TheVirginia Explorer
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V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5
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OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA
Austin, Texas
In a vast state not easily given to consensus,
Barton Creek, a 72-hole property located
on the outskirts of Austin, is the best-liked
resort in the Hill Country. For women,
the top golf option is Fazio Foothills, a
fantastic layout routed around limestone
outcrops, gurgling brooks, live oaks and
fragrant cedars. With its waterfalls, caves and
100-foot drops, the course boasts a handful
of the most thrilling holes in Texas. Thanks
to designer Tom Fazio’s broad fairways and
accessible greens, the course is thoroughly
enjoyable from the women’s red or white
tees (5,185 and 5,900 yards, respectively).
For a firmer test, tee it up at Fazio Canyons,
where Short Springs Branch, a limestone
bed creek, meanders through a stately
layout framed by sycamores and red oaks.
The resort also has stylish, comfortable
accommodations, an excellent golf academy
and superb dining, most notably at 8212
Wine Bar & Grill, which offers casual
dining with a Texas twist. Three Springs
Spa—‘Quieting the Mind, Healing the
Pine Needles is a woman-friendly Carolina classic.
Body, Renewing the Spirit’—is a haven of
tranquility. The spa’s facial treatments and
salon services are exceptional. After hours,
head a few miles east into Austin, the selfproclaimed “Live Music Capital of the
World” (omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-bartoncreek; 512-329-4000).
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SUNRIVER RESORT
as one of the Empire State’s most popular
golf getaways, with three championshipcaliber courses carved from rolling, wooded
terrain. The best choice for women is
Shenendoah, a links-style design marked
by wide fairway corridors and open-entry
greens that offer a fair test at 5,185 yards
from the forward tees. Something shorter?
Sandstone Hollow is a superb nine-hole
par-3 course known for its dramatic rock
outcrops and large swift greens. Rainy day?
Turning Stone’s Golf Dome, an indoor
practice facility, has 40 hitting stations, a
short-game practice area and a TaylorMade
Tuned Performance Center.
Top digs a