Tom Relf knows golf. He’s been playing golf for a long time, and he’s played a lot of courses. In fact, he’s marked 87 of the top 100 ranked courses in the country off his list. He’s been a member of Canada’s PGA for 27 years, and he was the coach of the men’s and women’s national teams of Mexico from 1999 to 2011. He’s the owner and a sports agent for PGA/KFT Professional Golfers and he’s the CEO of Terra Forza Golf, a company that’s revolutionizing the way golf shafts are fit. Like we said… Tom Relf knows golf.
When we wanted to give you a guide to some of the best golf destinations in the region, state, and country, Relf was the obvious choice to turn to. So grab your bag, lace up your shoes, and round up your favorite foursome. Your dream greens are calling.
Find Tom at terraforzagolf.com.
Horseshoe Bay Resort | hsbresort.com
I always love my time spent at Horeshoe Bay. The “Ram Rock,” “Slick Rock,” “Apple Rock,” and “Summit Rock” courses make for a golf experience that is almost unparalleled in Texas. “Ram Rock” has long held the distinction as one of the toughest tests of golf in the state, and it is still my favorite. I also find “Slick Rock” very enjoyable and a great experience. “Summit Rock” is the private course in the quartet and has fairly limited play relative to the other three. Even the putting course is amazing and offers something fun to do as a family, even for the most novice golfer.
Omni Barton Creek | omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek
There are four eighteen-hole courses at Barton Creek: “Fazio Foothills,” “Fazio Canyons,” “Coore Crenshaw,” and “Palmer Lakeside.” For the most part, the topography at Barton Creek is very undulating which results in some really unique design and architecture on all of the courses. My personal favorite is “Fazio Canyons.” The Omni Hotel at Barton Creek is also wonderful. The resort offers something for everyone—an amazing spa, great dining options, and outstanding golf instruction and practice facilities.
Fields Ranch | fieldsranch.com
The new shining star in the golf world is Fields Ranch in Frisco. Omni Resorts and the PGA of America have joined forces to build one of the more incredible golf complexes in the country. Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West will host 25 major championships over the next eleven years. Additionally, the practice facility, academy, club fitting, and training facility are second to none, and a great short course and putting course round out an incredible experience. The Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers great rooms, a number of really good dining options, a few really good bars, and an incredible spa.
Pine Valley Golf Club
My favorite golf course in the world has to be Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. You have to be a member or invited by one to play, and I’ve been very lucky to have played it more than fifty times. Every time I go back, I can’t help but be excited for what I know awaits. It boasts some of the truly greatest golf course architecture in the world, incredible fellowship, and world-class conditions that make it simply the best. Pine Valley is very private and requires all players to walk the golf course and use a caddy. It really is a special club in the world of golf, so if you ever get the chance to play here, be sure to take it.