November 30, 2009

LAGUNA VISTA, TX — Located on the intercoastal waterway in Laguna Vista just a couple of miles from the beach, South Padre Golf Club is a 6,931-yard links-style layout designed to play in a 15-20 mph prevailing southeasterly wind. Designed by Landmark National's Chris Cole and Stephen Caplinger and opening in 1997, they carved an outstanding layout out of the wild native Gulf coast vegetation, native yucca, mesquite, cactus, and with several holes bordering the Laguna Madre Bay.

The club has hosted the Texas Senior Open and the South Texas PGA Southern Championship since its opening in 1997.

The course is in superior shape with overseeding in the winter. “The conditioning is favorable,” says Pat Boland. “They mow four times a week and the greens get a quick 10.5 on the stimpmeter. The bunkers are edged and deeper than you would imagine.”

The short holes are generally into the wind, the breeze helps longer holes, and medium-length holes are often played in a crosswind. "Greens are generous for the most part," says Boland of the green design. "You do not have to be perfect, but you do have to play smart."

One of the best holes on the course is the shortest. The par-3 12th is just 133 yards from the tips, but the green is surrounded by wetlands. Miss the green by more than a few feet and you are likely re-teeing. Picking the right club is critical and difficult as this hole usually plays into the wind. Pulling the trigger is even tougher.

The 5th hole is a great risk-versus-reward 335-yard par 4 that big hitters like Pat Boland might want to try to drive. The bailout is the beach to the right, but only during low tide. The natural bunker shot is uphill to the green.

The 7th hole is a short par 5 that provides another great risk-reward option. There is a small lake left of a two-tiered green and plenty of trouble behind the green, which brings up another feature that more resort type courses could stand.

The 17th hole is reminiscent of irish links. The green is hidden behind a huge sand dune to the right. To set up an easier third shot, you need to hit two good shots down the left side. Otherwise, you've got the classic blind approach to the green, which is actually kind of fun.

Water comes into play on about 14 holes, including the 18th (picture shown), a 410-yard finishing hole with a lake protecting the entire right side and a bunker in the left portion of the fairway. A long, skinny green brings three-putts into the equation, so there's no let up, even if you hit the final hole in regulation.

The 2010 Carl Spackler Open is expecting 40 to 60 participants for their 10th annual event. Saturday, April 17 has been declared 'beach day' for the event. Ground transportation to the beach will begin as early as 2:00PM. Beach volleyball, football, and live music are some entertainment options over the 12 hour period.