole by landing it 50 ft short (like you see at the British open venues). It does have some strategic water hazards and tall rough w/ weeds and cattails to swallow the grossly errant ball.

The course design is fun, lots of risk/reward holes, including 2 drivable par 4s, #6 (not much trouble in play) & #15 (lots of trouble front and left). Some are nearly impossible to par: #5 225yd par 3 requiring 200+ carry to the green, or the #3 470yd par 4 that usually plays into the wind. My favorite aspect of the course is how visually intimidation some of these holes can be: #11 par 3 180yd w/ water front and right, OB left or #8 par 5 where the tee shot requires 240 carry over fairway bunker favoring the left side of the fairway to reach green in 2, but if you push that same shot too far right, the fairway runs out into a water hazard. Not hard to score if you can get your mind to block out the hazard. But therein lies the diabolical nature of this course.

This course is also managed by Arnold Palmer Co. so expect low rates, decent conditions, busy teetimes. If you're looking for links style w/o severe penalties, this is it.