Kerrville's Whiskey Springs has new life in Hill Country

By David R. Holland, Contributor

KERRVILLE, Texas -- Many of today's projected golf course projects face rocky times from dreams to drawing board to construction to reality.

One such project in the Texas Hill Country has been as rocky as the land it will be built on. Formerly named Quinlan Creek Golf Resort, it has been reborn as Whiskey Springs Golf Resort.

It's an 800-acre property at the intersection of Texas Route 16 and Interstate 10 owned by David Hoelscher, who has hired Robert Von Hagge to design a championship golf course. He is also planning a hotel, conference center and residences. Spring 2005 is the optimistic opening date.

Troon Golf to manage Traditions Club

In Bryan, The Melrose Company has selected Troon Golf to assist in setting the foundation for The Traditions Club, a private golf club under development. The facility will be home for Aggie golf teams.

The Traditions Club is a unique concept designed to serve its members and host alumni, business associates and college supporters. Troon Golf will manage golf operations that include the golf course, clubhouse amenities, as well as 25 Founder cottages.

Scheduled to open in spring 2004, The Traditions Club features Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack Nicklaus II, as co-designers of the signature golf course. With an expansive state-of-the-art practice and learning facility, complete with offices, classrooms, and two full-scale practice holes.

University of Texas Golf Club hires Termeer

Former University of Texas golfer, Steve Termeer, has been named general manager and director of golf for The University of Texas Golf Club, opening later this fall in Steiner Ranch.

Termeer will work closely with course and clubhouse architects, and he will focus on developing a strong membership program aimed to foster relationships with UT alumni and Austin1s most influential community members.

Termeer was an ambitious junior golfer. He was named the No. 1 high school player in America in 1986 and the winner of multiple junior events, including the PGA, Doral and American Juniors, plus two state 5A championships from Conroe. Termeer has served the Southern Texas PGA by participating on the Awards, Finance and Tournament Committees and chairing the Scholarship Committee in 1999 and 2000.

The UT Golf Club is a 7,108-yard, par-71 course designed by Austin architects, Roy Bechtol and Randy Russell, recently featured on TravelGolf.com and GolfTexas.com. A state of the art practice facility and a full-service, first-class clubhouse are also planned for the club. Membership invitations will be issued later this spring.

Visit the web site at www.utgolfclub.com for more information.

Legendary Oaks Golf Course for sale

A former Hempstead car dealerships owner, Lawrence Marshall, has put his Legendary Oaks Golf Course on the market.

Golf course architect Jay Riviere retooled the course from a 1963 nine-holer to its current 18 holes.

It can be yours for $2.5 million, but Marshall would like to make you a package deal on his antique car museum and the 80-home subdivision.

Texas Professional Golf League

The Texas Professional Golf League, a branch of the U.S. Professional Golf Association, is offering a series of 20 weekly events beginning in April in which men, women and seniors can compete for cash.

The TPGL is designed for professionals, but amateurs with handicaps of six or lower can compete and, if desired, maintain their amateur status. Top sectional players advance to a 54-hole regional competition and winners gain spots in a 72-hole national championship.

Call 469-675-0622 for details or log on to www.texasprogolf.com.

Mustang Island golf gets approval

For years developers have looked at Mustang Island in Port Aransas and have dreamed of a community with a great golf course. The dream might just be coming in focus.

Recently 530 acres of the Piper and Flato family land on Mustang Island were purchased with a $290-million resort at the junction of Padre Island and Mustang Island in mind.

The Port Aransas Planning Commission has approved the first part of a 1,400-acre development of homes, golf courses and a marina.

Golf San Antonio chief retires

Frank Felicella, 56, president and CEO of Golf San Antonio has retired after six years of directing the non-profit organization that operates the Valero Texas Open at La Cantera.

Golf San Antonio's (www.golfsanantonio.org) executive committee has appointed Tony Piazzi, former chief operating officer, to take Felicella's post as president and chief executive officer. Piazzi also will keep his duties as director of the Valero Texas Open.

March 18, 2003