Barton Creek vs TPC Oaks

[md1m]

So I just got done playing TPC Oaks on Friday and Barton Creek today (Saturday). A wonderful two days of golf, and told people I'd give my two cents on them.

 

TPC Oaks was in terrific condition, as one might imagine with the Valero Open coming up next month. What I didn't like about it was that the rough was about a foot high and very thick. Had more than one ball hit the fairway, just barely go into the rough, never to be seen again. And if you did find it, it was very difficult to advance. Some guys were taking 2-3 shots just to get it out. Also, they have grown up the aprons around the fringe. Had at least two balls that were nestled up against the apron to where I could only see the top quarter of the ball. Couldn't even blade a wedge. I loved that as long as you weren't in the thick rough or up against an apron, you generally would have a good lie on a well conditioned piece of grass. And the bunkers had fluffy sand. There are bunkers all over the place so if you struggle with them you won't have fun. I'm a decent bunker player so I enjoyed the many opportunities I had to hit out of them. Did not have as much fun on the one where my ball had plugged.

 

The Barton Creek course I played was the Crenshaw course. I understand it's not their best, but it's the one I've played the most. Although it was not in bad condition, it was not in nearly as good of condition as TPC. Some of the greens were a little bumpy and had some discolored spots on them, whereas TPC's were like carpet. When you played a shot from the fairway, it didn't sit up as nicely as it did at TPC. And I was only in one bunker (was in at least 8 at TPC), and the sand was good but not as nice as TPC. The layout of the Barton Creek course suited my game much better, and I found the layout more interesting. Whereas TPC was mostly flat holes with a dozen bunkers and a narrow fairway with thick rough, leading to an elevated green completely surrounded by bunkers, Barton Creek Crenshaw had wide fairways, carries over creeks, elevation changes, lots of doglegs, and non elevated greens. I was able to bump and run my chips, which allowed me to get up and down a lot. At TPC, have to be able to hit flops out of rough to fast greens.

 

So bottom line, I would say if you don't mind a strong challenge and want to play the best conditioned course, then play TPC. If you're not a low handicap, and want a little more friendly course that's still entertaining, play Barton Creek. However, I would not pay the $200-$300 prices I heard it costs. I got a discount at both courses, so both of them were well worth what I paid. There are so many courses in the Austin and San Antonio areas that can be played for much less, but both TPC and Barton Creek were fun to play.

[Roadking2003]

Come back to Barton Creek in six months. They are investing millions in the golf courses this year and next year. Foothills is closed for renovation including a completely new irrigation system, all traps rebuilt, the tees rebuilt, removal of trees, and lots of work on the greens.

[md1m]

Plan to play there at least once a year in a tournament. Look forward to the improvements. Like I said, the course probably suits my game better and the layout is more entertaining, so if the condition is brought up I'd be very excited. Maybe I'll update this after playing Barton after the improvements. Play TPC several times a year.