The Boot Ranch golf course was named once again as one of the “Top 10 Courses in Texas” by The Dallas Morning News – placing sixth overall. This is the eighth year to be included on this prestigious list.
In addition, the 10th hole at Boot Ranch was selected one of the beautiful in Texas. The par-4 hole features twin 40-foot waterfalls. It has been the site of many weddings and was prominently featured in the movie Seven Days in Utopia, which was filmed largely at Boot Ranch in 2011. The Dallas Morning News journalist Mark Kazlowski, who played Boot Ranch in October, described the best and beautiful holes in an article titled “No Shortage of Drama or Beauty Here.”
The newspaper’s Sports Day staff has developed criteria based on conversations with its 97-member rating panel and others in the golf industry. This includes:
- Versatility: Does the course create a good mix for the high and low handicappers? Are better players challenged, while the high handicappers are able to enjoy play through the use of shorter teeing areas, alternative routes, location of hazards and accessible pin locations.
- Shotmaking: Are there various risks and rewards for shots throughout the course? Does it test accuracy, finesse, length and putting without overemphasizing any these skills? Do you have to use most of the clubs in your bag every time you play the course?
- Design: Is there a good balance in design? Differing lengths? Doglegs right and left? Uphill and downhill shots? Placement of hazards and bunkers? Contours and shapes of greens?
- Afterthoughts: How much do you remember about the course once you’ve played it? Do one or two holes stand out as great or bad? Are all 18 commonly good or bad?
- Beauty: Does the scenic value of the course add to the pleasure of a round? Trees, shrubs, hills, mounds, flowers, etc.?
- Maintenance: How would you rate the course conditions, factoring in all aspects — tees, greens, fairways, bunkers? Spring, summer, fall or winter when viewed?
- Enjoyment: How do you feel about being at the course? What about the amenities? From arrival to departure, was it a good, bad or indifferent golf experience?
PGA legend Hal Sutton designed the Boot Ranch course to complement – rather than confront – the scenic surroundings. More than simply a country club or championship course, the links at Boot Ranch are a celebration of the game itself. The Clubhouse Village provides plush men’s and women’s locker rooms, an award-winning pro shop and a variety of dining and entertaining venues to round out a day on the course. The Boot Ranch Director of Golf is Emil Hale.
#BootRanch
